Matte porcelain was a solid choice for us too—especially with kids running around. A couple extra points from experience:
- They're surprisingly durable, even with heavy foot traffic and dropped items (trust me, we've tested this unintentionally...).
- Cleaning is straightforward, but watch out for grout lines. Choosing a darker grout saved us from constant scrubbing.
- Bonus: matte finishes tend to hide water spots and footprints better than glossy tiles.
Overall, good call on your reno choices.
Totally agree on matte porcelain being a smart move, especially durability-wise. A few extra thoughts from my experience:
- Definitely second the darker grout recommendation—light grout looks great initially but quickly becomes a cleaning nightmare. Learned that the hard way...
- Consider sealing your grout lines if you haven't already. It adds another layer of protection against moisture and staining, and it's pretty easy to do yourself.
- One minor downside I've noticed: matte tiles can sometimes feel a bit rougher underfoot compared to glossy ones. Not a big deal, but something to keep in mind if you're sensitive to textures.
- Also, if you ever need repairs down the line (cracked tile or plumbing issues), matte porcelain is usually easier to match seamlessly than glossy finishes, which can vary more noticeably in sheen.
Sounds like you've made some solid choices overall—enjoy the new bathroom!
"Consider sealing your grout lines if you haven't already. It adds another layer of protection against moisture and staining, and it's pretty easy to do yourself."
Good call on sealing the grout—definitely worth the effort. Just to add a bit from my experience: if you're sealing grout yourself, make sure the grout is fully cured first (usually at least 48-72 hours after installation). Then clean it thoroughly to remove any dust or residue. A simple grout sealer applicator bottle with a brush tip makes the job way easier—just run it along the grout lines, let it soak in for a few minutes, then wipe off any excess with a clean cloth. Usually, two coats are enough, but check your sealer's instructions.
Also, about matte tiles feeling rougher underfoot... I've found that varies quite a bit depending on the tile brand and finish. Some matte porcelain tiles are actually pretty smooth, while others can feel gritty. If texture is a concern, it's always best to get your hands (or feet!) on a sample before committing.
Sounds like you've thought things through pretty well though—hope it all turns out great.
Definitely agree about sealing grout lines, it's a small step that saves big headaches later. One thing I'd add—make sure the area is well-ventilated when applying sealer. The fumes can be stronger than you'd expect... learned that one the hard way.
Good point about ventilation—those fumes can sneak up on you faster than you'd think. I'd also recommend wearing gloves and eye protection when applying grout sealer. Even though it seems harmless, accidental splashes or prolonged skin contact can cause irritation or allergic reactions. Had a colleague once who skipped gloves thinking it was no big deal... ended up with a nasty rash for days. Better safe than sorry, especially with DIY projects like these.
