Shower Wall Tile Guide: How to Choose Shower Wall Tile

Shower tile is available in a variety of different shapes, sizes, and materials; depending on the layout of your bathroom, the shower surround can extend above the rim of the tub or merge with the floor tile. The wall tile of your tub surround acts as a backsplash that protects the bathroom shower walls from excess moisture and water damage.

Some showers have a shower pan that keeps excess water from spilling out onto the surrounding bathroom floor. DIY tile installation can be challenging with this configuration because you will need to cut and fit smaller tiles at the transition step, similar to an installation at the edge of a countertop. Bullnose tile can be a good choice for a step-in shower pan because it has beveled corners instead of a sharper square tile transition.

Although appearance might be the first aspect you think about tiling a shower, you should also examine these other factors before finalizing your bathroom wall tile selection.

1. 1. Cost: The average cost of shower wall tile installation is $7–$25 per square foot, depending on the material. Higher-end marble tile, like Carrara tile, can cost hundreds of dollars per square foot. If you have experience with tile home improvement projects, you can save some installation costs by doing it yourself. However, keep in mind that vertical installation requires a higher level of skill than floor installation, so you might need a professional consultation.
2. 2. Pattern: You can cut and set tiles to fit various patterns that accommodate your interior design vision. Some popular art deco tile patterns that can provide classic charm to your shower niche include hexagon, chevron, herringbone, and mosaic tiles. It is important to note that the more intricate a tile pattern is, the more detail and patience the installer will need to complete the project.
3. 3. Safety: You will need to place your selected tile material in thinset mortar, grout it, and then seal it to ensure it remains water-resistant for years after installation. If you are choosing shower floor tile for a walk-in shower, test the material when it is wet to verify it has the slip resistance you need to keep you and your family safe.
4. 4. Size: Aside from the aesthetic differences between small-format and large-format tiles, tile size can also affect the safety of a bathroom floor. If you wish to match your shower wall with the same material as your bathroom floor, smaller tiles like penny rounds will be safer than larger tiles because there is more grout between the tiles. Grout lines will add more traction to a wet walking surface.
   

Whether you desire a minimalist brick look, the design statement of bold-colored hexagon tiles, or another aesthetic entirely, chances are there is a tile option that will fit your style and budget. Review these five popular tile options to narrow your search.

1. 1. Ceramic tile: Compared to other bathroom tile options, ceramic tile is well suited for a bathroom wall because it provides exceptional water resistance, durability, and ease of installation. Furthermore, ceramic is a customizable product that can mimic the appearance and texture of higher-end options but at a lower price point.
2. 2. Marble tile: This higher-end option will give your bathroom a classy stone look. Although marble tiles are traditionally more expensive, the exceptional quality and appearance that marble provides can be a definite selling point when it comes to listing your home in the future.
3. 3. Porcelain tile: Similar to ceramic wall tiles, porcelain tiles can fit nearly any requirements. If you have been searching for a tile option with a wood look that is more water-resistant than natural wood, porcelain tile can be a durable choice to consider. Additionally, you can purchase porcelain in a diverse range of colors, patterns, and finishes.
4. 4. Subway tile: This glass mosaic–like style provides a clean and uniform look for your shower wall. White subway tile is common for a bathroom or kitchen backsplash, but it is also a durable and low-maintenance choice for your shower.
5. 5. Terra-cotta tile: Although this tile option derives from hard-baked clay, it mimics the warm and rustic matte texture of natural stone. Terra-cotta is an incredibly long-lasting flooring option and, for that reason, has been a go-to building material for craftsmen since the age of the Roman empire.

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