The best bathroom floor tile is one that grips when wet, copes with water getting into the grout, and is easy to keep clean. Look at the slip rating and the finish first, and the colour second. Everything below helps you narrow the choice.
1. Grip when wet
A glossy tile that looks great dry can be slippery with wet feet. Ask the seller for the slip resistance information on the tile you like, and look for a matt or textured finish for floors, especially in a shower area. A tile sold for walls only may not be suitable for floors, so check the box or product page says it is a floor tile.
2. Porcelain or ceramic
Both are used in bathrooms. Porcelain is generally denser and absorbs less water, which is why it is a common choice for floors and wet areas. Ceramic is often used for walls. Check the manufacturer's details for the specific tile rather than relying on the material name alone.
3. Size and the number of grout lines
- Large tiles mean fewer grout lines, which is less to clean and can make a small room feel less busy. They need a flat, well-prepared floor.
- Small tiles and mosaics follow slopes better, which is why they are often chosen for shower floors that fall towards a drain.
4. Think about the floor underneath
The tile is only as good as the surface it sits on. An uneven or bouncy floor needs sorting before tiling, or tiles can crack and grout can fail. If you want underfloor heating, decide that before you buy, as it affects the preparation and the order of work.
5. Grout and upkeep
Darker, mid-tone grout hides marks better than white. Whatever you choose, the joints around the bath, shower and floor edge are normally sealed with flexible silicone rather than grout, because those spots move slightly. See our guide on signs your bathroom needs re-sealing or re-grouting.
6. Buy a little extra
Tiles are cut to fit around pipes, corners and edges, and some break. It is normal to order more than the exact floor area, and to keep a few spare tiles for future repairs, because the same pattern can be discontinued or vary slightly between batches.
Planning a new floor in Romford, Collier Row or the surrounding area? See how bathroom fitting works at Lynx or message us on WhatsApp.