The Worst Tile Flooring Options For Your Bathroom To Avoid At All Costs

A bathroom's tile flooring can be a statement piece or a practical choice. There are many bathroom tile ideas that can revamp your space, as well as tile options that can be a disaster. Luckily, House Digest spoke exclusively with Schannon Yodice of the Online Tile Academy, a tile setter, business owner, fitness buff, entrepreneur, and lover of all things blue collar, to learn about which bathroom tile flooring options you should avoid at all costs.

According to Yodice, when choosing bathroom flooring, you want to think about the tile's durability and upkeep. That is why she recommends avoiding natural stone or marble tile for your bathroom. "Natural stone and marble are porous, meaning it absorbs water and stains easily," Yodice explained. "Natural stone material is a high-maintenance type of tile flooring and if you aren't committed to the high demand for maintenance the flooring will stain and discolor over time."

When looking for a bathroom tile design, Yodice also suggests avoiding smooth tiles. These glazed tiles can be a dangerous slipping hazard, especially after a shower or bath. Taking precautions to ensure you don't fall, like choosing the best non-slip bathroom floor material, can save you a lot of time and pain.

The most common mistake that homeowners make when choosing a type of bathroom tile is not taking functionality into account. During House Digest's exclusive interview with Schannon Yodice, she explained that when choosing tile flooring for a bathroom, you need to consider how practical it will be for the space. Prioritizing a tile that is both easy to clean and will last for years to come will help prevent you from regretting your tile choice down the road.

While small tiles can make a statement in any bathroom, they lead to a lot of grout spaces, Yodice noted. These grout joints, especially when the grout is a light color, are easily stained. "Some of the biggest issues I see are discolored grout which seems to be the number one problem in wet areas so I would prioritize that as public enemy number one," the tile expert shared. That said, if you opt for small tiles with light-colored gaps between them, there are many easy ways to clean the grout to keep it looking fresh.

Once you know about the types of tiles to avoid buying, it's easier to decide which tiles might be better for your home. When House Digest spoke exclusively with Schannon Yodice, she provided some recommendations on which tiles you should consider for your bathroom. "Choosing a honed, matte, or a tile with some texture will help promote grip when wet," she said. "Many companies make tile specifically for wet areas with slip resistance ratings so be sure to look out for that rating when purchasing a tile for a bathroom or a wet area." Yodice also recommended that homeowners choose larger tiles. This will allow for less grout and prevent unwanted stains and discoloration.

If you have your mind set on a natural stone or marble look, there is still a way to give your bathroom this design without the drawbacks. The pro tile setter suggested that homeowners consider a porcelain or ceramic tile that can give the look of natural stone or marble, but are better fit for the bathroom environment than the real deal. "Overall you can't go wrong with a porcelain or ceramic tile," Yodice said.