- 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. Using marble or natural stone in the shower is another popular choice, but it’s mainly used for appearance purposes.
What is the best material to use for shower walls?
The Best Material for Shower Walls: 6 Options
- Solid Surface. Cost: Solid surface has a mid-upper range price point, depending on the color selected. ...
- Ceramic Tile. Cost: Ceramic tile is less expensive than other materials because it’s less dense and easier to cut.
- Glass Tile. ...
- Marble Tile. ...
- Granite Tile. ...
- Porcelain Tile. ...
What type of tile is best for showers?
What is the Best Type of Tile For a Shower?
- Ceramic Tiles. Ceramic tiles are the most common type of tiles used in bathrooms. ...
- Porcelain. Porcelain tiles are also similar to ceramic and are often found in sinks, tubs, and other home goods.
- Stone. ...
- Luxury Vinyl Tile. ...
- Linoleum Tile. ...
What are the best bathroom tiles?
What are the best bathroom floor tiles?
- Ceramic and Porcelain Tiles. These are the most popular tiling materials that can be used for bathroom flooring as they are affordable, long lasting, scratch resistant, maintenance free and non-porous ...
- Natural Stone. ...
- Terracotta Tiles. ...
- Glass Tiles. ...
- Mosaic Tiles. ...
- Cement Tiles. ...
- ALSO READ: Bathroom Design: Floor-mounted or a wall-mounted WC?
Do you tile the shower walls or floor first?
The difference between tiling shower wall first and tilling shower floor first is that if the wall tile is installed first and then install floor tile, you can lay floor tile when the wall tile is completely dry, and the wall tile will not cause any obstruction to you to paste floor tile.
What tile finish is best for shower walls?
Your shower is a canvas where you can express your unique style and create a highly functioning space at the same time. ... Gloss finishes on the walls and fixtures don't have much impact on safety but we would recommend matt finish for floors. ... Gloss tiles can make even the smallest of rooms appear larger.More items...
What tiles should not be used in a shower?
Stone and porcelain tiles are the best for the shower floor. Avoid glazed ceramic tiles in this spot, as they tend to be slippery. Also, remember that non-vitreous tiles are not suitable for the shower floor. Only impervious or vitreous tiles should be used in the shower area, as they are relatively more waterproof.
What size tiles are best for shower walls?
Shower Wall Tile Sizes For moderate- to large-shower walls, generally it is best to use larger tiles, from 4-inch by 4-inch tiles on upward to large format tiles in the 15-inch by 30-inch range. From a visual standpoint, tile smaller than 4 inches square creates a busy appearance.
What is the most popular tile for showers?
The most popular choices for shower walls are glazed ceramic, glazed porcelain, natural stone, and glass. Homeowners should consider the bathroom's style, cleaning and maintenance, durability, grout, and tile size when finalizing the material for their shower walls.
What is the easiest shower tile to keep clean?
vinyl, porcelain, and laminate are probably the most popular and cost-effective tiles that are easy to clean.
Do you need special tile 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 matte or glossy tile better for shower?
Matte tiles don't show grime the way glossy tiles do. The reflective surface of the glossy tile will show soap scum and water stains very quickly. If you're someone who doesn't like to clean the shower in-between uses, matte tile is the best way to go.
Which is better for shower walls porcelain or ceramic tile?
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.
Is it better to have porcelain or ceramic tile?
Durability: The density of porcelain tile makes it more durable than ceramic tile while being less subject to wear and tear. This makes it more suitable for commercial use as well as in the home. Water Resistance: Porcelain tile is almost impervious to water compared to ceramic tile.
What size tile should I use in a small shower?
Recommended Tiles Size Chart For a Small BathroomAreaRecommended Tile SizeBathroom Floor1 x 1-inch to 12 x 12-inchesBathroom Wall4 x 4-inches to 12 x 24-inchesShower Floor1 x 1-inchShower Wall1 x 1-inch to 4 x 4-inchesJul 29, 2022
What is better for shower walls porcelain or marble?
Porcelain is a very hard material that is often glazed. The fact that is a dense material with a glaze makes it water resistant, stain resistant, and less likely to fade than marble. Marble, on the other hand, is more porous and can soak up stains or even become etched with acidic liquids.
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 or ceramic tile better for a shower?
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.
Are porcelain tiles good 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.
Can you use unglazed porcelain tile in a shower?
If you're looking for a high slip resistant surface for use in wet areas such bathrooms, pool surrounds, and shower areas - unglazed tiles are the preferred choice.
What does it mean when you put small tiles on a shower?
If you like the look of small mosaic tiles but hate the thought of cleaning, you may want to reconsider what tile you put on your shower walls. Small tiles mean more grout lines… which means more cleaning. And the more narrow those grout lines are, the harder it is to clean. Choosing larger tiles and using wider grout lines will cut down on ...
Why do shower tiles have a transparent color?
And because it’s transparent and reflects light, the color will show all the way through the tile and reflect light to make the shower appear larger. It’s also one of the easiest materials to clean. All you need is window cleaner to erase the signs of soap scum and make sparkle again.
How to make a shower look more expensive?
Add a High-End Look to Your Shower. To give your shower a more expensive look, have the tile installed all the way up to the ceiling. Not only will it give your bathroom a custom look, it will also give the room visual height. And while you’re at it, add some high-end contrast to your shower insets as well.
What to look for when cleaning shower walls?
Since you don’t need to worry about slip-resistance for your shower walls, the number one thing to look for is materials that work well in wet environments. It’s also ideal to seek out materials that go with the look you’re going for and will fit in with your cleaning routine.
What is the main attraction of a bathroom remodel?
When it comes to remodeling a bathroom, the shower really is the main attraction of the entire project. It’s the focal point of the room, so choosing the right material and look can be an overwhelming process for many homeowners.
Why do you use marble in a shower?
Using marble or natural stone in the shower is another popular choice, but it’s mainly used for appearance purposes. Because, while it looks good, it’s not as durable as other options you may have. Natural stone needs to be sealed in order to resist water and staining from mineral deposits.
How to keep a feature wall from being too busy?
To keep the space from being too busy, keep the border and the rest of the walls rather neutral. Or, if you want something a little more subtle, try mixing up the pattern of the tile. For example, instead of a horizontal pattern, like on the rest of the walls, make the pattern on the feature wall diagonal.
What is the best tile for a steam shower?
Also, porcelain is likely the best tile for a steam shower since it is the most dense material and retains heat better than natural stone. Natural stone tile: The unique beauty of natural stone makes it a sought-after tile material, and it can look great on the walls in a shower space.
What is the best material for shower walls?
It also seals any porous areas that may otherwise be prone to developing mold or mildew. Glazed porcelain tile: According to the Tile Council of North America, glazed porcelain tiles have a water absorption rate of 0.5 percent or less, which makes them an outstanding material for shower walls. Much like ceramic tile, these tiles come in all kinds ...
What is the purpose of glazing ceramic tile?
The glazing on these ceramic tiles is a seal that helps keep out moisture, which is a great quality to have in terms of shower walls. This glaze makes the tile very low maintenance as well as scratch-resistant. It also seals any porous areas that may otherwise be prone to developing mold or mildew.
What materials are used in a shower?
Natural stone, glazed porcelain and ceramic materials are some of the most popular when it comes to shower spaces — with each having their own unique features that make them stand out to homeowners. With that said, certain types of wall tile don't work as well in the shower.
What is the color variance of ceramic tile?
Color variance is another factor that has a rating system, this one developed by the Ceramic Tile Distributors Association. It was created to help describe the variability in color and shade in ceramic and porcelain tile. The ratings are separated into V1, V2, V3 and V4 categories, with the lowest number having the least amount of variability and the highest the most. If this number is available, it can be helpful. Natural stone is variable by nature, which is part of its appeal, so it doesn't have a V-scale rating.
What is the strength and durability of tile?
Strength and durability tile ratings were created to reflect the suitability for a particular tile's use in different areas. They are based on a scale developed by the Porcelain Enamel Institute. This scale reflects the overall durability of the particular tile, and it is based on a number system that ranges from one to five, with one being the lowest durability rating and five being the highest durability rating.
Can porcelain tile chip?
Unlike ceramic tiles, glazed porcelain doesn't chip very easily. If by some chance it should, the color is baked all the way through the tile, so chips aren't very easy to see. The glazing on porcelain offers the same protection as it does on ceramic tile, making it a super pick for the shower. Also, porcelain is likely the best tile for a steam shower since it is the most dense material and retains heat better than natural stone.
What is the best tile for a budget?
If you’re on a budget, ceramic tiling is a great solution. 1. Ceramic. The most common type of tile, ceramic has all the qualities needed: It’s strong, and it can create a modern, luxurious style for budget-conscious renovators.
What is the best material to use for a bathroom backsplash?
Glass. It’s often used to create colorful mosaics (backsplashes) and adds a feeling of lightness to the bathroom. It’s a hygienic material and can be cleaned using some soapy water or glass cleaner. Glass tiles have the added benefit of being eco-friendly, with many being made from recycled glass .
Where did shower tiles come from?
That said, bathroom tiles and shower wall materials date back to ancient Greece and Rome. You might not know it, but the modern version of the shower we enjoy today has only been around for the last century. That said, bathroom tiles and shower wall materials date back to ancient Greece and Rome. Today, if you're remodeling or renovating ...
What is the best material for a bathroom?
Acrylic is one of the most cost-effective materials for your bathroom. Cheaper and with fewer problems than tiling, it can give you the look and functionality you're after at a fraction of the cost. It is extremely durable, stain-resistant, and can resist scratching or chipping.
What is the difference between porcelain and ceramic tile?
Because porcelain is made using a mixture of finer clay, it has a harder, more durable surface and is more resistant to scratches and stains. It also absorbs less water than ceramic tiles.
Is porcelain tile unglazed?
Ceramic tiles come in both unglazed and glazed options. Use unglazed or matte tiles to add texture and as a design feature, while glazed or glossy tiles are good for longer protection and easy cleaning. Similar to ceramic tiling in functionality, porcelain owns an extra level of refinement and elegance.
Is glass tile eco friendly?
Glass tiles have the added benefit of being eco-friendly, with many being made from recycled glass. Installation, however, is very tricky and requires professional help. 4. Stone. You can choose from a variety of stone tile alternatives, but remember that even though they look good, they need extra care and attention.
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.
How to Prep for DIY Shower Tile
Want to refresh your subway tile shower? Begin by removing the old tile or the fiberglass shower wall. This is a dusty job so use plastic to cover your doorways, wear a respirator that's rated for dust, cover the floor with a drop cloth and make sure there's plenty of ventilation.
How to Install Shower Wall Tile
Here's how to perform shower tile installation after you've prepped the area.
