Whole Bathroom Tile: Is It Worth It for Remodeling?

Remodeling your bathroom to include fully tiled walls can be a stunning transformation. However, not all homeowners are aware of the extra time, cost, and maintenance that it entails. When considering whether to tile the entire bathroom, or just part of it, you need to weigh the benefits against the efforts required. In this article, we'll explore the advantages and disadvantages of tiling the entire bathroom, as well as the considerations for a half-tiled or mixed approach.

Advantages of Tiling the Entire Bathroom

Tiling the entire bathroom, from floor to ceiling, offers several advantages:

No Skirting Boards Needed: Tiles can finish down directly onto the surface of the floor, thus eliminating the need for skirting boards and saving time and money. No Wall Skimming Required: Since the walls will be covered with tiles, there's no need for skim coating, which saves additional time and money. No Painting Needed: This also eliminates one layer of work and cost, saving both time and money. Sleek and Uniform Finish: Fully tiled walls provide a modern and clean look, negating the need for window sills.

Disadvantages of Tiling the Entire Bathroom

While tiling the whole bathroom can look spectacular, it also comes with its challenges:

Increased Material and Labor Cost: Tiling requires more tiles, which adds to the cost and more labor, which increases the overall expense. More Time Needed: Tiling is a more time-consuming process due to the additional steps involved. Grout Cleaning: Tiles need regular cleaning, particularly cleaning the grout to keep the bathroom looking fresh and clean. Ideal for Cold Regions: Full tile bathrooms can feel cold, as tiles do not retain heat well.

Half-Tiled Bathrooms: A Balanced Approach

A half-tiled bathroom is a more balanced option. This involves tiling the wet areas such as shower enclosures, around baths, and behind basins, while leaving the other areas painted:

Cost-Effective: This approach uses fewer tiles, thus saving on materials and reducing labor costs. Feature Tiles: You can use more expensive feature tiles in wet areas, taking advantage of their small but impactful m2 coverage. Skirting Boards: Skirting boards are necessary in areas without tiles, and these are additional expenses. Painting Required: Non-tiled walls may need skim coating or painting, which takes time and money.

Considerations for Choosing Tile or Paint

Based on my experience, tiling the entire bathroom isn't always the best choice. Painting with specially designed bathroom paint is an excellent alternative.

Easy Cleaning: Bathroom paint is easy to clean and maintain, requiring fewer cleaning efforts. No Grout Maintenance: Painted walls don't require grout cleaning, simplifying the maintenance process. Comfortable Feel: While tiles can feel cool, painted walls offer a more comfortable and cozy experience.

For areas around the tub and floor, tiling is recommended for practicality and aesthetics. However, for other areas, consider paint or wallpaper to achieve both style and practicality.