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When choosing the perfect shower tile, there are many considerations to keep in mind. You’ll want to think about the material, size, slip resistance, color, pattern, installation process, and maintenance requirements to make a fully informed decision.
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Material
Porcelain, ceramic, glass, and natural stone are the most common material options for shower tile.
Porcelain/Ceramic
Porcelain is a type of ceramic, so these two materials have similar benefits. Both options are very durable and naturally water-resistant, and they come in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, colors, and patterns.
Porcelain and ceramic can replicate the look of natural stone at a lower price and require less maintenance than genuine natural stone tiles. They’re also the most budget-friendly material options.
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Porcelain tends to be a better choice for showers than ceramic, as it’s less susceptible to chips and cracks. Whether you opt for porcelain or ceramic, though, be sure to choose tiles that are glazed for less maintenance. Unglazed porcelain and ceramic will need to be sealed regularly.
Glass
Glass tile is a common option for showers because it reflects light, making the space look brighter. It’s also waterproof, making it an excellent choice for shower tile, as mold and mildew cannot grow on it. However, it should only be used for shower walls, not floors, because it’s very slippery and can present a fall risk.
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Glass tile does have a few drawbacks to consider. It tends to be costly, and it’s more prone to chips, cracks, and scratches than other tile materials.
Natural Stone
The unique beauty of natural stone tile makes for a gorgeous upscale shower. Natural stone’s timeless, elegant appearance can even increase your home’s resale value.
Still, natural stone isn’t without its drawbacks. Along with glass tile, it’s one of the most expensive materials. It also requires the most maintenance, especially when used in showers. Natural stone shower tile needs to be resealed regularly to maintain its quality and water resistance. Some softer types of natural stone, such as limestone and marble, tend to be more susceptible to stains and scratches.
Size and Slip Resistance
When considering the right size of tiles for your shower, think about the size of your bathroom overall. In general, large tiles make small spaces seem bigger, while tiny tiles can make small spaces seem busy and overcrowded. Meanwhile, a larger space may be able to accommodate smaller tiles more easily.
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It’s common to use different tile sizes on shower walls and floors. The size of shower wall tile primarily depends on personal preference, but it’s usually best to opt for small tiles like mosaics or penny round tiles on the floor. Small tiles have more grout lines, providing more traction.
If you don’t want to use smaller tiles on your shower floor, another option is to choose tiles with texture to provide the necessary traction. If you choose smooth, glossy tiles for your shower floor, a non-slip shower mat will be needed to prevent falls and ensure safety.
Color and Pattern
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The color and pattern of your shower tile are completely up to individual preference. Of course, take the interior design of the rest of your bathroom into consideration to make sure the room’s style is cohesive.
While bold, trendy patterns can be fun, remember that you’ll likely be looking at this tile every day for years to come. If you’d prefer tile that’s more timeless, neutral colors and simple patterns are preferable. A few classic options include marble tile (or porcelain marble-look tile), variations of subway tile, herringbone tile, and hexagon or penny round tile for the shower floor.
Installation
As a general rule, hiring a professional to install shower tile is the way to go, especially if you don’t have much experience with DIY tile installation. Installing tile in a shower usually has a few extra steps to promote water resistance, and getting them right is crucial to prevent mold, mildew, and water damage.
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If you have DIY tile installation experience and are interested in installing shower tile yourself, we have a step-by-step guide for you to follow.
Maintenance
All types of shower tile need to be cleaned on a regular basis. Avoid abrasive cleaners and brushes when cleaning your shower tile, as they can create scratches on the tile’s surface. Instead, use a sponge and a mild cleaning solution intended for use on shower tile to remove grime and soap scum.
You can also mix one cup of warm water, two cups of white vinegar, and a teaspoon of dishwashing soap for a simple DIY cleaner. For stubborn stains, let the cleaning solution sit for 15 minutes before scrubbing it with a sponge. Always rinse your tile with water after cleaning.
Don’t forget to clean your grout! Mix baking soda and water to form a paste and apply it to the grout lines. Let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing the grout with a grout brush. Try to avoid using the grout brush on the surface of the tile. You can also use a steam cleaner to clean your shower tile and grout.
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All grout needs to be resealed and/or replaced on an as-needed basis, and natural stone may need to be resealed as often as every six months when used as shower tile. You should also dry natural stone tiles with a cloth after each shower to prevent mildew and mold growth.
Find the Right Shower Tile at Tilezz.com
At Tilezz.com, we have a wide range of natural stone, porcelain, ceramic, glass, and luxury vinyl tile to suit every style and preference. Take a look at our full product range–you’re sure to find the perfect shower tile for your bathroom. You can also visit our blog for more interior design inspiration posts and DIY tile installation guides. Follow us on Pinterest for even more Tilezz.com content.
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