What is the best type of tile for bathroom floors?

Porcelain tile is the best choice for bathroom floors due to its superior water resistance, durability, and slip-resistance options. Unlike ceramic tile, porcelain is virtually waterproof and won't absorb moisture even if the grout fails.

Porcelain tile offers several key advantages for Ottawa bathrooms. It's extremely durable and can handle our freeze-thaw cycles without cracking. The dense composition makes it stain-resistant and easy to clean - important for busy family bathrooms. Most importantly, you can find porcelain tiles with textured surfaces that provide excellent slip resistance when wet, which is crucial for safety.

For Ottawa's climate, choose porcelain tiles rated for freeze-thaw resistance since basement bathrooms can get quite cold. Look for tiles with a slip-resistance rating of at least 0.42 (or R10) for wet areas. Popular options include wood-look porcelain planks, natural stone looks, and textured matte finishes. Avoid high-gloss tiles on floors as they become dangerously slippery when wet.

Size matters for both aesthetics and maintenance. Larger format tiles (12"x24" or bigger) create fewer grout lines, which means less maintenance and a cleaner look in smaller bathrooms. However, smaller tiles like penny rounds or 2"x2" mosaics provide more grout lines for better slip resistance - ideal for shower floors.

Proper installation is critical - even the best tile will fail without proper waterproofing underneath. Your contractor should install a waterproof membrane before tiling, and use appropriate grout and sealers. In Ottawa's market, expect to pay $8-15 per square foot installed for quality porcelain floor tile, with premium options running $15-25 per square foot.

For a professional bathroom floor installation with proper waterproofing, request a quote from Ottawa Bathrooms to ensure your tile floor performs well for years to come.

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Find a Licensed Contractor

Ottawa Bathrooms connects you with vetted, licensed renovation contractors from the Ottawa Construction Network:

• Davinci Tiling ✓
• Justyn Rook Contracting ✓
• CMA Restoration Group inc ✓