What tiles should not be used in a shower?

Author: Bria Bogisich  |  Last update: Wednesday, June 10, 2026

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.

How do I know if my tile is ok for my shower floor?

- Check the specs on your tile to make sure it is rated for wet applications. - Select different tiles for the floor and walls of your shower or a single tile for both that is appropriate for the shower floor. - Apply sealers to your tile and grout regularly to add to its water-resistance.

Does it matter what kind of tile you use for a shower?

Porcelain tile is our number-1 choice for showers because of its diversity, durability, and water-resistance. Unlike some other tile materials, porcelain doesn't have any pores, which prevents the buildup of mildew and soap scum.

Is it bad to use ceramic tile in a shower?

Ceramic tiles are fine for shower walls as well. Just will be more prone to scratching if you use any type of abrasive cleaner on them. Glossy ceramic's glazed surface is non-porous, and very easy to keep clean.

Can you use any tile for a shower wall?

yes, ceramic tile (in most cases) is an excellent choice for shower walls. many options are water resistant, durable, and easy to clean too. if you're into easy everyday maintenance, glossy ceramic tile, in particular, could be the best tile option for your shower walls.

TILE GUY SHOULD NOT BUILD SHOWERS

Which is better for showers, porcelain or ceramic?

Porcelain's low water absorption rate makes it ideal for use in high-moisture environments like bathroom floors and shower surrounds or in outdoor spaces like patios.

What should you not do when tiling a shower?

Avoid These 7 Bathroom Tiling Mistakes
  1. Not Preparing the Wall. ...
  2. Haphazardly Applying Caulking. ...
  3. Skipping a Backer Board. ...
  4. Laying Out Tile Incorrectly. ...
  5. Using Improper Tools. ...
  6. Skimping On Quality Grout. ...
  7. Creating Grout Haze. ...
  8. How Do You Avoid Bathroom Tile Mistakes?

Why not to tile a shower?

1. Water Resistant, Not Waterproof. Grout is a porous material, meaning that any time water sits on grout, that water is trying to seep into it. If you do not regularly seal your grout, water can get behind your grout and tile and cause damage to the materials behind it.

What is best to put behind tile in a shower?

Install cement board or an equivalent moisture-resistant backing material on walls behind tub and shower enclosures composed of tile or panel assemblies with caulked joints. Don't use paper-faced backer board, i.e., paper-faced drywall, behind seamed tub and shower enclosures.

What is the easiest shower tile to maintain?

Ceramic tile makes cleaning easy as it is not easily stained and can be cleaned with as little as some soap and water — no harsh chemicals needed!

What shower tile never goes out of style?

Tiles in marble, limestone or terrazzo will never go out of style. These are the materials we consider to be the most classic and timeless. The issue is that they can be hard to keep clean but now thanks to all the advancement in tile technology we can get the look using porcelain tiles instead of the real deal.

Should you use the same tile on floor and shower walls?

The prevalent answer to the frequently asked question, “Should I use the same tile for floor and shower?” is mostly a yes. Interior designers and contractors claim the numerous benefits to using this approach.

What is the ideal tile for shower?

The best tiles for bathroom showers are porcelain and ceramic tiles. Porcelain tiles are extremely durable and water-resistant, making them ideal for shower floors and walls. Ceramic tiles also offer excellent water resistance and come in a variety of styles for shower walls.

Does water get under tile in shower?

When the grout is compromised, water can penetrate through the cracks and accumulate beneath the tiles, leading to water damage. Additionally, a damaged or improperly installed shower pan can also cause water damage.

What is the life expectancy of shower tiles?

You may be wondering how long does a ceramic or porcelain tiled shower last. Ideally, it should last around 60-80 years with yearly maintenance. You may need to reseal the tiles once a year and replace the grouting every ten years or more if you use the shower too frequently.

Should you use ceramic or porcelain tile in a shower?

It is made from a more refined clay and fired at higher temperatures than ceramic tile, resulting in a denser and less porous material. This makes porcelain tile an excellent choice for high-moisture areas like showers.

What is the most durable tile?

Most Durable Tile Flooring Options
  • Natural Stone Tiles. Natural stone tiles like granite, marble, and limestone are extremely durable. ...
  • Porcelain Tiles. Because they're heavier and less porous, porcelain tiles are another ideal tile flooring option for those seeking durability. ...
  • Concrete Tiles. ...
  • Quarry Tiles. ...
  • Ceramic Tiles.

How do I know what kind of tile is in my shower?

Turn over a piece of loose tile. The unglazed surface of ceramic tile will feel coarse. The finer grain of porcelain will be smooth to the touch. Ceramic tiles aren't as dense as porcelain and therefore are slightly lighter by comparison.

What is the best flooring for a walk in shower?

Tiled Floor. The most common choice of flooring finish when it comes to a wet room or walk in shower is tiles. A tiled floor finish also means that you have the widest choice of under tray / wet room tray available as nearly all wetroom trays are designed to accept at least a tiled floor finish.

Should tile go to the ceiling in a shower?

If your bathroom tends to get humid or you are installing a steam shower, you should tile the ceiling to help protect it from moisture. Note: if you are installing a steam shower you need to slope (slant) the ceiling. Sloping the ceiling avoid condensation from accumulating and dripping on top of unsuspecting heads.

What is the best alternative to tile in a shower?

Acrylic panels

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 lowest maintenance tile for a shower?

Which Shower Materials are Easiest to Clean?
  • Glass Tile. A glass shower always looks beautiful, modern and comes in every color under the sun! ...
  • Porcelain Tile. Porcelain is a top pick! ...
  • Ceramic Tile. ...
  • Natural Stone Tile. ...
  • Granite Tile. ...
  • Marble Tile. ...
  • Other Options. ...
  • Low Maintenance Shower Walls.

Why do tile showers fail?

Falling tiles are usually the result of faulty installation or water infiltration. In bathroom areas, moisture is the most likely culprit, but it's still important to rule out factors like: Low-quality materials. Failure to prime the plaster behind tiles.

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