Upgrading or renovating your bathroom? Choosing the right tiles for your shower walls is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. The perfect tiles will stand up to moisture, prevent leaks, be easy to clean, and look beautiful.
With so many options on the market, it can be tricky to select the best tiles for your shower walls. This guide will walk you through the pros and cons of the most popular shower wall tile materials so you can pick the perfect option for your space and style. We’ll also provide tips on tile installation and maintenance.
The Benefits of Using Tile in Showers
Before we get into the specific materials, let’s go over some main benefits of using them for your shower walls:
- Durability — Tiles are very durable, water-resistant, and stain-resistant, making them ideal for the moisture and humidity of shower walls. Quality options can last for decades.
- Easy to clean — Smooth surfaces are easy to wipe down and keep clean. Grout lines provide a grip for scrubbing off soap scum and dirt.
- Impervious to water — Tiles prevent leaks and water damage better than drywall or other shower wall materials. The waterproofing goes beyond just the surface.
- Design options — Tiles come in a huge variety of sizes, shapes, colours, textures, and patterns. Glass, stone, and ceramic allow for unlimited design possibilities.
- Affordable — While some higher-end options can be pricey, there are very budget-friendly ones that still provide an elegant shower wall look.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Shower Wall Tiles
Before we get into the specific materials, let’s go over some main benefits of using them for your shower walls:
- Wetness level — More water exposure needs more water-resistant materials. Fully immersed walls require waterproof grout and water-safe backing too.
- Ease of cleaning — Smaller grout lines, smoother surfaces, and non-porous materials are easiest to keep clean. Avoid textured options that allow buildup of dirt and grime.
- Appearance — Sample boards can help you visualize how materials will look on full walls. Larger sizes or busy patterns can be overwhelming.
- Cost — Material, size, finishing, and quality cause a wide range of pricing. Set a budget before falling for expensive options.
- DIY skill level — Self-installing is possible for some motivated homeowners but can also go wrong. Be realistic about your skill level.
Now let’s dive into the pros, cons, prices, and best uses for the most popular shower wall materials on the market in 2024.
Ceramic and Porcelain Tile
Without a doubt, ceramic and porcelain tiles are the most common choices for shower wall tile these days. Let’s look at the differences between the two:
Ceramic Tile
Ceramic has traditionally made up the bulk of the market. It is made from clay that is shaped and then fired in a kiln at high temperatures. Here are some benefits:
- Huge variety of colours, styles, finishes
- Affordable, starting around $1 per square foot
- Easy for DIY installation
- Durable, but not as strong as porcelain
The main drawback of ceramic tile is that it is semi-porous and more prone to absorbing water. This means it needs to be sealed. Overall though, ceramic tile is a budget-friendly option that works well for shower walls.
Porcelain Tile
Porcelain has become incredibly popular. It is made from refined clay that makes it dense and impervious to water. Some key advantages:
- Extremely durable, scratch-resistant and waterproof
- Maintains colour integrity and resists fading
- Low maintenance and easy-to-clean
- Often has modern styles and realistic stone looks
Porcelain is ideal for shower walls. But it does come at a higher price point, costing $4-$20 per square foot on average. For a watertight shower wall that maintains a beautiful look, porcelain tile is worth the investment.
Glass Tile
Looking to make a design statement in your bathroom? Then glass might be the perfect choice. Here is an overview:
- Made from recycled glass formed into tiles
- Available in limitless colour options, finishes, and degrees of opacity
- Adds brilliant pops of colour, sheen, and visual texture
- Naturally waterproof and extremely easy to clean
- Higher cost at $15-$30 per square foot
The only downside to glass is the pricing. But used sparingly or in small areas like a shower niche, glass is an eye-catching choice.
Stone Tile
Natural stone tiles lend an undeniable elegance to shower walls. Let’s look at some of the most popular stone options:
Marble Tile
Marble has a sophisticated veining and upscale aesthetic. It is available in a range of natural colours like white, grey, black, and green. The downsides are that it stains easily, needs frequent sealing, and is one of the more expensive natural stone options at $10-$30 per square foot on average. Use in low-splash areas.
Travertine Tile
Travertine is a porous limestone that forms naturally from mineral deposits. It has rustic holes and pits that can create an interesting textured look. Travertine comes in tan/beige colours with a lot of variation. But those holes make it tricky to keep clean as they collect grime. Costs range from $8-$25 per square foot. Limit to accents.
Slate Tile
Slate tile forms from compressed shale and has an earthy, rustic feel. Its natural grey/blue/green colouring offers a distinctive look. Slate is naturally waterproof and needs less sealing than other stone tiles. Pricing is comparable to travertine at $8-$30 per square foot. Can work well fully immersed.
While beautiful, most natural stone tiles require more maintenance in showers. Limit them to accents or low-splash zones unless using a robust material like slate across the entire wall. Always seal properly.
Installation and Grouting Tips
Once you’ve selected the best tile materials for your shower, proper installation is key. Here are some tips:
- Consult with experienced tile professionals on materials required like backer board, thin set, and grout. Using the right products prevents leaks and damage.
- Carefully plan the tile layout. Balance cuts, account for niches and fittings, use leveling systems to get straight lines.
- Sealing and grouting take precision. Follow directions exactly for full coverage and waterproofing capabilities.
- DIY is possible for skilled homeowners but has more margin for error. Stick to simpler tile installations if going the DIY route.
- Professionals have the experience to get details like waterproofing and transitions right. Their workmanship warranty provides peace of mind.
Maintaining Your Shower Wall Tiles
Lastly, keep your shower tiles looking like new with these maintenance tips:
- Routinely wipe down tiles using a squeegee after showering and a mild cleaner weekly. This prevents soap scum buildup and hard water stains.
- Re-seal grout and tiles annually or as directed. Sealers wear off over time, exposing porous surfaces.
- Immediately clean up spills, drips or leaks. Staining is less likely if you promptly wipe the area.
- Check for any cracks or damage regularly. Repair quickly to avoid water getting in and loosening tiles.
- Follow suggested cleaners for your specific tile material to avoid damage from harsh chemicals.
Summary
We hope this guide has taken the guesswork out of choosing tiles for your shower walls. By considering your design goals, skill level, and budget, you’re sure to find the best tile to make your shower walls waterproof, low maintenance, and gorgeous. From affordable ceramic to luxurious stone, the options are endless. Just focus on selecting durable, easy-to-clean tiles suited for wet areas. Then make sure installation and maintenance are done properly. Follow these tips and your shower tiles will add beauty and function to your bathroom for decades to come.