Glass Tile and Ceramic Tile Bathroom Flooring: Unlimited Designs. Courtesy of Josh Gonzalez of Coldwell Banker Prime Properties and Stewart Construction Inc.

Glass Tile and Ceramic Tile Bathroom Flooring: Unlimited Designs.  Courtesy of Josh Gonzalez of Coldwell Banker Prime Properties and Stewart Construction Inc.

Glass tiles and ceramic tiles come in many colors and textures, and are tough, low-maintenance solutions for bathroom floors.

Glass and glazed ceramic floor tiles with an anti-slip finish are designed to provide superior traction. Image: Hakatai Glass Mosaic Tiles

Glass tiles or ceramic tiles combine upscale looks with down-to-earth ruggedness. They're affordable too, if you choose carefully and install the tiles yourself. The cost of glass or ceramic flooring tile ranges from $1 to $20 per sq. ft. Professional installers charge $5 to $10 per sq.ft.

Glass tiles and ceramic tiles are the ultimate designer's medium, with mix-and-match options that let you create any custom pattern you want for you bathroom floor. To liven up the design, add decorative but pricey edgings and inlays. Or, spare the budget by using same-sized tiles in different color combinations.

Non-slip option

For traction in wet conditions, choose glass tile and glazed ceramic tiles for floors certified to meet slip-resistance standards specified by the Americans with Disabilities Act. Mosaic tiles-those 1-inch square and smaller-add plenty of traction-producing grout lines. Glass mosaic tiles and glazed ceramic mosaic tiles with anti-slip surfaces run $4 to $14 per sq.ft.

Rough and rugged quarry tiles

Quarry tiles are a type of ceramic tile for floors made of fired clay; they are stronger and more wear-resistant than glazed tiles. Quarry tiles feature a slightly rough surface texture that makes them slip resistant. However, unlike glazed ceramic tiles, quarry tiles must be treated at least every two years with a clear tile sealer to prevent staining.

Quarry tiles are unglazed, which limits the number of available colors. However, they come in pleasing earth tones that range from dark brown and gray to light tan.

Installing ceramic tiles

Set ceramic floor tiles over a flat, stable surface. You'll need to remove old flooring and install cement backer board prior to laying floor tiles. Expect to pay about $9 for a 3x5-foot sheet of cement backer board.  By: John Riha