The tile you choose for your bathroom will have a big impact on its overall appearance and style. Opting for handmade tiles allows you to achieve a truly custom look and to incorporate the colors, textures and shapes you like best into your bath. Learning more about your tile options and the care required for upkeep can help you make the best design decisions for your home.
Handmade Tiles
Rather than opting for commercially made or mass produced tiles, homeowners who choose handmade tiles can get a truly custom look. Since handmade bathroom tile can be fabricated in a variety of ways, an artisan can incorporate a variety of textures, colors and shapes to produce a stunning range of ready to use tiles. Tiles can be cured or fired in a kiln or poured like concrete; the process used will impact the look of the handmade tile.
Encaustic or Cement Tiles
Made one at a time with colorfully tinted cement, these handmade tiles are experiencing a resurgence in popularity. The cement tile process uses molds and pigments to create long lasting, colorful tiles designed to accent your home.
Bathroom Tile Cost
It may not be your first consideration, but the cost of the tile you choose will impact the price of your bathroom or kitchen project. Handmade tiles are labor intensive and as a result, have a higher price tag than their mass produced counterparts. In some cases, choosing handmade tiles as a focal point and then surrounding them with high-quality commercial tile allows you to get a custom look without a huge investment.
Timing
If you opt for handmade tile for your bathroom surfaces, you need to order your pieces as soon as possible. Tiles are made to meet your specifications and the process can take several weeks. Choosing a tile contractor with experience working with fine handmade tiles is a must; since each piece is individually made, there are variations in thickness and size. A skilled tile installer will understand how to work the tiles in and show them off – you’ll also ensure that none of the pieces you’ve selected are wasted or damaged if you choose the right professional to install them.
Caring for Tile
Handmade, unglazed tiles are stunning, but they need to be sealed if you want those beautiful colors and patterns to last. Sealing protects your investment and ensures that your tiles don’t become stained over time. If you are not sure of the type of tile you have or the right way to care for your existing tilework, we can help. Tiles need to be resealed occasionally, depending on where they are located and how much wear and tear they receive. Carefully cleaning your sealed tiles with mild cleaning products can help prolong their life and beauty and ensure you enjoy your bath for years to come.
No matter which style you like or which tile you choose to enhance your home, properly caring for it and cleaning it with the right techniques can ensure a long lasting and durable finish. Learning more about the right ways to care for your particular brand or type of tile can prevent costly errors and keep your bathroom looking its best.
Our goal is to make sure your bathrooms and tiled spaces always look their best and to help you truly love your home. Contact us to learn more about your tile cleaning and care options or how to make the most of the tile you have.
