There are many factors that go into choosing the right tile for your shower walls. Although appearance is a major selling point of tile, it is not the only factor that must be considered. Other factors to consider are the size and durability of the tile in wet environments, how easy they are to clean and more.

Choose the right tile material for shower walls

Ceramic materials, glazed porcelain, and natural stone are the most sought-after options for shower spaces. Each has its own distinctive features that make them unique to homeowners. Certain types of wall tiles don’t work well in the shower. Mosaics can also create a lot of grout lines so you should use them sparingly, or simply as a feature strip. These are the most popular types of tile homeowners choose for their shower walls:

Glazed ceramic tiles

Model Shown: Jardin

This tile is great for homeowners looking for an easy-to-use tile. While basic designs are the most affordable, more expensive options can be found. Ceramic tiles are also durable and come in many sizes and styles. Ceramic is easy to cut, but it can also be fragile and can crack or break if not taken care of properly. These ceramic tiles have a glaze that keeps out moisture. This seal is great for shower walls. The tile is easy to maintain and scratch-resistant as well, thanks to the glaze. It seals any porous areas which may be susceptible to mould or mildew.

Glazed porcelain tile

Model Shown: Monoscopio

These tiles are similar to ceramic tiles in that they come in many colours, shapes and patterns. However, they are harder and make for a more durable tile. These tiles are also more expensive, though they continue to be a popular choice among homeowners. Glazed porcelain is not as susceptible to chipping as ceramic tiles. The colour is baked through the tile so that chips can’t be seen even if it does crack or chip. It offers the same protection as the ceramic tile’s glazing, which makes it an excellent choice for shower walls. Porcelain is the most suitable tile for a steam-shower because it is dense and retains heat effectively.

Natural stone tile

Model Shown: Signs

This tile is highly sought after because of its unique beauty. It can also look fantastic on walls in a bathroom. Although stone is durable, it requires more care and maintenance than ceramic and porcelain tiles. Despite its need for a little more maintenance, stone tile is a high-end choice for homeowners looking for a luxurious look. Certain natural stones are better than others for a bathroom shower. This is why it is important to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of different materials. The Natural Stone Institute advises that granite and marble be sealed in wet areas. This is because they are porous, unlike porcelain and glazed ceramic tiles.

Take into account the tile size

While some people prefer the simplicity of a subway tile, others might prefer a tile with patterns and potentially a larger format. You have a lot of options, so make sure to consider the dimensions and layout of your bathroom when making a decision. There aren’t any hard and fast rules. However, there are some common sizes of tiles that are very popular. These include 12×12, 16×16 and 12×24. Subway tiles of 3×6 are also popular. Large-format tiles are very popular but can be tricky to install, especially on walls. For small tiles, there will be more cutting and grouting.

Try the Tile in Your Space

To help you make a decision, nothing is better than seeing the tile in action. It is one thing to look at a tile online or in a store, but it’s quite another to actually see it in a shower. It is important to assess the size and reflectivity of the tiles. This will help you decide if the colours will match the palette under the lights or in the sunlight. This is a crucial step for paint and also applies to tile. While this is not as common with plain tiles or white tiles, colours and patterns can make a room feel different. It is worth spending a small amount to purchase a few samples of tiles to ensure that the tile matches the overall design. To get the best match, make sure you check the tiles in different lighting conditions. Another factor to consider is the tile’s colour and texture. The general design rule states that lighter colours will make a space seem larger while darker colours may make it feel smaller. Bathrooms are often the smallest rooms in the house, so this can be a significant consideration. Also, tiles with textured designs, like those that look like wood, can be difficult to clean in the shower, as moisture builds up and causes mildew.

Grout is not to be forgotten

Although grout may not be something you think of when selecting a bathroom tile, it should be considered as it requires regular maintenance. Grout is a more difficult element to maintain than porcelain or ceramic tiles. Grout lines can collect mould, mildew and grime, especially in moist environments like showers.

Wrap Up

For all your shower wall tile needs, Italbec has you covered! Contact us today for a consultation! In the meantime, make sure to check out our blog on how white bathroom tiles create a spacious design !