From increasingly popular large formats, to the importance of meeting British Standards, The Tile Association looks at technical tiling issues in bathrooms

Tiles are among the most durable and stylish finishes that can be chosen for any bathroom or wetroom. Driven by consumer fashion and product innovation from manufacturers, tiling offers beautiful and practical solutions for wall and floor finishes in the bathroom.

Often self-builders may wish to replicate the look that they have seen overseas or when leafing through home decor magazines. They also recognise the many benefits of tiling in the home – providing a long-lasting finish that is hygienic and easy to maintain.

Product trends are helping to drive our enthusiasm for tiles, with an increasingly wide range of size, shape and texture options available. This means more choices and inspiration are available to the self-builders.

The latest trend in tile sizes is towards the larger format versions. Gone are the days when 4 in x 4 in wall tiles were the only option. Currently the trend is towards increasingly large tiles and panels of up to 1600 mm x 3200 mm. The use of these types of tiles reduces grout lines and maximises the impact of the tile design, helping to create a really strong statement for any bathroom.

While the design opportunities in tiling are greater than ever, it is important that the technical issues associated with installing a tiled surface are fully understood, and that all work is carried out to British Standards. Following the release of the latest British Standard BS5835-1: 2018 Wall & Floor Tiling, there are particular requirements regarding the need for mechanical fixing of large format tiles in certain installations. 

Other changes in the current standard include the removal of plywood as a suitable background for tiling – installers should use a suitable bespoke tile backer board instead.

Ensuring that moisture is not able to penetrate the substrate behind the tiles is hugely important. The British Standard says that for wet areas, such as showers, tanking of the substrate may be required, using either a membrane or paint-on system. According to the manufacturers of bespoke XPS (extruded polystyrene) backer board systems, only the joints between their boards need to be taped, since XPS is itself 100% waterproof.

Bathrooms increasingly feature underfloor heating systems (UFH) nowadays, as knowledge of the benefits and ease with which UFH can be installed has developed. Industry estimates indicate that the market has been virtually doubling annually in recent years. It is not difficult to appreciate why this is the case, since UFH provides a cost-effective, comfortable and unobtrusive heating solution.

Its use enables building designers to meet modern energy efficiency regulations, reducing the carbon footprint of buildings and allowing for the implementation of contemporary design concepts. Self-builders may also look at underfloor heating as a point of difference and a good USP on the resale market. The use of UFH with tiling transforms what was traditionally viewed as a rigid and cold surface, into a warm and welcoming environment. 

UFH installations can also be tied to renewable energy sources, because of the lower running temperatures of the technology, and this concept appeals to consumers who aspire to a zero carbon house, as well as those who just want to reduce their fuel bills. It therefore seems certain that the UFH will continue to grow in importance.

Electric matting systems tend to be more prevalent in smaller installations of less than 20 m², such as bathrooms, and they are less disruptive to install, but they are more expensive to run, maybe by 30 to 40%. 

The installation of such systems, particularly wet systems, is not always problem-free, and care should be taken to ensure they are installed according to British Standards. 

Another area of concern when installing a tiled surface is slip resistance. Slipping is the single most common cause of injury in the UK, comprising 40% of all injuries. 

Ceramic tiles are not inherently slippery when clean and dry, but the slip resistance of any type of floor covering can significantly drop if it becomes contaminated by any form of lubricant, such as water or dust, depending upon the floor’s surface texture and footwear used. Retailers should be able to advise on which floor tiles offer the best slip resistance, and which are most suitable for use in the bathroom.