Porcelain tile is recommended for bathrooms, including floors, tub and shower surrounds and countertops. Porcelain is recommended for kitchens, but glazed ceramic tile is a budget-friendly option. Glazed ceramic tiles are a good choice for a kitchen backsplash.
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.
Ultimately, porcelain tile is the superior choice for bathroom floors. When compared to ceramic, the material is much better equipped for rooms that use plumbing. It's also easier to maintain than ceramic tile.
Like we mentioned before, ceramic flooring is extremely hard. While this makes it easier to clean and maintain, it can also make it uncomfortable to stand on. This material, unlike resilient floors, can't be softened using padded underlayments, which means it might not be a suitable choice for some.
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!
Corian® Solid Surface shower walls can be perfectly integrated to create the sleek impression of a single flowing surface that eliminates grout. With the use of a seamlessly streamlined material in every corner, there are no visible joints or cracks to collect dirt and moisture.
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.
Ceramic tile is very durable and can withstand high foot traffic. It's also impervious to water and stains, making it a great choice for bathrooms.
Porcelain tiles
It's sturdy, durable, and highly water-resistant, and it isn't easy to scratch or stain. Porcelain can also be used to create beautiful effects, as it's available in a wide range of colours and can also be made to look like wood or stone, providing a more durable alternative to either.
Porcelain is crafted from a mix of fine clays and minerals fired at extremely high temperatures, making it harder and denser than ceramic tile. Porcelain resists staining, water, bacteria and odors. It's difficult to scratch, resists fire and comes in a variety of shapes, colors and styles.
Best Tiles for Shower Walls and Backsplashes. While ceramic and porcelain tiles work best for shower floors, they are also a good fit for shower walls thanks to their waterproof and non-slip qualities when glazed. In fact, ceramic and porcelain tiles are found on tons of shower walls in U.S. homes.
Stone tiles often are waterproof, and porcelain tiles are far more waterproof. Porcelain tiles have a very similar look to ceramic tiles, being also made from clay. However, they go through a different heating process which makes them less porous. This also makes them harder and less prone to chipping.
Cost. Porcelain tile tends to be priced higher than ceramic tile due to its relatively superior durability and water resistance as well as requiring a more energy-intensive manufacturing process. Installation. Their density and hardness make them more challenging to cut and install.
Material and texture should play a huge role in your shower tile selection. The most important thing to keep in mind is that shower tile needs to be slip-resistant. This isn't as important for the shower walls, but the floor needs to have lots of traction for safety.
Ceramic and porcelain tiles are top picks for easy-clean bathrooms. Porcelain is great because it resists stains and moisture well. It's perfect for busy bathrooms. Sanded grout is the cheapest but needs regular re-sealing to stay stain-resistant.
If you want to select the best bathroom wall tiles, factors like size, natural light, area of use, and your preferred design should help. Also, hopefully, the tile you select will remain within your budget. However, one of the ways to minimise your tiling budget is to focus on the wet areas first.
Ceramic tile with matte finish is an affordable option that works well for keeping dirt out of sight. This finish will also make your tile much less slippery when wet.
The two biggest considerations are usually cost and water resistance. Porcelain tile is recommended for bathrooms, including floors, tub and shower surrounds and countertops. Porcelain is recommended for kitchens, but glazed ceramic tile is a budget-friendly option.
Is porcelain clay more expensive than earthenware and stoneware clay? The simple answer to this question is yes. Porcelain clay gives the most translucent and durable finish, water resistance and also enables the creation of the finest and most valuable pieces of china.
When it comes to bathroom tile trends for 2025, marble bathroom tiles are having their moment. Whether it is a classic white marble like the Carrara Bianco Marble or checkerboard tiles like the Riviera Emerald & White, marble tiles are sure to elevate any bathroom scheme, adding a timeless elegance.
What type of tile is not slippery? The best type of tiles that aren't slippery is exterior grade R11 or higher-rated porcelain tiles. These flat outdoor tiles have a more textured grip surface which makes them less slippery. The textured surface of the tile provides traction and reduces the risk of slipping.
Stick to neutral colours. Timeless interiors are usually neutral in colour, think black, white, beige, grey and ivory for the most classic look.