If you're a renovation nerd like us, there's nothing quite like the feeling of smashing up that shower you've hated for the last 10 years, or finally installing that gorgeous clawfoot tub you've been coveting. But how about picking the right bathroom tile for your project? In the hopes of avoiding an epic HGTV-style reno crisis, here are our tips on ordering tile for your bathroom remodel.

Shown Above: Two-Color Bloom Handmade Tile in Light Gray & Satin Silver

1. Check The Recommended Application

Not all tile is created equal. The tile you use on the floors may not do well in the shower, and vice versa.

FOR FLOORS: Floor tile is often slightly thicker than others and the glaze is durable and slip resistant.

FOR SHOWERS: Make sure the tile is rated for usage in wet areas. Depending on how it's fired, not all clay is impervious to water which could cause issues down the road. 

Shown Above: Two-Color Hiser Handmade Tile in Black Watercolor & Slate Gray, with Hiser Tile in Glossy White

If you're thinking, "Great, but how the heck do you know which tile is which?", don't worry! You don't need a ceramics degree to figure this out. Just check the labeling on the tile before you purchase, or call up the manufacturer.

RECOMMENDED APPLICATION FOR JULEP TILE: All of our tile is intended for indoor wall usage - Our Crackle and Watercolor glazes (including Cream) are not recommended for overly wet areas like the direct spray of a shower.

Shown Above: Two-Color Bloom Handmade Tile in Light Gray & Satin Silver

2. Don't Forget To Order Trim

A lot of thought goes into planning the tile design in a bathroom renovation - What color tile will look best? What pattern to use in the shower surround niche? Should I do a decorative border? 

Sometimes though, the finishing touches like edging trim get overlooked. If you have any areas where the drywall continues beyond where the tile finishes, this simple Lewis Quarter Round is an easy way to create a nice, finished edge.

Shown Above: Two-Color Hiser Handmade Tile in Black Watercolor & Slate Gray, with Hiser Tile in Glossy White

3. Allow Plenty Of Lead Time

If you're ordering handmade tile like ours, be sure to allow extra time for delivery. Each manufacturer is different, but our lead time generally runs 4-6 weeks (sometimes longer during busy times or for large orders). It's always a good idea to call to confirm the current lead time, and plan ahead as much as possible.

Are you planning a bathroom renovation? We'd love to hear about it!

Need Samples? You can find those here. 

Happy Tiling!