It was a Sunday morning and Ms Lee was bending down to arrange items in the cabinet. After completing the task, the 66-year-old wiped off a bead of sweat that was trickling down her forehead and stood up.
As she began to walk towards the shower, she suddenly lost balance and fell backwards onto the cold, hard floor. A sharp pain shot through her legs and back, and her elbows went numb as she was using them to support her weight. It took a while before the sexagenarian realised that she had slipped and fallen.
We have often heard about how dangerous a bathroom’s slippery floor can be. While it is one of the most focused upon areas during renovation, it is important to ensure that proper bathroom tiles are installed to keep family members – especially young children and the elderly – safe.
To further understand the importance of incorporating safety features into bathroom floor design, StarProperty talked with Michelle Johnson, marketing manager of Niro Group Malaysia, a tile manufacturing company.
What are the most commonly-used tiles for bathroom floors?
In general, they are ceramic and porcelain tiles. Ceramic tiles are generally less expensive, but the cost is actually dependent on the brand and design.
On the other hand, porcelain tiles are more durable: heavy duty and low maintenance. Porcelain tiles also have lower water absorption and can be replicated into a lot of designs such as marble, wood and metal.
What factors should be taken into consideration when choosing bathroom floor tiles?
While the bathroom is divided into two areas (dry and wet areas), the choice of tiles is dependent on the size, design, theme and surface (of the bathroom). It also depends on the budget and the level of maintenance required.
In terms of bathroom floor surfaces, which type of tiles should we look for?
For the dry area, it is recommended to use matt-surfaced and non-polished tiles. For the shower area, it is recommended to use a surface that is rough, textured or structured for anti-slip purposes. It is not advisable to use smooth and shiny tiles for both areas.
How do we pick bathroom floor tiles based on designs and themes?
As the tiles for each bathroom are dependent on the theme, the three most commonly sought after looks and designs would be the minimalist (simplistic), the classic and elegant, and the modern and contemporary. Although tile designs are chosen based on an individual’s taste, the current trend is swerving towards the minimalist and modern look.
There is a perception that smaller tiles for the bathroom floor will make it less slippery.
The common perception that smaller tiles are better for the bathroom floor is not true. The size of the tiles depends on the size of the bathroom. It is recommended that larger-sized tiles of 30 X 60 cm (1 X 2 foot) are used for the bathroom floor.
Is sealing required when tiling the bathroom?
Sealing is not necessary. However, it is advisable to build a ventilator in the bathroom to prevent dampness…or to open the bathroom windows to let in fresh air.
What can we do to make our bathroom floor tiles last longer?
Caution should be exercised when using acid or acid-based cleaners such as those containing “hydrofluoric acid” as they can adversely affect the texture of tiles or cause a chemical reaction known as etching.
Is it advisable for Malaysian homeowners to tile their own bathroom floors?
Malaysian homeowners are not advised to install the bathroom floor tiles themselves as there are other considerations such as water treatment and piping. Furthermore, Malaysian homeowners in general do not have the skills to tile a bathroom.
From Left to Right: Yura Ivory, Yura Led Grey, Borgogna Cinder Ash, Borgogna Misty Grey Mosaic
All tiled-up
Below are recommended designs/ themes for bathroom floor tiles:
Minimalist
Yura – Inherits the characteristics of Italian natural stones.
Modern or Contemporary
Borgogna Stone – Inherits the characteristics of natural stones from North-West France.
Granite Stone – A material with random effect and fine veins. Made up of natural stone colours complete with a rock surface for an anti-slip effect. Includes features of beautifully-crafted mosaic.
Nordik Stone – Displays the affection and appreciation of the famous “North Stones” from the North of Europe. It has a surface that is slightly hammered.
Regal – Premium tiles produced with a special technique that result in random effects on polished, matt and rock surfaces.
Black – Literally associated with the feel and experience of being open to mystery and preparing for the unknown.
From Left to Right: Regal Noce, Regal Vanilla, Black Noir, Granite Crema, Granite Gris
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