Bathroom Styles: Glass vs. Porcelain Shower Tiles
Choosing the tile for your shower is an integral part of the design process. The tiling in your shower can be a major focal point, and selecting the best option for your space and needs isn’t always easy. However, there are a few key things to keep in mind while designing or remodeling your bathroom to help you choose the tile that’s right for your home. One major decision that is often overlooked is the choice between glass vs. porcelain shower tiles.
The Difference
When tiling your shower, you will be confronted with the option of either glass or porcelain tiles – but what’s the difference? As per their names, the tiles are made from different materials, giving them different textures, installation specificities, cleaning and care instructions, appearance, and can land them in different price ranges. Neither of these tile types is overall “superior” to the other. However, keeping in mind who will be using the shower, your budget, who will be installing the tile, and your capacity for cleaning the tile will help guide your decision in the glass vs. porcelain debate.
Glass Tiles
Tiles made from glass are an attractive option for tiling your shower. Glass tiles come in a virtually endless array of shapes, sizes, and colors. Since they are made of glass, they are reflective and translucent, making them a truly unique and stunning choice. Requiring only a glass cleaner and rag to return your tile to glistening and good-as-new, glass tile can be a great low-maintenance option. However, like all glass, they show imperfections and smudges more than their porcelain counterparts, but will not stain and are relatively easy to clean. While beautiful, glass tiles are not always a great choice for shower flooring, as they can be slick. Although smaller sizing, matte finishes, and mosaic options can help alleviate this, it is important to keep in mind the abilities and safety of those using the shower.
Glass options can be pricier than porcelain, though this is not a hard and fast rule and more affordable options are available. If you have chosen glass tiles for your shower, you may want to opt for a professional installation, as the process for glass tile installation is more involved than the installation of porcelain tile.
Porcelain Tiles
Porcelain tiles are a classic and timeless option for your shower. Porcelain tiles come in a massive selection of size, shape, color, and texture, and there is undoubtedly something for everyone’s taste. When considering the durability of glass vs. porcelain, porcelain tiles win hands-down. They are low-maintenance and will stay strong and beautiful for years to come. However, unlike glass, porcelain tiles are prone to staining, so proper care is essential in ensuring your porcelain tile stays in good condition. Besides being an easy, versatile, and gorgeous option, porcelain tiles are often more affordable than glass tiles, making them perfect for any budget.
If you’ve decided the winner of the glass vs. porcelain match and are ready to design your bathroom, or if you still need some guidance in your decision, contact the pros at Special Additions. Our bathroom specialists will work with you every step of the way to help you create a space that you can admire and enjoy for years to come. Call us for a free quote today!