Porcelain tile is a popular bathroom material because it’s durable, versatile, and beautiful. If you want to tile the walls, you may be wondering if you should choose a floor-to-ceiling design or only the areas that will get wet. There are benefits to each, and below is more information to help you decide.

Whole-Tile

This process involves covering an entire wall with porcelain tiles. You can choose either a large, uniform design or a creative blend of shapes and colors that create a vibrant mosaic. While you will need many tiles, a full design doesn’t require skirting boards, paint, or as much wall preparation. Instead, hanging tile is the sole phase of the project.

Homeowners choose this option because it is straightforward. The only preparation is skimming, which involves laying down a smooth layer of sub-wall material. You may need to do this before applying porcelain tiles if your walls aren’t straight or strong enough to support the heavy weight.

A fully-tiled bathroom protects the room and can keep you from worrying about damage. This water-resistant material is also easy to maintain and won’t warp, fade, or rot from water exposure. Tile is a highly desirable feature that can hold its value for many years.

Half-Tile

Half-tiled bathroom walls are a combination of porcelain tiles and paint. Contractors install these tiles around wet areas like showers and bathtubs, as well as a backsplash behind sinks. Homeowners can use the same materials as a fully-tiled bathroom and also create mosaics.

However, you will need many more materials. You’ll have to install skirting boards to cover the seams between drywall panels to provide an even surface for the paint. You may also have to skim these sections of wall to create an even surface.

If you’re remodeling a bathroom that’s already painted, you may only need to treat the areas you’re tiling, which can save time and money. Working with different materials may require tiling professionals and other specialists. This could mean you will have to spend more money, as the job will take longer.

On the other hand, the combination of paint and tile gives you considerable design versatility. For example, you can add a floral wallpaper above white tiles for a calming effect. Alternatively, you may paint a relaxed green to contrast slate-gray tiles, or choose a matching gray paint and tile for a cohesive, textured aesthetic.

For the best results, always purchase premium porcelain tiles. Anderson Tile Sales of Odessa, TX, carries a variety of high-quality home products. For over 44 years, they’ve supplied bathroom tile, vinyl flooring, hardwood flooring, and natural stone to homeowners and contractors throughout the Permian Basin area. Visit the website to explore their inventory. Call (432) 337-0081 to speak with a team member about your project. You can receive more design ideas by connecting on Facebook.