How to choose shower tile

Shower tile has to look good, stay watertight and be safe to stand on when wet. The walls and the floor have different jobs, so they are usually chosen separately.

Material

• Porcelain: dense, very low water absorption, the safest all-round choice for walls and floors.
• Ceramic: great for walls, lighter and easier to cut, with a huge range of colors and glazes. Check that it is rated for floors before using it underfoot.
• Natural stone: beautiful, but it needs sealing and gentle cleaners. See marble.

Wall tile size

Large-format tile (12" by 24" and up) means fewer grout lines and a calmer look. Subway and other small formats bring pattern and texture. Very large tile needs flat walls, so the prep and install cost more.

Floor tile and slip resistance

The shower floor has to slope to the drain, which is easier with small tile such as 2" mosaics or penny rounds. More grout lines also mean more grip. Look for a DCOF rating of 0.42 or higher for wet areas, and choose matte or textured finishes. A linear drain lets you use larger tile on a single slope.

Grout

Cement grout is traditional and inexpensive but should be sealed. Epoxy or high-performance grout resists stains and mildew and never needs sealing, which is worth it in a shower. A grout color close to the tile hides lines; a contrasting color shows off the pattern.

Niches, benches and trim

Plan niches and benches before the walls are built, and size niches to land on full tiles. Finish exposed tile edges with a bullnose or a metal edge trim. The shower tile calculator works out quantities, and the grout calculator covers grout.

Getting it built

Shower tile is only as good as the waterproofing behind it. Our custom tile showers use a full waterproofing system; installation is a separate, quoted service. Not sure what style you like? Try the tile style quiz.

Common questions

What is the best tile for a shower floor?

Small porcelain mosaics with a matte or textured finish. The extra grout lines add grip and let the floor slope to the drain.

Is large tile good for shower walls?

Yes. Fewer grout lines are easier to clean. The walls must be very flat, which adds prep time.

Do I need to seal shower grout?

Cement grout should be sealed. Epoxy and many high-performance grouts do not need sealing.