Should A Bathroom Be Fully Tiled?

One of the more critical questions you will encounter in constructing or renovating the bathroom is whether to opt for a fully-tiled or partially-tiled look. Besides that, there is also whether to utilize porcelain or ceramic tiles and what color scheme to choose. Before we get way ahead of ourselves, the first question that needs answering is whether to go with a fully or partially-tiled bathroom. 

Bathroom floor? Yes, definitely. As for the wall? There are advantages and disadvantages to either opting for a fully-tiled or partially-tiled bathroom. There isn’t a definite answer to this as the decision will depend on several factors. A fully-tiled bathroom appears more extensive and is easier to construct. On the other hand, a partially-tiled bathroom is more cost-effective and provides more design options. 

As you can see, deciding whether to go with a fully-tiled or partially-tiled bathroom will require a bit of pondering. To help you make up your mind, we highlighted all the key factors that you will need to consider to make an informed decision in this matter. 

The Bathroom Aesthetics

The main driving force in deciding whether to tile your bathroom fully or not is its appearance: a fully-tiled bathroom projects uniformity and an organized appeal, almost clinical, even. On the flip side, a partially-tiled bathroom offers more flexibility regarding decorating the bathroom. 

Besides the aesthetic factor that a fully-tiled and partially-tiled bathroom can deliver, each option offers several practical advantages. 

Should You Tile the Bathroom Wall and Floor?

The advantage of tiling the bathroom is not just for an appealing aesthetic; there are practical reasons, as well. For example, the bathroom floor is recommended to be fully tiled as this room will have exceptionally high foot traffic. As such, the floor should offer excellent durability and water resistance. 

Speaking of water resistance, tiles enhance the bathroom’s hygiene due to their excellent ability to stop mold and mildew buildup. Considering that the bathroom floor is most likely wet 24/7, preventing bacteria from effectively gaining a foothold is vital. In addition, both porcelain and ceramic tiles are easy to dry, and moisture does not seep into the tile’s surface, further averting any mold buildup. 

As for tiling the wall, this is where things diverge into two camps. The wall can be tiled entirely or partially. Each option delivers its specific aesthetic appeal. As for practical advantage, choosing whether to tile the whole bathroom wall or not is pretty trivial.  

Advantages of a Fully-Tiled Bathroom:

• A fully-tiled bathroom exudes a sleek modern aesthetic. 
• Utilizing a uniform, the full-tile design gives the bathroom a more spacious appearance. 
• Having a fully-tiled bathroom eliminates the need to incorporate skirting boards. 
• A fully tiled bathroom can be time-effective as there is no need to skim and paint the wall. 

Disadvantages of a Fully-Tiled Bathroom:

• It will cost significantly more if you do decide to go with a fully-tiled bathroom.
• Renovating a fully-tiled bathroom will be even more expensive and time-consuming.

Advantages of a Partially-Tiled Bathroom:

 

• Partially tiled bathrooms incorporate tiles in consistently wet areas, which saves time and money during installation. 
• The bathroom wall will be only tiled halfway. The tile-free space can be painted and decorated however you want. 
• Half-tiled bathroom walls are open to accommodate hanging decorative fixtures. 
• Tiling only half of the bathroom wall means you will be able to save cash by simply using paint to complete the bathroom finish. 
• With a half-tiled bathroom wall, you will have more budget to go with high-end luxury tiles. 
• Deciding on having a partially-tiled bathroom takes less time to accomplish and, in turn, is more cost-effective when hiring workers. 

Disadvantages of a Partially-Tiled Bathroom:

• Going with a partially-tiled bathroom can sometimes give it an unbalanced appearance. 
• The half-tiled bathroom wall will need skimming before you can paint over it.
• A partially-tiled bathroom floor will require you to buy skirting boards. 
• You best keep track of untiled areas as these are likely to develop molds and mildew. 

Final Thoughts

Deciding whether to go with a fully-tiled or partially tiled bathroom is entirely up to you. There is no wrong answer between the two and each, as we have shown, have their unique pros and cons. First, consider the overall moisture that the bathroom will contend with, the general aesthetic style, and how much budget is available. Then, have a word with your interior decorator and contractor to determine the best option to take.