While tile may not be the most modern choice for a bathroom, it is certainly one of the most popular. Whether for floors, walls, or countertops, bathrooms and ceramic tile have gone hand-in-hand for quite some time. Not only does it do well in very moist areas, but it is easy to clean and looks great, too. If you're thinking about replacing the tile you already have or are considering building a new bathroom, in Los Angeles, bathroom tile is a great choice aesthetically, practically, and financially.
Benefits of Bathroom Tile in Los Angeles
Remodeling or building a bathroom in L.A. or anywhere else in the country can be a tricky process because of the excessive amount of moisture they see every day. Many materials, when exposed to the conditions found in your average bathroom, don't hold up very well. Tile is a time-tested material in moist situations, and when properly installed, can go for decades without requiring much more maintenance than regular cleaning.
Aesthetically, there are a lot of options when it comes to tile. Not only can you pick the color of your new tile, but the size and shape, as well. Add to that the wide variety of custom designs that you can make by arranging several colors of tile, and the fact that ceramic tile can be purchased with custom designs already on their surface, and you'll see that not only are the possibilities nearly limitless when it comes to tile's appearance, but that it is a material that can literally go with any style your bathroom has or will have.
It is also relatively easy on the wallet to install bathroom tile. Los Angeles home improvement projects can get pretty pricey, and some bathroom remodels in the area come in at well over $40,000. As a material, tile can be relatively inexpensive to purchase (though specialty tiles, like those made of natural granite, can be slightly more costly). It takes longer to put in, however, than something like a two or three-piece shower surround, so keeping an eye on labor costs is a good idea.
Los Angeles Flooring Tile
In addition to being a good choice for bathrooms, tile is also found in other areas of homes in Los Angeles. Flooring tile is an excellent material for areas such as kitchens and laundry rooms because of its resistance to moisture. In living rooms and foyers, flooring tile is sometimes installed because it stands up so well to heavy traffic. Tough enough to be tread on for decades without showing any major signs of wear and tear, Los Angeles flooring tile, if installed properly, can easily last the life of your home.
Dealing with Grout
If tile has any major drawback, it isn't found on the tile itself, but with the grout in between. Those who are familiar with older tiled bathrooms are sure to know all too well how difficult grout can be to clean and how stained it can become. Several things have been done to grout in newer installations to solve these problems. Modern grout compound is more stain resistant, and the sealant used on its surface can often protect the grout for years. Additionally, you can buy colored grout that won't show discoloration as well, and can even accent the look of the tile.
Los Angeles Bathroom Tile Prices
Tile work varies greatly depending on the size of the surface and the type of tile you use. If you wanted your entire luxury bathroom covered in granite tiles, you'll easily be looking at a several thousand dollar job. If you just want to redo the tile on a bathroom countertop, on the other hand, the cost could be only a few hundred dollars. Always get several estimates, and when dealing with tile, it's never a bad idea to purchase more than you need as finding matching tiles several years after the initial installation can be very difficult.

Jon Nunan is a freelance writer who draws on his experience in construction, ranging from landscaping to log home building, for his articles on home improvement.