Looking for some bathroom tile ideas? Read on.

When it comes to choosing a bathroom tile, there's much more to consider than just good looks.

Choosing a bathroom tile sounds simple enough, but with a wide variety of textures and types available, where do you begin on your bathroom tile design journey? It's important to find a tile that you like the look of, but it's also important that your tiles are hard wearing, water resistant and safe to walk on.

The key is to find the right balance between aesthetics and practicality, says Alan Macklin of Tile Solutions. According to Alan, ceramic tiles are the most popular for regular renovations, while stone tiles are generally used in more upmarket bathrooms and porcelain sits somewhere between the two.

But while the choice between ceramic, porcelain and stone may come down to budget, there are also practical considerations when thinking about your bathroom tile style. Natural materials such as stone can look stunning but are particularly porous, making them prone to staining.

Ceramic is a good all-round bathroom tile, which comes glazed or unglazed. Unglazed tiles have a natural earthy look and a non-slip surface. But most ceramic tiles are glazed, a process which adds colour and pattern to the tiles and makes them more stain resistant. Glazed tiles also come in different finishes, such as matte, satin and glossy, which can create some stunning looks.

And then there's porcelain, which is a type of ceramic tile known for its toughness. It is non-porous, which makes it a great bathroom tile as it’s ideal for a wet area, is less likely to stain than stone and is incredibly hard wearing. Like regular ceramic tile, it also comes in glazed and unglazed varieties.

If you opt for a porous bathroom tile, such as stone or an unglazed type, they will most likely require sealing. Keep in mind that this not a one-off process and they will need to be resealed on a regular basis. Sealing a tile can also change its texture, which may be important if you've selected it for its slip-resistant surface.

"A surface sealer alters the texture, so a non-slip tile could all of a sudden become slippery because you've put a surface coat over it," says Alan. "We generally advise people to use products that don't need to be sealed, that are glazed or have very low porosity so they're low maintenance and good in high-wear areas."

While it's good to have an idea of the different types of bathroom tile available, you should never make any tile selections without first consulting a bathroom professional. They will be able to advise you on the particular characteristics of a bathroom tile and why it may or may not be suitable.

To discuss your bathroom tile ideas, contact an expert in your area: