When it comes to remodeling or designing your bathroom, the tile wall in your shower is a focal point. You’ll want it to blend in with the rest of your bathroom while also maintaining other desirable properties, like durability and tile size as it relates to the appearance of grout lines. These are the main considerations concerning the tile in the bathroom shower walls.
Best Material
Ceramic and porcelain tiles are the traditional, popular choice for bathroom walls, which come in many different styles. While there are many different types of bathroom tile, these materials are the most suitable for wet surfaces.
Glazed Ceramic Tiles: A ceramic tile is an excellent option for beginner homeowners in search of something affordable. It's much cheaper than its porcelain counterpart and is easy to work with. Ceramic tiles are also
- Durable tile
- The protective glaze makes it low maintenance
- Scratch-resistant
- Seals porous areas, preventing mold and mildew
Glazed Porcelain Tiles: Glazed porcelain tiles have a water absorption rate of 0.5 percent or less, making them an ideal material for shower walls. While they are more expensive than ceramic tiles, they also are less likely to chip. Other advantages include:
- Colour is baked through the tile so chips would be less easy to see
- Glaze offers the same protection as ceramic tiles
- Most dense material
- Retains heat better than stone
- The best option for steam showers
Matte or Glossy Finish
Gloss tiles have a shiner, reflective surface, while tiles with a matte finish are non-reflective. Advantages of glossy tiles:
- A smooth surface makes them easier to clean
- Create the illusion of light and space
- Make rooms appear larger
Advantages of Matte Tiles:
- Better at concealing smudges, stains, dried water droplets
- Recommended for floors
- Offer slip resistance in shower floors
Tile Size
Now it's time to decide between larger tiles, which can help create the illusion of more space, or smaller tiles, which create a streamlined appearance. However, depending on your shower situation, you should take into account these factors before deciding on your wall tile:
Large Format Tiles:
- Larger tiles can be difficult to manage and install
- Fewer grout lines mean less cleaning
- Best for moderate to large shower walls
- Aesthetically pleasing
Smaller Tiles:
- Easier to install
- Less likely to trap moisture
- More grout lines mean more cleaning
- For small bathroom showers, the tile for the wall should be kept to 1 to 4 square inches
Bathroom design can be a lot of work. From deciding which material you’re going to source the flooring or walls from to ensuring everything matches seamlessly, there’s a lot of information to sort through before you’re ready for tile installation. Once you’ve selected the perfect tile for your shower wall, it’s time to coordinate with the tile flooring. We offer a robust selection of bathroom shower tile that fits all of your needs.
