Through many centuries, travertine has been utilized as a building material for interiors and exteriors of homes and other structures. Today, the stone continues to be sought for contemporary decor.

A Popular Tile

Travertine is often cut in tile of various sizes and shapes. Additionally, composite and manufactured stone is often painted and styled with the look of genuine travertine stone. These manufactured stones are made from inexpensive materials like cement. Whether natural or manufactured tiles are chosen, travertine bathroom tile is extremely popular.

Excellent Tile for Bathrooms and More

The beautiful irregular patterns naturally found in travertine and the versatility of the material makes it an excellent tile for use for bathroom floors, walls and other areas of the home. The mostly light hues present in the stone make it a lovely neutral color choice. Especially suited for Mediterranean themes, the stone blends and enhances numerous decor styles. Designers and home owners frequently select travertine bathroom tile for modern bathroom retreats.

You’ll find travertine tile and many other types of tile at DirectBuy.  www.bathroomtiledirect.com shows some of the great tile you can get at dealer pricing.  Find virtually everything you need in home remodeling at DirectBuy and experience great savings.

Ceramic Bathroom Tile

One of the most popular types of floor tile, ceramic tile is made from clay and then fired to make a strong, affordable flooring choice. Some ceramic tiles have veins of varying colors and looks like marble or granite. Other ceramic tiles have the appearance of hardwood, granite, stone or even solid colors that look like a variety of other textures or materials. Ceramic tile is also available in mosaic sheets for easy installation.

Ceramic tile is a highly versatile flooring choice for the bathroom and works with just about any color or design scheme.  Check the porosity rating before purchasing the tile, as not all ceramic tile is waterproof and that is an essential element to any tiles installed in the bathroom.

Porcelain Bathroom Tile

Porcelain floor tile looks much like other natural stones, such as marble or granite but is usually easier to maintain and more durable. The tile is fired at high temperatures, making the flooring very strong.

Most porcelain tiles are available in neutral tones and with a marbled or veined appearance, adding a subtle visual interest to each tile.

Using Natural Stone Tile In The Bathroom

Natural stone tiles include granite, slate, marble, sandstone and even onyx. Stone floor tiles are largely strong and are stain-resistant and heat-resistant. Slate stone tiles are slip-proof but other forms of stone can be very slippery when wet, so use caution. While unpolished stone may be less slippery, a sealant is necessary in order to make the stone waterproof.

Most stone tiles come in neutral colors with marbling or veins and even with mosaic patterns for added beauty and style.

Glass Tiles For Bathroom Walls And Backsplashes

While glass tiles are less common on the floor of a bathroom, the option adds versatility as a backsplash behind the vanity, on the wall, bordering the shower or as a wall border. Glass tiles come in a wide variety of colors and range from clear to bright colors. Sheets of small glass tiles are available to make installation easier and less time-consuming.

Vinyl Tiles For Bathrooms

Vinyl tiles are between 12 to 18 inches in size and are both affordable and easy to install. However, vinyl tiles have gaps and seams, which allows bacteria and mold to grow if not carefully cared for. Be sure to have the vinyl treated and grouted well in order to increase the durability of the tile floor and prevent problems later on.

Tile Style Options

Bathroom floor tiles are available in a wide variety of kinds, styles and even sizes. Get creative with your style and consider installing the tiles diagonally for a different appearance than the standard horizontal effect.

Grout color is available in neutral or light shades to blend in with the tiles or in contrasting colors to change the look of the floor. Remember that grout and tiles should be well sealed to help protect against the inevitable moisture in the bathroom.

Try a mosaic on the center of the floor or on the wall for a spa-like appearance or to contrast with neutral tones in the rest of the bathroom.

Check out the tiles in local spas for ideas about colors, patterns and design schemes. Remember that light, neutral colors help a bathroom look bigger, while darker colors will add a more sophisticated tone.  There are so many tile options for bathrooms that any homeowner can find a tile that compliments the desired style and tone while offering durability, easy cleaning and beauty to the bathroom as well.

Find the tile you need for your bathroom or any other area of your home at DirectBuy.  You not only get name-brand home improvement products at DirectBuy, you save with confidential dealer pricing too.

Tile For Tubs and Showers

Decorative tile is a great way to change the look of a tub or shower.  Whether you choose a simple checked pattern, or you choose an intricate mural, there is something for all tastes.  Those who prefer a less serious approach can find themes that even include cartoon characters.  A solid, bright color is also an option.

Anywhere Else

Tile is not just for sprucing up shower areas.  Try adding a backsplash around the toilet for an interesting look.  Another option is to frame around a mirror with tile, or a matching backsplash behind the sink and toilet.  The sky really is the limit when it comes to decorative tile.

As a final note, be sure to consider things such as how long you plan to stay in the house, who will be using the room, and how often you can take the time and money to change the tile.  If you are selling in the next few years you might want to go for a more neutral look.

The floor of your shower should be a highlight of the room.  Rather than being an afterthought, it should be an integral part of the space.  Make it stand out more and add something wonderful to the room by considering a few artistic touches.

Shower Floor Tile Borders

Highlight the size of the shower by having a thin border put around the basin.  Appropriate for any size tile, it adds something special to the floor and makes it stand out.  Contrasting colors will show up the best, and it will allow you to coordinate the decorating and pull everything together with a clear color theme.

Shower Floor Tile Medallions

There’s no reason to settle for a plain shower floor when you can turn it into a work of art.  Have a medallion centered on the floor, and you will add something magnificent that will have family and guests always focusing on the floor.  Beautiful and stunning, it’s an unexpected addition that will take your shower to the next level.

When it comes to the floor of your shower, you don’t have to choose fiberglass basins or solid color tiles.  Add variety and spice things up with a border or medallion.  You will love the cool style, and your bathroom will look more sophisticated than you thought possible.

DirectBuy has beautiful tile appropriate for all areas of your bathroom.  Get bathroom tile at confidential dealer prices when you shop at DirectBuy.

Rock Origins

Travertine is a limestone rock that is formed over many years from mineral deposits like calcium carbonate in hot mineral springs. During the creation process, impurities often change the pure white of the stone to various shades of yellows and browns.

The stone matter is more or less porous depending on how hot the temperature of the water is in which the rocks are formed. The reason is that often during the creation process algae and other organisms gather on the surface of the stone and remain. These growths add a porous quality to the stone, but when the temperatures are hotter, these organisms cannot exist.

Collections of these stones congregate around and underground in hot springs as centuries pass. Hot springs limestone is found all over the globe. The stones are often cut away and shipped to professional stone cutters that apply their precision skill to the stone.

Rock Characteristics

Sometimes the stone can have a truly pitted surface that occurs because of natural wear over time. Those that prepare tiles from the stone, smooth the surface. The light-colored stone can range in color from a pinkish to a grayish hue. The travertine limestone is a soft and durable stone that is easily cut into different shapes and thicknesses of tiles perfect for any design style of restroom tiling.

Manufactured Stone

Engineered or manufactured stone is made of materials such as cement and resin. Tiles are made with a surface that has veining patterns that mimic the look of travertine and other natural stones. These tiles are less expensive than the natural stone, but they have the same attractive appearance. Other tiles have stone veneers for an authentic look and lower cost.

Luxurious baths with decorative tiling do not have to cost a fortune. Different types of engineered stone tiling come in all types of tiles, borders and decorative tiles. Even mosaic panels are made that look great on bathroom floors or walls.

Choosing Stone Tiling

Travertine tiling for bathroom walls, floors, countertops and fixtures are chosen because of the strength of the stone. Still, most often the decision is made because of its distinctively attractive appearance and neutral colors that work so well with many types of decor styles.

The look of this particular limestone type is beautiful and much less expensive than some of the other popular stone tiling on the market like granite and marble. This stone has been in use as a building material since the time of the Romans and Greeks. Even the Colosseum was built using the particular limestone found near Rome. Today, the stone is polished for baths and left rough for garden walkways and borders. The timeless appearance of these natural stone tiles makes wonderful surfaces in restroom spa retreats.

Bathroom Design Choice

The colors of travertine limestone tiling are excellent for restrooms. The creams and tans are rich and neutral. The look is quality, but the stone is not overbearing. The stone tiles enhance the space and give it a quality upgrade, a perfect restroom design choice. The durable and elegant tiles are beautiful on walls, floors and covering tubs, showers and sinks. For bathroom retreats in homes large and small, travertine bathroom tile gives a lovely finishing touch to walls, flooring and fixtures.

Never pay hidden retail markup at DirectBuy where you will find a wide selection of top-quality tile to help you express your style and creativity in your bathroom. You can also purchase most everything you need for kitchen remodeling and home improvement at dealer pricing when you shop at DirectBuy.

Since ceramic is affordable, easy to find, simple to install and versatile, it is a smart choice for nearly every home. If you want to use ceramic yourself, these helpful tips can help you to choose tiles, install them and maintain them in the future.

Choosing Ceramic Tiles

When choosing the ceramic tile to use in your bathroom, it is important that you consider durability, practicality, style, size and color before your purchase. Ceramic tiles are very versatile and come in thousands of different sizes and colors, but not every style will suit your bathroom’s decoration.

The best choice is to stick with neutral tones if in doubt as cream, beige and grey ceramic tiles work in nearly every setting. However, brightly colored tiles can work incredibly well as a highlighting focal point. If you are concerned with people slipping on wet floors, then something slightly textured might be better, but on the shower walls a flat or matte tile will be significantly easier to clean. Smaller sizes of ceramic tile add interest and look attractive, but keep in mind that these will take slightly longer to install.

Ways to Use Ceramic Tiles in Your Bathroom

Ceramic tiles can be used on your floors, on your walls, in your showers, surrounding your bathtubs, on your sink counters or even on your sink’s backsplash. On floors, ceramic tile is very practical as it resists the wetness and humidity that is very common in bathrooms. To create a spacious feeling, it is recommended that you use the same color throughout the bathroom floor.

Another great way to use ceramic tile in the bathroom is by installing it on the walls. Bringing the tile up to eye level along the wall from the floor makes the wall easier to clean and protects the infrastructure at the same time. Using bright, small or textured tiles on your sink’s backsplash is a fun way to create a focal point that draws in the eye.

Installing Ceramic Tiles

To install ceramic tiles in your bathroom, you simply need to follow the same steps as you would installing any other type of tile. It can be done as a DIY project as long as homeowners have tools like mortar, a trowel and a wet saw.

Simply spread the wet mortar along a section of the floor and place the tiles in place, using spaces to create a gap for the grout. Once the tiles have dried in 24 hours, the spacers are removed and grout is spread across the whole floor. Then, simply wipe down the tiles and your tiles will be installed perfectly.

Cleaning and Maintaining Ceramic Bathroom Tile

Although your ceramic tiles will look great once they are installed, you will need to clean and maintain them over time in order to keep them looking great. Homeowners should sweep or vacuum their floors at least twice a week in order to remove any dirt, which can scratch the tiles. You will also need to use a mop or soft wet rag to clean the tiles weekly. Some commercial cleaners can be helpful, but it is important to only use those cleaners that won’t damage or deteriorate the seal of your ceramic tiles.

By following these helpful tips, homeowners can choose, buy, install, clean and maintain ceramic tiles for their own bathrooms.  DirectBuy has a beautiful selection of tile for use throughout your entire home.  You will find home improvement products, furniture, appliances and more at DirectBuy and save with confidential dealer prices.

Tile not only helps protect the bathroom from damp, mold and mildew but creates a surface that is easy to clean as well. The type of tile that’s best for your bathroom will depend upon your budget, your personal taste and the bathroom’s decorative style.

An Abundance of Decorative Options for Your Hard-Working Bathroom

With all their functionality, it’s almost a bonus that tile offers an abundance of decorative options too. Bathroom tile types are so varied that you can create any look and atmosphere that you like, from a Zen-inspired bathroom that serves as a personal retreat at the end of a hectic day to a hard-working, family-friendly bathroom built for practicality.

Tiles That Enhance a Luxury Spa Look

When it comes to the most luxurious tile material, nothing beats the look of natural stone. Foot-square stone tiles immediately evoke the look of a luxury spa. Most modern stone tiles feature factory-applied sealants that keep them stain resistant. They typically come with a moisture-resistant sealant as well. As stone tile needs to be resealed every few years to keep them water-tight, they may not be the best choice for heavy-traffic bathrooms.

Get Creative with Ceramic Tile

Ceramic tiles are the most popular and most affordable choice for bathrooms. Glazes make them scratch- and stain-resistant and impervious to water. As they’re available in a broad array of sizes, colors and patterns, you can really unleash your creativity with ceramic tiles with imaginative designs. Mix and match tile sizes. Alternate colors. When it comes to ceramic tile applications, the only limit is your imagination.

Take a new direction with ceramic tiles and organize them in patterns, such as a chevron design. Pull the look together with a border design, such as bands of trim tiles or a row of hand-painted decorative ceramic tile. Choose long, rectangular-shaped ceramic tiles and lay them vertically in a shower surround to create a waterfall effect. Create a wainscoting effect by inserting a row of contrasting tile on a wall.

What About the Grout?

As versatile and practical as tile is, they are all held in place with grout, and that means that the type of grout used for the application must be taken into consideration as well. For years, cement-based grout was the only option. Today, epoxy grout is the new buzz word in the tile industry. Made with equal parts resin and hardener, epoxy grout is highly resistant to stains. It’s also more expensive than conventional grout.

Properly sealed cement grout offers easy maintenance at a more affordable price. Both cement and epoxy grout are available in multiple colors. Choosing a medium-shade color will not only accent the pattern of the tile but will help hide stains as well.

While you’ll naturally want to consider price, durability, maintenance and style when choosing tile for your bathroom, think about size variations, patterns and accent options too. An imaginative twist on generic applications can transform an ordinary bathroom into something spectacular.

DirectBuy has what you need in home improvement products to enhance the style and value of your house.  Discover DirectBuy’s beautiful selection of bathroom tile and never pay a hidden retail markup.

With so many different types of tile available on the market, however, it is not always easy to know which material will work best in your home. Travertine bathroom tile is a popular choice for those who want something a little different from the standard tiles used regularly in homes. Here are some of the many advantages of choosing travertine tile for your bathroom.

Unique Tiles For a One of a Kind Look

The beauty of travertine tiles in a bathroom is that each singular tile has a unique appearance. No two tiles ever look the same. Travertine is a natural material that comes straight from the earth and has minimal processing to be ready to use in your home. This offers a chance for homeowners to showcase something special in their bathrooms. If you are looking for a bathroom tiling material that is different from the same ceramic, porcelain and marble tiles you see in every other home, then travertine may just be the perfect choice for you.

Rustic and Earthy Appearance

While many bathrooms aspire to have a contemporary and modern appearance, others strive to look rustic and comfortable. If your home is located in a rural area and you are trying to tie elements of the outdoors into each room of the home, travertine tiles can be a great way to do so. Their natural look is unpolished and casual, stepping the bathroom user back in time and connecting the interior and the exterior of the home in a cohesive and truly beautiful way.

Can Be Installed Without Professional Assistance

Some natural stone tiles like granite and marble are incredibly difficult to install without extensive professional help. While travertine has many of the same properties as these alternative natural stone tiles, it is actually much easier to install on your own.

Cheaper That Many Other Tiles

Many homeowners are faced with a dilemma when choosing bathroom tiles. For a low cost, you can install ordinary ceramic and porcelain tile. For a much bigger expense, you can have marble or granite in the bathroom instead. It comes down to practicality versus appearance for many. Travertine, however, fits perfectly in the middle and is both affordable and beautiful.

Surprisingly Easy to Clean and Maintain

Many natural stone tiles require expensive commercial cleaners to look like new. Travertine is a much simpler material to clean and requires just frequent vacuuming along with mopping the tiles with a combination of warm water and dishwashing detergent.

Can Be Used in a Number of Bathroom Projects

Travertine tiles are incredibly versatile and can be used in dozens of different ways throughout your bathroom. Travertine tiled floors are a beautiful way to add texture and create a non-slip environment in the space. Another option is to use travertine when creating your shower on either the floors or the walls. It can also be used on the countertops or even the bathroom walls if your budget permits.

Travertine tile is a beautiful, natural and rustic material that can add to the look of a bathroom. Whether you use it on the shower walls, the bathroom floors or even on the countertops, travertine tiles will improve the value and attractiveness of the bathroom.

DirectBuy has a varied and beautiful selection of not only travertine tile, but other tile types for use throughout your home.  When remodeling your home, find out how you can economically add beautiful tile to your bathroom with confidential dealer pricing.

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This is a wise consideration for a homeowner who is considering a sale.  Often, minor investments allow sellers to obtain a much higher sale price for a property.  There are a range of choices, and a number of materials are commonly used in the industry.

Porcelain and Ceramic Tiles

Porcelain and ceramic tiles are incredibly popular, and they offer a number of benefits.  Both materials are manmade products, and consumers have access to a wide range of colors, sizes and styles.  Porcelain and ceramic are ideal for bathroom installations.  The material is virtually impervious to water and is perfect for tub areas.

Tiled walls can be used in conjunction with a natural tub or standing shower.  Accent pieces may be installed in conjunction with the tiles, and there are a range of soap dishes and shelves available.  The shelves are usually designed to match a range of tile colors, and they accent the tub area.

Granite

Granite is another choice material.  It is made from natural stones, and no two pieces of granite are alike.  The material has been used in the construction industry for eons and is known for its strength and durability.  Because the material is a natural stone, it comes in a range of color choices.  Granite tiles may be white, blue, pink, red or jade in color.  The exact tone depends on the chemical composition of an individual piece of stone.

Marble

Marble is another common choice for tile material.  The product is mined as a natural stone and cut to size at factories around the world.  Marble is perfect for wet areas and is naturally resistant to moisture.  The material protects wood behind the wall and adds to the aesthetic appearance of a bathroom.  Marble also comes in a range of colors and sizes.  The material may have a pink, blue or greenish hue.  White marble tiles are also common and can be used on bathroom walls.

Mosaics and Accent Pieces

Installing borders, mosaics and accent pieces is a great idea, and homeowners can choose a range of materials.  Glass mosaics are common and come in sheets that are attached with a plastic mesh.  The mesh keeps constant seams between individual pieces and makes it easy to finish the installation process.  Many designers use a mosaic or accent to work around the wall.  Bullnose pieces are also used on most projects.  These tiles have a rounded edge and form a cap on walls.  They are the last piece installed and are usually smaller than the rest of the tiles.

Rejuvenating a bathroom is an affordable way to boost home value.  There are a number of easy projects that handy homeowners can finish.  In addition, professional contractors routinely handle home improvements and usually guarantee their workmanship.

A range of different materials can be used for bathroom wall tile.  Each material is a little different, but most are designed to resist moisture and humidity.  Tiles have an impervious surface.  This keeps water from damage construction materials.  Granite, marble, porcelain and ceramic are some of the most common materials.  Each comes in a range of colors, sizes and styles.  Natural stone is a high-end choice that is perfect for luxurious bathrooms.  Porcelain and ceramic are more affordable, but they still have a great look that is sure to brighten a shower, tub or bath.

DirectBuy has beautiful tile choices in different materials, designs and styles for not only your bathroom, but the rest of your home as well.  Find out how you can find home remodeling products at confidential pricing.