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what tiles to use for shower

by Mason Gusikowski Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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The Best Tile for Shower Walls

  • Ceramic / Porcelain. One of the most popular and traditional types of tile used on shower walls are ceramic or porcelain tiles.
  • Glass. Glass has become an increasingly popular choice for those wanting a modern and unique look in their bathroom.
  • Marble/Stone. ...

Choose ceramic tile, porcelain tile, or quarry tile, which are all part of the ceramic tile family and are ideal for areas exposed to water. This sounds obvious — of course, you want your shower and bathroom to be waterproof.Jul 30, 2018

Full Answer

What is the best tile for bathroom showers?

The Best Tile for Shower Walls

  • Ceramic / Porcelain. One of the most popular and traditional types of tile used on shower walls are ceramic or porcelain tiles.
  • Glass. Glass has become an increasingly popular choice for those wanting a modern and unique look in their bathroom.
  • Marble/Stone. ...

What are the best ceramic tiles for showers?

  • You’re on a budget – ceramics cost less to buy and install.
  • You’re looking for a very specific color or style – ceramics are available in a wider range with regards to colors and styles.
  • You’re concerned about the sturdiness of the floor – ceramic tiles are lighter than porcelain tiles.

More items...

What is the best material for shower tiles?

What’s the best material for shower walls?

  • Glass Tile. Glass tiles are exactly what they sound like, they are translucent tiles that give an extra shine to your bathroom.
  • Stone Tile. Stone tile is tiling that looks like a natural marbling.
  • Ceramic.
  • Acrylic.

What is the best tile for shower pan?

Redi Base – Best Shower Pan That is Ready To Tile

  • Size 36 x 48 x 5.75 inches
  • Threshold Single
  • Color Polished Chrome
  • Material Polyurethane
  • Central PVC drain
  • 3-year limited warranty

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What kind of tile is used for shower walls?

Ceramic / PorcelainCeramic / Porcelain One of the most popular and traditional types of tile used on shower walls are ceramic or porcelain tiles. This man-made material comes with a baked-on clear protective glaze. That makes it super low maintenance and an extremely durable tile option.

Do you need special tiles for a shower?

The truth is that there is no one type of tile that is “shower tile,” and various types of stone, glass, ceramic, and porcelain tile are all used in bathrooms and showers. If you are wondering about using porcelain tile for your shower, the simple answer is: Yes! You can use porcelain tile.

Is porcelain or ceramic tile better for showers?

When it comes to shower tiles, porcelain is the preferred choice due to its superior durability and water resistance. This doesn't mean, however, that slip-resistant ceramic is not an option. Depending on your budget and aesthetic vision, ceramic tiles might be a brilliant choice for your bathroom.

What is the easiest tile to clean in a shower?

The four bathroom tiles that are the easiest to clean are natural stone tile, glass tile, polished porcelain tile, and vinyl tile.

Is it OK to use ceramic tile in a shower?

Ceramic and porcelain tiles are frequently used in bathrooms and showers. When deciding between ceramic vs. porcelain tiles for shower installation, some decorators suggest balancing functionality and your budget by using ceramic shower tiles for walls and porcelain shower tiles for the flooring.

Is porcelain tile OK for showers?

Porcelain tile would be a great choice for a shower, since they're made from a finer clay and fired at higher temperatures than standard ceramic tile. This makes porcelain tile harder, more durable, and less porous than regular ceramic tile.

What is the best material to use in a shower?

Acrylic is the best system to use for shower walls because it is the safest, least high maintenance, and easy to install, meaning your shower could be done in as little as one day. Acrylic is one of the most durable materials used in the shower construction industry, and for good reason.

Do porcelain tiles crack easily?

Hard, dense, and solid, porcelain is resistant to most heavy stresses and can even be used in commercial environments. Be aware, though, that the hardness of porcelain can make it slightly more brittle than standard tiles, which means they can be more susceptible to cracking.

Does porcelain tile chip easily?

Think about the right type of tile for the job! And if you want something very similar to ceramic, consider porcelain. While porcelain tiles are slightly more brittle (meaning they're more prone to cracking) they are also harder meaning that they're less likely to chip.

Can you use Groutless tile in a shower?

Silestone Quartz material are ideal for all surfaces in your bath, such as walls, floors, shower pan, tub deck, and the vanity tops. Quartz material are durable, and require no maintenance.

What color tile hides dirt?

While cool and white-toned colors can make the room feel clean, dark colors actually hide stains and dirt more effectively, and are easier to keep looking clean over time.

Are small tiles in a shower hard to clean?

Tile and Porcelain Although tile is one of the cheapest shower surfaces, it is a little hectic to clean because of grout. This is because you have to keep replacing the grout, otherwise, it will harbor mold and mildew which are the leading cause for allergies.

What is the best tile for a shower?

Natural stone, porcelain, and ceramic tiles are among the most reliable shower tiles you can find today. And with added surface protection, these stone tiles make an excellent surface material that you can enjoy for decades. These are some of the most popular and commonly used tile options in bathrooms.

What type of stone is used in showers?

Travertine is another type of natural stone used for shower walls. It must be sealed to protect against moisture. See examples of travertine showers here. For regular stone tile maintenance spray a natural stone tile cleaner product on the surface and let sit for the required amount of tile and thoroughly rinse.

How big is a shower tile?

For instance, a moderately sized 8 x 8 inches on a 48 x 32 inches shower area can make it even smaller, and so does small tiles on a large shower area of 60 x 60 inches.

What happens if you chip a ceramic tile?

This means that if you chipped each one, the pattern would remain, although indented, on porcelain while the same effect could disrupt the pattern on a ceramic tile.

How much does glass tile cost?

The good news is that glass tiles are relatively inexpensive and will only cost an average of $5 to $15 per square foot.

Is porcelain tile water proof?

Porcelain is dense and non-porous. With a glazed coating, it adds a layer of protection against water seepage. Aside from being virtually water-proof, glazed porcelain tiles come with diverse designs to match your style preference. Much like ceramic tiles, it can withstand chipping and dents because of the top coating.

Is glazed porcelain good for humidity?

One of the concerns of shower areas is its constant exposure to humidity, and as we know, water exposure is the number one cause of material damage. Glazed porcelain comes with excellent resistance to moisture absorption with a rating of 0.5 percent or less. This is according to the Tile Council of North America.

What is the best flooring for a shower?

If you're a naturally chilly person, you may want a flooring material that can help warm you up. Slate tiles may be a top choice for that role.

How big should a shower floor be?

Small tiles work much better with the shape of most shower floors. Some experts recommend keeping your floor tiles to no larger than 4 inches by 4 inches.

What is a good DCOF rating for tile?

DCOF stands for "dynamic coefficient of friction," and tiles for wet areas should have a DCOF rating or 0.42 or higher. Stone can be a smart alternative. Some varieties, such as slate, are naturally textured.

Can you use glazed ceramic tile on a floor?

Slick, shiny glazed tiles can be a hazard waiting to happen. While glazed ceramic or porcelain can be a popular choice for tile walls, they're risky on the floor. If you're anxious to use one of those materials, choose tiles with a matte or textured glaze instead of a glossy one.

Can you walk on tile with grout lines?

Another consideration for your feet is how far apart the tiles are. Extra-wide grout lines create divots that can be uncomfortable to walk on. Whichever tile style you choose, your feet will appreciate it if you keep the grout lines close together.

Is porcelain water resistant?

Glazed porcelain rates even higher than ceramic on the water-resistance scale. Just remember that you have to be careful to choose a glazed surface that isn't slick. When sealed, many varieties of natural stone, such as slate, marble and travertine, can resist water as well.

Can water stains be on tile?

Not only can water penetrate the wrong types of tiles, but the minerals in the water also have the potential to cause stains. Soaps, shampoos and lotions may stain the floor too. Between porcelain and ceramic, porcelain is the more stain-resistant option.

What civilizations made mosaics?

Many ancient civilizations, such as the Romans and Persians, took great pride in commissioning beautiful tile schemes and mosaics for their bathhouses and spas. A number of these designs are still implemented today, and for a good reason. Nothing transforms a shower like an attractive tile scheme, from Mediterranean blues to Pacific wood, ...

Can tiling be done in the bathroom?

Tiling–in any room of the house–can make or break the entire atmosphere, and nowhere is this more evident than in the bathroom. Older generation homes often boasted stunning bathing spaces that put more modern abodes to shame; if your bathroom could use a makeover there’s no better place to start than with tiling.

What is the best tile for a shower floor?

When it comes to the pebbly bathroom tile, it’s considered the best tile for shower floor exactly because of its textured anti-slip traction and naturalistic, tropical beach or “coastal” feel.

What is the best way to clean shower tile?

As for cleaning shower floor tile ideas, it’s safer to use baking soda and vinegar as well as a natural cleaner that’ s tough on soap cum than bleach or acid.

What is white porcelain tile?

Regarding the white porcelain shower floor tile, it’s a type of ceramic tile made from dense, fine clay and baked to perfection at higher temperatures. The main appeal of such tiles is that it’s stain resistant than all other previous examples. Also, it is the perfect non slip floor tiles for showers. Pros.

What is grey penny round tile?

If you dislike the uneven, irregular, or fractured look of the pebble or mosaic shower floor tile , then perhaps the more uniform aesthetics of the grey penny round tile is more your speed. Underfoot, it provides that texture for traction. It also has a tile design reminiscent of a turtle shell.

Why seal tile when it's wet?

It’s all for the sake of getting extra traction. Some tile materials used for tiles like marble and porcelain can get slippery when wet, thus necessitating a smaller size and the use of sealant. This maximizes the amount of grout and texture needed to keep your underfoot from slipping when the floor’s wet.

What is 2x2 tile?

As for the 2×2 subway tile shower floor, it’s a type of tile that looks like the ones used on subways. These tiles are less than two inches in size and you can even get one-inch variants. They’re characterized by their smallness to give you the same traction enjoyed by subway passengers waiting for their trains. Pros.

What is blue glass tile?

Regarding the blue glass tile shower floor, it’s an aesthetically pleasant and thematically versatile shower floor tile type characterized by its glassy blue coloring. You can get them in mosaic style or in 2×2 subway style for maximum underfoot traction. They’re fetching to look at and functions excellently with many a shower room.

When to Tile a Shower

A cracked tile or two can be replaced. Poor or discolored grout alone usually isn't cause to retile the shower, as grout can be tinted, repaired, or replaced. But when much of the existing shower tile is cracked, missing, or leaking water, it may be time to tile your shower walls and floors.

Before You Begin

Tiling a shower is a major undertaking for most do-it-yourselfers. So, consider your shower tiling project within the context of your bathroom as a whole.

Type of Tile to Use for Showers

Shower tile should meet or exceed waterproofing specifications for both the walls and the floor. For the floor, the tile should provide enough grip to stand on when showering.

Building or Adding a Shower Pan

While this project assumes that a fully plumbed, operable shower pan is in place, you may want a new shower pan. You can either build a shower pan from scratch with tile and mortar or you can use a pre-built shower pan.

Cost of Tiling a Basic Shower

The tile purchase comprises most of the cost of tiling the shower. Tile prices greatly vary, ranging from $1 per square foot for basic, glossy white subway tile to $50 to $75 per square foot for designer artisan tile.

Safety Considerations

Turn off all electrical circuits that service wires running through walls adjacent to the shower.

Instructions

Tile shape, size, and type can help to determine the tile layout. Choose a tile pattern such as grid, brickwork (staggered), or diamond ( diagonal ). Subway tile is usually laid in a brickwork pattern for a traditional effect or in a grid-like pattern for a more contemporary look.

Combine Multiple Styles For A Unique Look

The angular lines of the subway tiles and paned shower divider lend this bathroom a contemporary feel. These sharp shapes are juxtaposed against the more ornate French Provincial-style floor tiles. These distinctly contrasting styles create a look that’s anything but cookie-cutter.

Create Visual Interest By Mixing Shapes

The large, rectangular tiles in this shower have a chic and classic look, while an inset of smaller hexagonal tiles provides a contrasting visual element and adds a modern edge. Coordinating shades of gray and crisp white offer continuity between the disparate shapes.

Modern Farmhouse Bathroom Decor

The floor-to-ceiling white subway tile in this modern farmhouse bathroom looks sharp and contemporary against the wood grain ceiling, especially with the addition of black grout. The bathroom and shower floors feature black tile with white grout, providing contrast that makes the pattern pop.

Bring Nature Indoors With Bold Tile Choices

An interior bathroom without windows can feel dark in the absence of natural light. The verdant green tiles in this shower evoke the feeling of nature and liven up the space. Placing the tiles vertically instead of horizontally also delivers a soothing waterfall effect that amplifies the pastoral feel.

Create A Spa-Like Environment With Faux Wood Shower Tiles

Wood is a fantastic visual element to incorporate into home decor, but it’s impractical for use in a shower thanks to the moisture and humidity. Engineered wood tiles incorporate warm colors and subtle patterns through faux grain, creating a design style that is easy to keep clean.

Mix Various Patterns To Make A Striking Statement

Small bathrooms can look much larger when you stick to a minimalist color palette. But even though this bathroom has a simple black and white color scheme, it’s anything but boring. White subway tiles with black grout and hexagonal shower floor tiles with white grout create stylish contrasting colors and shapes.

Charming Walk-In Shower Floor Tile Scheme

Selecting simple finishes like white subway tiles for your shower walls gives you lots of room to play with patterns elsewhere. The grayscale diamond pattern on this floor provides a stunning focal point and makes this wet room feel even more spacious.

Differences between ceramic and porcelain tiles for shower

Given that the manufacturing process for porcelain requires costlier ingredients and uses more heat than in making ceramic tiles, porcelain tiles are more expensive compared to ceramic tiles. Ceramic tiles cost about $0.5 – $35 per square foot while porcelain tiles cost about $3 – $35 per square meter.

Ceramic tiles

Ceramic tiles are made by mixing red, white or brown clay and heating at a high temperature (not more than 1,650°F) though less than the heat in making porcelain tiles. After that, a glaze and pattern are added to the tiles.

Porcelain tiles

Porcelain tiles are simply a special type of ceramic tiles given that they only differ in some ingredients and part of the manufacturing process. Porcelain tiles are made by mixing white clay, sand and feldspar then heating the mixture at a higher temperature than that of making ceramic tiles. They’re the most durable type of tile on the market.

Which one is the better tile?

When comparing porcelain versus ceramic tile for the shower, you should consider the cost, water resistance and durability among other aspects. While porcelain tiles are costlier, they last longer and are more resistant to wear and tear compared to ceramic tiles.

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