Things to Think About When Choosing Shower Tile

Choosing tile for your shower is one of the most exciting—and important—decisions in a bathroom renovation. Shower tile needs to look great, handle constant moisture, and stay safe underfoot. Before falling in love with a pattern or color, here are a few key things to think about to make sure your choice works long-term.

1. Slip Resistance Matters

Safety should always come first in a wet space. Some tiles become very slippery when wet, especially polished finishes.

Tip:

• Choose textured, matte, or smaller-format tiles for shower floors.

• Smaller tiles create more grout lines, which improves traction.

2. Tile Size Affects Both Look and Function

Large-format tiles create a clean, modern look with fewer grout lines, but they aren’t always ideal for every shower.

• Large tiles: Great for shower walls, sleek appearance, easier cleaning

• Small tiles or mosaics: Better for shower floors and sloped areas

The shape of your shower floor often determines what size tile will work best.

3. Think About Maintenance and Cleaning

Some tiles are easier to live with than others.

• Porcelain and ceramic: Low maintenance and highly water-resistant

• Natural stone: Beautiful, but requires sealing and more upkeep

• Grout color: Lighter grout shows stains more easily than darker grout

If you want minimal maintenance, choose materials that don’t require frequent sealing or special cleaners.

4. Durability Is Key

Your shower is used daily, so durability matters.

Look for:

• Tiles rated for wet areas

• Materials that resist cracking, staining, and fading

• Quality grout and proper installation (just as important as the tile itself)

5. Style Should Match the Whole Bathroom

Your shower tile shouldn’t feel like it belongs in a different room.

Consider:

• How it works with your vanity, flooring, and fixtures

• Whether the design will still feel timeless in 5–10 years

• Using a bold tile as an accent instead of covering every surface

6. Budget Beyond the Tile

Tile cost is only part of the equation.

Don’t forget to factor in:

• Installation (complex patterns cost more)

• Waterproofing systems

• Specialty cuts or trim pieces

Sometimes a simpler tile installed well looks better than an expensive tile installed poorly.

Final Thoughts

The best shower tile balances safety, durability, maintenance, and style. Taking time to think through how the tile will function—not just how it looks—helps ensure your shower stays beautiful and practical for years to come.