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What are the Different Types of Bathroom Tile for a Shower?

Tara Barnett
Tara Barnett

There are many different types of bathroom tile for a shower. It is important to consider the benefits and drawbacks of each specific type of tile when choosing bathroom tile for a shower, particularly if the tile will be used on the shower floor. Safety is a major concern, and using slick tiles can be somewhat dangerous. Other than safety and durability concerns, the types of bathroom tile for a shower are different primarily for aesthetic reasons. Designing the best shower using tile is therefore largely a matter of personal preference.

When choosing bathroom tile for a shower, both materials and color should be considered. Different materials will be appropriate for different households, but going bold within a budget is not a terrible thing. A bright bathroom can be wonderful for children, and a sophisticated bathroom can be impressive to guests. Patterning the shower tile in a way that fits the mood of the room is important for maintaining an appropriate atmosphere.

When choosing bathroom tile for a shower, both materials and color should be considered.
When choosing bathroom tile for a shower, both materials and color should be considered.

Among the different tile materials that can be used in showers, ceramic and glass tiles are very popular. Tiles made of linoleum, concrete, or stone can also be used. Specialty tiles might be made of different materials, such as resin or metal, but it is important to make sure that these items will stand up to the activities that take place in a shower. Frequent wetness as well as harsh washing can degrade some specialty tiles quickly.

Showers may consist of unconventional materials, such as stone.
Showers may consist of unconventional materials, such as stone.

In terms of design, there are many different types of bathroom tile for a shower. Many people choose large tiles because these are somewhat easier to install than smaller tiles. Often, people find that natural variegated colors look good in a shower, or plain white may be desired. Depending on the amount of skill someone has with tile, it may even be possible to make a complex mosaic in a shower.

Future maintenance needs are often a deciding factor when choosing shower tiles.
Future maintenance needs are often a deciding factor when choosing shower tiles.

Beyond color and material, there are also very unique tile types made specifically for showers. Some tiles change color in hot or cold water, and these look very interesting in a shower. It is also common to see tiles that are decorated with bath-themed images designed specifically for bathrooms and showers. Looking at bathroom tile specifically can help a person choose the best type of tile for a shower.

Shower floors made of ceramic tile and sealed grout typically do not need further waterproofing.
Shower floors made of ceramic tile and sealed grout typically do not need further waterproofing.

Usually, people use regular shapes like squares for shower tile, but some people choose more complex designs. Piecing together tile by hand can be extremely difficult, and it can be even more difficult if the shape is on multiple planes. A tile installation professional or a tile store may be able to suggest the best type of bathroom tile for a shower within a person's budget.

Discussion Comments

Terrificli

@Logicfest -- That is not entirely true. There are some great inserts that look and feel a lot like tile, only without the grout and associated problems.

A lot of this has to do with personal preference. Some people just like tile and don't want anything else. Nothing wrong with that at all. But there are some good, alternative products available. Thank goodness for that. Consumers deserve choices.

Logicfest

@Melonlity -- Oh, tile isn't done yet. A lot of those shower inserts are cheap, slippery plastic things that don't come close to the luxurious feel of honest-to-goodness tile. And sealing grout yearly is an easy thing to do and it can make tile very water resistant.

Melonlity

Or you could just skip tile altogether and get something more water resistant such as a fiberglass or plastic shower insert. The problem with tile is that the grout filling in the cracks between the tiles breaks down over time and allows water to seep through the cracks. Mold, mildew, water damage and all sorts of nasty things then occur.

Besides, tile tends to be more expensive that shower inserts. Hopefully, tile is on the way out as it has been replaced by a better product.

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    • When choosing bathroom tile for a shower, both materials and color should be considered.
      By: Dmitry Ersler
      When choosing bathroom tile for a shower, both materials and color should be considered.
    • Showers may consist of unconventional materials, such as stone.
      By: Mila Supynska
      Showers may consist of unconventional materials, such as stone.
    • Future maintenance needs are often a deciding factor when choosing shower tiles.
      By: Elnur
      Future maintenance needs are often a deciding factor when choosing shower tiles.
    • Shower floors made of ceramic tile and sealed grout typically do not need further waterproofing.
      By: Barabas Attila
      Shower floors made of ceramic tile and sealed grout typically do not need further waterproofing.