The very nature of bathrooms means hygiene and cleanliness is at the top of any specifiers’ checklist. As well as the fixtures and fittings, the walls and floor need to withstand regular cleaning, often with harsh chemical cleaners. Ceramic tiles are perfectly suited for use in wet areas plus bathrooms owing to their hardwearing finish which means they are easy to maintain and will retain a freshness of finish regardless of how many times they are cleaned.
The most durable tiles, and therefore the most popular for bathroom environments, are usually glazed porcelain tiles . This type of tile offers great protection against stains, marks and scratches and good water resistance, as well as being available in a wide range of colours, shapes and patterns. A great solution is the new Abbey range of stylish Victorian crackled glazed wall tiles which requires no sealing and is exceptionally simple to maintain. Investing in good quality mould-resistant grouts and sealants, and considering the use of coloured grouts, can also create a longer-lasting ‘just decorated’ appearance.
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Another key practical consideration is safety, plus all bathing room floors need to be safe to walk on in wet conditions and in bare feet. Fortunately, there are many anti-slip ground tiles available that help ensure bathrooms can be both safe and fashionable. Here it’s not so much about the type of floor tile you choose but what PTV rating it has. This rating refers to the Pendulum Test Value (PTV), which is recommended by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) as the most accurate and reliable measure associated with slip level of resistance for both wet and dry conditions. It is also the particular only measure of the slip resistance of flooring accepted in legal and insurance matters. The PTV score of 36 denotes a low slip risk and is the minimum requirement for any kind of new or refurbished public building.
The best commercial tile suppliers will offer a vast variety of non-slip floor ceramic tiles and will be able to provide you with the necessary information and testing certification so you can be sure that the particular tiles a person choose are the safest option. Fortunately, there are also lots associated with different styles to choose from plus manufacturers are constantly pushing the boundaries with their products so there’s simply no need in order to compromise on style. A new addition to the CTD tile portfolio is Tele Di Marmo Onyx which is a classic marble effect ceramic tile that combines a mirror-like finish with a high slide resistance.
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From boutique hotels to those that utilise refurbished, older or even listed buildings, a small or even unusually shaped bathroom may present a challenge. Alongside thinking creatively about layouts and sanitaryware, it is also worth considering how the floor plus wall materials can help open up a space. Tiles can make a huge difference to the way a small restroom looks and feels, working with the particular lighting problems to create the illusion of more space. Choosing highly glazed or gloss tiles within combination along with a well thought out lighting plan can produce a big distinction as light reflecting upon the tile surface will make a bathroom appear bigger. It can also brighten up a little space, that is particularly important if there is limited natural light.
Think big even if the room is small! Playing around with layouts can create some interesting effects and this is particularly well illustrated by the versatile Metro-style brick tile. Such tiles can be laid in different patterns, whether this will be installing floor tiles diagonally to create the impression of more space, horizontally to add depth or vertically to include height. Larger format plain coloured flooring tiles also work really nicely in smaller areas. This is because larger tiles give a lot more coverage along with fewer grout lines plus this in turn creates an expansive floor design that can add depth to the room.
And don’t forget colour. A popular approach is to use a natural, paler palette which will reflect gentle and will certainly create a more seamless finish when used with the similarly pale bathroom suite. A bright colour scheme can also have a place in a small bathroom. Glossy, brick-shape tiles could be laid in various configurations and a variety of different colours and shades to create a really eye-catching effect. Ceramic tiles such as those within our Abacus and Alba ranges demonstrate this design potential completely, comprising several different shades plus finishes to allow interesting geometric designs to be created.
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Wet rooms, where the shower ground area is usually flush with the rest associated with the room to produce a more open-plan experience, are becoming increasingly popular in hotels. Unlike traditional bath rooms, wet rooms have to be ‘tanked’ and fully waterproofed, and so it’s essential that the building components used are usually suitable for a high level of water exposure. Tiled walls plus floors are a popular solution and porcelain tiles, thanks to the material’s excellent water opposition, are often used.
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Despite the more challenging environment of a wet space, there is definitely still plenty of style flexibility. Porcelain tiles are available in a wide range of colours, patterns and finishes and can become used to produce a seamless complete when the particular same style tiles are used on the floor and wall space. Similarly, the use of natural stone or wood-effect porcelain tiles can generate a luxurious spa-like interior. Contrast furthermore works good and patterned tiles may be utilized for a feature wall or even to assist zone the room, for example when used specifically around the shower area. Similarly, mosaic ceramic tiles work really well in damp rooms since the smaller surface area of the tile can help add grip and texture towards the floors.
The tile supplier will end up being able in order to advise the particular best floor tiles to consider for wet room applications, whether these are natural wood effect tiles like Forest Jungle, glass mosaic styles like Pearl or the limestone inspired tiles such as Uniche. The particular Uniche range is particularly effective in wet areas as it has a higher slip resistance in damp conditions plus although it is reminiscent of organic stone, it has a smooth finish that makes this comfortable under foot and easy to clean.
Whatever the size associated with the area or the particular style of the design, wall and floor tiles can create a hotel bathing room that can be not only fit with regard to purpose yet that adds to the overall guest experience.
CTD Architectural Tiles is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features inside our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in getting one of our Recommended Suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.
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