Porcelain and ceramic are the usual choices for shower walls because they handle water well and are easy to clean. Glass and natural stone can look beautiful but come with trade-offs. The tile you choose matters, but what is behind it matters at least as much. This guide compares the common options and covers size, finish, and grout.
Short answer
For most people, porcelain or ceramic tile on a properly waterproofed wall is a dependable, practical choice. Choose glass or natural stone if you want a particular look and are comfortable with the extra attention they need.
Tile materials compared
Porcelain
Porcelain is a dense tile that absorbs very little water, which is why it is often recommended for wet areas. It is durable and relatively low-maintenance. It can be harder to cut than ceramic, which matters if you are doing the work yourself.
Ceramic
Ceramic is usually lighter, easier to cut, and often more budget-friendly. Glazed ceramic wall tile resists water well on its surface, and it works well for vertical shower walls. It is generally less hard-wearing than porcelain, so it is better suited to walls than to floors unless the product is rated for floor use.
Glass
Glass tile is non-porous and reflects light. It can be a good choice for accents and niches. It needs the correct setting material, since installation errors can show through the translucent glass, and cutting it takes care.
Natural stone
Marble, slate, travertine, granite, and similar stones offer a distinct look, but many are porous. They typically need sealing, careful cleaning with pH-neutral products, and periodic re-sealing. Acidic cleaners can etch some stones. If you want stone in a shower, ask the supplier about the specific stone and the right sealer.
Tile size and grout lines
Grout is the part of a tiled wall that collects soap scum and grows mildew most easily. Larger tiles mean fewer grout lines, which can mean less cleaning. Large-format tiles, such as 12 by 24 inches, are popular in modern showers. They also require a flatter wall and more careful setting, so they are often better left to an experienced tile setter. Small tiles and mosaics add more grout lines, which also helps them conform to curves and sloped floors.
Subway tile remains a popular classic, and mosaics are often used for niches and accents.
Matte or glossy?
- Glossy tiles reflect light and are easy to wipe, but they show water spots and soap film.
- Matte tiles hide spots and fingerprints and add texture, but textured surfaces can hold on to residue and may need a bit more scrubbing.
For shower walls, both work. Slip resistance matters on floors, not walls, so finish on walls is mostly a matter of taste and cleaning preference.
Is glass tile hard to keep clean?
Glass tile is smooth and non-porous, so soap and grime wipe off easily, though water spots and streaks show readily on dark or glossy glass. Because glass is usually installed as small tiles, there is more grout to maintain. A squeegee after showers and a non-abrasive cleaner help. Avoid abrasive pads that can scratch.
Shower floor tile
Floors need a different approach from walls. The tile should be rated for wet floors and have enough slip resistance. Smaller tiles, such as mosaics, are common on shower floors because they follow the slope toward the drain and provide more grout lines for grip. Check the tile’s slip rating or ask the supplier what is suitable. There is no single best floor tile size for a bathroom, since it depends on the room, the slope, and the look, but small to mid-size tiles are commonly used where there is a slope.
Waterproofing matters more than the tile
Tile and grout are not waterproof by themselves. Grout is porous and water can reach what is behind it. A shower wall is usually built from:
- Framing
- A backer board or other substrate suitable for wet areas
- A waterproofing layer, either a membrane applied to the surface or a sheet membrane
- Thinset mortar and tile
- Grout and flexible caulk at corners and changes of plane
Regular drywall is not suited to the inside of a shower (see best drywall for high humidity rooms for what to use in the rest of a bathroom). Skimping on waterproofing is one of the most common reasons showers fail over time. If you are replacing tile, look closely at the backing. If the wall behind is soft or damaged, repair it before retiling. For signs of a failing enclosure, see our guide to common shower problems.
Older homes may also contain materials that could include asbestos, such as some old tile adhesives, backing materials, or flooring. If your home was built before the 1980s and you plan to remove old tile or backing, have the material tested by a qualified lab or professional before disturbing it, and do not sand, scrape, or break it up in the meantime.
Layout and design ideas
- Run large tiles vertically to emphasize ceiling height.
- Use a mosaic or contrasting tile in a niche for a focal point.
- Match grout color to the tile for a seamless look, or contrast it for pattern.
- Use a single tile through the bathroom and shower for a unified feel.
- Choose clear glass for the shower enclosure to keep sight lines open and show off the tile.
- Use a decorative border or band at eye level for definition.
DIY or pro?
Setting tile on a flat, dry wall is a manageable DIY project for patient people. A full shower, with waterproofing, a pan or sloped floor, and large-format tile, is much harder to do right, and mistakes are costly because they can lead to hidden leaks. If you are unsure, hire a professional for the waterproofing and slope work at least. If plumbing in the wall needs changing, such as a new shower valve, do that before tiling. See shower valve problems and cartridge replacement.