Porcelain tile is the best choice for bathroom floors and shower walls in Capital District homes. It absorbs almost no water, handles the swing from a humid shower to a cold winter night without cracking, and comes in wood, stone, concrete and patterned looks. Ceramic is fine on walls that stay dry. Natural stone looks great and needs sealing every year to stay that way.
Floor
Porcelain in a 12 by 24 or larger format with a matte finish. Fewer grout lines, easier to clean, and the matte surface is not slick when wet. Patterned encaustic look porcelain is popular in Troy and Schenectady older homes because it fits the age of the house.
Shower walls
Porcelain again, in a subway, large format or stacked layout. Glossy is fine on walls and brightens a small shower. A niche in a contrasting tile breaks up the wall without adding cost.
Shower floor
Small format, two inch or smaller, so the floor can slope to the drain and there is enough grout for grip. Pebble, hex and small square mosaics all work. Match it to the wall tile or go darker to hide water spots.
Grout
Ask for a stain resistant or epoxy grout in the shower. It costs more per bag and saves you from resealing grout lines every year.
Edges Unlimited tiles and remodels bathrooms in Clifton Park, Albany, Troy and across the Capital District. Request a free quote and bring your tile samples to the first visit.
