Some people would look for several shower wall tile ideas and try to tile up their bathroom as a DIY project. Tiling your own bathroom will definitely save up your budget but if you do not have the DIY skill then you better leave it to the professional. In this article, we have several useful tips when it comes to how to properly tiling a bathroom.
The first thing you need to know is tiling the window ledge in the bathroom. You need to tuck the tiler to the edge of the wall right under the tile of the ledge it will give a cleaner result. Other than that, it will help to protect the tilework.
How to tile a symmetrical layout
So, when you want to make a symmetrical layout for your shower wall, you may start the process from the center outward. Some people always start the work from one end and make another work on the other size. This method will lead to a weird look tile that appears like a pain in the neck. If you start from the center outward, you might still need small pieces of tile for the end. Still, it looks symmetrical though.
Exposed tile edges
If you found the exposed tile edges in your bathroom, you need to deal with this problem by using a proper method. One of the most famous ways is by using the tile backer board from Durock to make a cleaner look at the edge. After that, you can paint the edge of tiles with the same color as the bathroom walls.
Grout between a tile and other materials
The grout between a tile and other non-tile materials create such a terrible look. Some people might caulk the joint between the laminated countertop and tiles, you might use the tiler used grout to fix this. When you fix the tile and the non-tile materials, you need to use the proper caulk though.
Buy a better quality of tile
If you tile a certain area in the bathroom like the backsplash, bathtub, and other limited areas, it is better if you buy material with the best quality. Since the space is very limited, it will be a great investment though. Other than that, tiles with excellent quality will not cause any hassle in the future due to maintenance or other matters. And this is the end of tips for shower wall tile ideas.
What are the most suitable tiles for shower walls?
Your shower offers an opportunity for you to showcase your individual style while also creating a practical space. Tiles are an excellent option for shower spaces because both ceramic and porcelain tiles are appropriate for use in wet environments. However, selecting the right tiles for your shower can be overwhelming with the variety of options available, from mosaics to plain tiles, large format, neutrals, or colors.
Are shiny or non-shiny tiles better for shower walls?
You can use either based on your personal preference. Glossy tiles have a reflective surface, while non-shiny (matte) tiles are more flat and less reflective. Note that glossy tiles have a smoother surface, allowing for easier cleaning and creating a sense of light and spaciousness. On the other hand, matte tiles are better at hiding smudges, stains, and dried water droplets.
While glossy finishes don’t significantly impact safety on walls and fixtures, we recommend matte finishes for floors. A non-slip matte finish with an R10 slip rating is the ideal choice, providing safety and easy cleaning. We carry many R10 finish tiles suitable for wet areas inside your home.
Glossy tiles can make small rooms appear larger, similar to the effect of adding a mirror. The reflection of light creates a sense of openness and widens the space visually. Therefore, glossy tiles are a great design choice for bathrooms, which are often smaller and narrower.
If you prefer a natural or rustic look, matte tiles are the way to go. With various options such as stone, wood, and cement effect tiles available, the warm, natural tones contribute to the rustic feel. Matte tiles also create a relaxing and calming environment for those seeking tranquility.
What are the best tiles for the shower walls?
You can choose any porcelain or ceramic tile that is suitable for use in wet areas according to the provided selection.
Should the entire bathroom be tiled?
A fully-tiled bathroom is ideal as it ensures that all wet areas are covered with a waterproof surface, minimizing maintenance and ensuring longevity. Painted surfaces tend to have a short lifespan in wet areas.
In a fully-tiled bathroom, all walls are tiled from floor to ceiling, often eliminating the need for skirting boards and tiled window sills for a seamless finish. This also eliminates the need for wall painting and reduces the need for extra decoration. Accessories like heated towel rails can be directly installed onto the tiled walls.
Opting for a floor-to-ceiling tile installation can make the bathroom appear larger. The presence of numerous tiles allows light to bounce, creating the illusion of a wider room.
Half-tiled bathrooms have a combination of tiled and painted walls and are typically only tiled in wet areas such as shower enclosures, around baths, and behind basins. There are some considerations to keep in mind with this choice:
Skirting boards will be necessary to cover the junction of the wall and floor in areas that are not tiled, potentially resulting in additional costs for the supply and fitting of skirting boards as well as subsequent painting.
Non-tiled walls may need to be skimmed if they are to be painted.
Untiled walls will require painting, which requires both time and money.
What should I keep in mind when selecting shower tile for my bathroom?
Consider the following when choosing the shower tile for your bathroom.
- Prioritize Safety: It’s important to use tiles for areas that are exposed to water on shower walls and to use grip tiles for floors to prevent slips and falls.
It’s crucial to ensure that your shower flooring is waterproof. When installed correctly using the right methods and materials, a tiled floor or wall is waterproof and provides protection against water that could otherwise damage the underlying construction. While other building products may claim to be waterproof, they may lack the appropriate waterproof installation methods, leading to potential leaks, moisture retention, and damage from splashes.
- Promote Healthy Air!
Moisture-rich environments like bathrooms and showers are breeding grounds for bacteria and mold. If tiles are cleaned regularly, they are inhospitable to harmful microorganisms such as mold, fungi, bacteria, and viruses.
Explore Stylish Shower Wall Options for Your Bathroom
For many, the shower is a place of relaxation where stress fades away under the warm water. If your shower is your personal zen space, you may want to upgrade it with a shower remodel. One important decision to make is the choice of shower wall material.
Your shower walls contribute to the overall character of your bathroom and significantly influence the ambiance when you step inside to freshen up. Fortunately, there are several excellent options for bathroom shower wall materials, including acrylic, natural stone, ceramic, and even concrete. We’ll discuss the best shower wall materials and their advantages and disadvantages to help you make the right decision.
What Are the Top Shower Wall Materials?
The most popular shower wall materials are acrylic and tile. Each option has its own pros and cons, and the best material for your shower walls will depend on your preferences, budget, and available space.
Acrylic shower walls are a durable, cost-effective, and low-maintenance choice, making them suitable for many homeowners. However, if you prioritize design flexibility and the ability to repair or replace individual tiles, tile walls may be the better option.
Let’s delve into each option.
Tile Shower Walls
Tile walls have long been favored by homeowners for bathroom shower walls due to their wide array of colors, designs, and materials. They offer nearly limitless possibilities for bathroom design and décor, with options including ceramic, natural stone, glass, and porcelain tiles. One significant advantage of tile walls is the ability to replace or repair individual tiles without needing to replace the entire wall.
However, tile walls present their own unique challenges. They are susceptible to cracking and chipping, but their lifespan can be extended with proper care and sealing. They are also more prone to leaks due to the nature of the bathroom, the applied grout, and the shower itself.
Installing tile walls is generally more intricate, time-consuming, and messy compared to acrylic walls. While DIY installation is possible, it’s usually recommended to hire a professional. The overall cost of installing tile walls is higher than that of acrylic wall surrounds when considering factors such as mortar, grout, and specialized tools.
Maintaining cleanliness of your tile shower walls can also be labor-intensive. Wiping down the tiles after each use is necessary to prevent mold growth and stains. Additionally, regular cleaning using a grout cleaner is required for the grout lines. Proper sealing is also crucial to protect the grout from stains and moisture.
Pros of Tile Shower Walls
Individual tiles can be switched out or fixed without needing to replace the entire wall.
Comes in a wide range of designs, patterns, and color options, allowing for flexibility and creativity in bathroom design.
Proper maintenance and sealing can preserve and safeguard them from damage.
Cons of Tile Shower Walls
Prone to cracking and chipping, which may necessitate repairs or replacements.
More susceptible to leaks.
Requires regular cleaning of grout lines with a grout cleaner.
Regular sealing is necessary.
Installation is generally more complex, time-consuming, and messy.
Hiring a professional installer may be necessary.
Higher cost compared to some other shower wall options.
Acrylic Shower Walls
Acrylic shower walls provide extensive options for customization. They can imitate the look of tiles, although they may not achieve the exact aesthetic appeal.
Recognized for their durability, acrylic shower surrounds are resistant to chipping or scratches. When properly installed, an acrylic wall is more likely to have a longer lifespan than a tiled wall.
Another significant advantage of acrylic walls is their ease of cleaning. Their smooth surface only requires a quick wipe down with a damp cloth. Stubborn dirt and soap scum can be easily removed with a non-abrasive cleaner.
Acrylic surrounds generally have a lower cost compared to tile walls due to the use of mortar, grout, and special tools. The installation process is quicker, making it a more convenient choice for many homeowners.
Pros of Acrylic Shower Walls
Highly durable and resistant to scratches or chipping
Longer lasting than tile walls when correctly installed
Smooth surface is easy to clean with just a damp cloth and a quick wipe down
Generally less expensive than tile walls
The installation process for acrylic surrounds is faster and neater in comparison to tile walls.
Cons of Acrylic Shower Walls
Often limited color options and may not provide the same level of design versatility as real tile walls
May not offer the same appeal and visual impact as actual tiles.
Comparing Acrylic and Tile: Key Factors
Acrylic or tile: which is the best material for your bathroom shower walls? Let’s examine how each of these choices measures up against the other.
Longevity and Lifespan: While tile walls can be upheld with professional-grade sealing and proper care, they are more prone to cracking or chipping compared to acrylic walls. Acrylic wall surrounds, however, are highly durable and more resistant to damage, making them a more enduring choice. Cleaning and Maintenance: Acrylic walls are simpler to clean and maintain than tile walls. Nevertheless, the ability to repair or replace individual tiles can be a significant advantage in favor of tile walls. Design Flexibility: Tile walls offer a wider range of design possibilities, making them a more enticing option for those wanting to create a distinctive bathroom look. Acrylic walls, though customizable, do not offer the same level of design flexibility. Cost and Installation: Acrylic shower walls are generally more affordable and easier to install than tile walls, making them a more budget-friendly and practical option.
Alternative Shower Wall Materials
While acrylic and tile are among the most popular materials for shower walls, they are not the only options available. In fact, these days, many homeowners are getting creative with their ideas for shower wall materials.
You might prefer shower walls crafted from glass, stone, concrete, ceramic, marble, or granite. Let’s compare the pros and cons of each.
Glass
Glass shower walls have become increasingly popular in modern bathrooms due to their sleek appearance, adaptability, and capacity to create a feeling of spaciousness. Homeowners can elect between full glass walls and glass pipe walls.
Full glass walls, also known as frameless glass enclosures, consist of large, seamless glass panels that create an open feel in the bathroom. These clear walls provide a view of the shower interior, allowing you to display beautiful tilework or other design features. Alternatively, you can opt for frosted, textured, or tinted glass for added privacy.
Glass tiles offer a more intricate and customizable design option for shower walls. They come in a wide variety of colors, sizes, and patterns, allowing you to create a truly unique design.
Though glass is beautiful when used for shower walls, it is the most fragile and scratch-prone of the options available. There is always the risk of cracking or scratching your glass shower, resulting in a costly bill. Glass is generally expensive to incorporate into your bathroom. Some people choose to compromise on cost by opting for glass accents instead.
Pros of Glass Shower Walls
Glass walls create a spacious, open feel in the bathroom
Easy to clean and maintain
Durable and long-lasting with proper care
Tiles offer highly customizable design options
Resistant to mold and mildew growth
Cons of Glass Shower Walls
Higher cost compared to some other shower wall materials
Requires professional installation
Glass walls may display water spots and streaks.
Glass tiles include grout lines that need cleaning
Stone tile options such as travertine, slate, and onyx can help create a luxurious and timeless appearance in your bathroom. Marble and granite are also commonly used for stone tile. Utilizing stone tile adds a natural element to your shower, resulting in a spa-like atmosphere and maintaining a consistently cool environment.
Wherever stone is used, it is important to seal the material at least once a year so that soap, hair, grime, and other unwanted substances don’t become trapped in the cracks and crevices. However, the porous nature of stone makes it difficult to keep clean.
Advantages of Stone Shower Walls:
– Long-lasting and durable with proper care
– Provides a high-end, luxurious look
– Offers a wide variety of colors, patterns, and textures
Disadvantages of Stone Shower Walls:
– Compared to some other shower wall materials, they have a higher cost.
– May require professional installation
– To help staining, frequent sealing is essential.
– More susceptible to etching and staining
Concrete:
Concrete is a unique alternative material for shower walls and is widely popular due to its trendy and versatile nature. Its raw, industrial appearance adds a distinct touch to the space, while its durability and water-resistant properties make it a practical choice for the shower.
Concrete shower walls can be personalized with various finishes such as smooth troweled, textured, or polished. They can also be tinted or stained to match the bathroom’s color scheme. Concrete can be poured in emplacement orpre-cast for installment.
Advantages of Concrete Shower Walls:
– Durable and long-lasting
– Water-resistant
– Easy to clean
– Customizable finishes and colors
Disadvantages of Concrete Shower Walls:
– Requires professional installation
– Susceptible to cracking over time
– Porous surface requires regular sealing
Ceramic:
Ceramic shower tiles are common and can be found in many homes. Some view this material as an outdated choice for bathroom décor. It does not contribute much to the resale value of a home and is prone to attracting mold and scum in the grout lines, requiring regular cleaning.
On the positive side, ceramic is cost-effective and highly customizable. It can deliver the desired shower design, including curved walls. However, achieving the desired look requires expert installation due to the material’s complexity.
Advantages of Ceramic Shower Walls:
– Generally, they are less expensive than other shower wall materials.
– They are available in a wide range of colors, patterns, and sizes.
– When properly installed and maintained, they can last many years.
Disadvantages of Ceramic Shower Walls:
– Grout lines require regular cleaning and maintenance
– May chip or crack
– May require professional installation
Marble:
Marble has long been associated with luxury and sophistication in bathroom design. When used as a shower wall material, marble creates an impressive focal point that exudes elegance. The natural veining and unique patterns of marble add depth and visual interest to the shower space, while its smooth, polished surface provides a high-end, spa-like feel.
Marble shower walls can be installed with large slabs for a seamless look or small tiles for a more traditional appearance. The material is available in colors ranging from classic white to bold hues like black, green, and pink.
Advantages of Marble Shower Walls:
– Elegant appearance
– Unique veining provides a one-of-a-kind look
– Can increase home value
Disadvantages of Marble Shower Walls:
– Expensive compared to other shower wall materials
– Porous surface requires regular sealing
– Prone to etching from acidic substances
Granite:
Granite is a classic option for shower wall material due to its exceptional durability, moisture resistance, and stylish appearance. Determinedness shower walls can be installed as large crossbeams without seams or as lower penstocks. Their inherent strength and natural water-resistant properties make them a solid choice for the wet environment of the shower.
Pros of Granite Shower Walls
– They are extremely durable and resistant to scratches, chips, and cracks.
– Waterproof and easy to maintain
– Available in a wide variety of colors and patterns
– They can enrich the value of your home.
Cons of Granite Shower Walls
– More costly compared to other materials for shower walls
– Requires professional installation
– May need regular sealing
– Some types of granite may be porous and susceptible to staining
Our Recommendation for Shower Wall Materials
We’ve presented the advantages, disadvantages, and drawbacks of some popular options for shower wall materials. Ultimately, the optimal choice for shower wall material will depend on your bathroom vision, existing home design, and budget. Let me see if you need any farther abetment!
We believe that acrylic is the top choice for shower walls due to its excellent combination of durability, affordability, and low upkeep. Acrylic is one of the most resilient materials used in shower construction and does not chip, peel, crack, or discolor over time. It is also highly resistant to mildew and mold.
If you’re considering a new shower, acrylic is the best option to consider.