Picking tile is one of the most fun parts of a bathroom remodel — and one of the most overwhelming. With hundreds of materials, sizes, and finishes available, it's easy to stall out before you ever break ground. Here's how we guide our Upstate SC homeowners through the decision.
Start With the Room's Job
Not all tiles are created equal, and not all bathrooms get the same traffic. A master bath used mostly by two adults can handle more delicate surfaces than a family bath with kids tracking in mud from the backyard. Before you fall in love with a tile, answer: How many people use this bathroom? Do you have kids or pets? Is there a window — or is it always humid in there?
The Most Common Materials (and What We Recommend)
- Porcelain — Our top pick for most Upstate SC bathrooms. Extremely durable, low porosity, available in dozens of looks including realistic marble and wood grain. Works on floors and walls.
- Ceramic — Budget-friendly and easy to cut. Great for walls and low-traffic floors. Not ideal for wet shower floors where slip resistance matters.
- Natural stone (marble, travertine) — Beautiful and adds real value, but requires sealing and more upkeep. Avoid in showers unless you're committed to annual maintenance.
- Glass tile — Stunning as an accent or niche liner. Reflects light beautifully. Best used in smaller doses alongside a primary tile.
Size Changes Everything
Large format tiles (24x24 or bigger) make a small bathroom feel more spacious because there are fewer grout lines breaking up your eye line. Smaller tiles — like classic 4x4 or mosaic sheets — give you more grip on shower floors and more design flexibility for accent areas.
As a rule: large format on walls and floors for a spa feel, smaller mosaic on shower floors for safety and texture.
Don't Underestimate Grout Color
Grout can make or break a tile job. Matching grout to your tile creates a seamless, modern look. Contrasting grout (like charcoal with white subway tile) makes the pattern pop. Light grout shows stains but brightens the room; dark grout hides grime but can look heavy if overdone.
Ready to Choose? We Can Help.
When you meet with our team, we bring samples and talk through every option based on your specific bathroom. No pressure, no overwhelming showroom visits — just a straightforward conversation about what will look great and hold up for years in your home. Contact us to schedule a free tile consultation.