Are you looking to revamp your shower? Then you gotta know the shower tile 101—it’s important for any shower project. Below, we tackle the basics of shower tiles: size, texture and materials, and grout. Check out these 101 basics before you commit to any design. You’ll thank us you did.
Size
Shower tiles come in a range of sizes. There’s different ranges depending on where the tile is going to go in the shower. For example, for shower walls they can be as small as 1 x 1 inch to 30 x 60 inches depending on the aesthetic you want to achieve.
As for shower floors, a 1 x 1 to 4 x 4 inch tile is most commonly used. This is done to allow for more grout lines, keeping the shower from being too slippery. We wouldn’t want you to fall.
Texture and materials
Shower tiles can come in a wide variety of materials and textures. Some types of shower tile materials include:
Cement
Cement bathroom tiles are made out of a cured-sand and mortar mix. They’re nonvitreous, which just means it’s a very soft-bodied tile and absorbs water very quickly. They can appear either rough-hewn or smooth depending on how you want the look to be.
Average cost: $10 – $30 per square foot, uninstalled
Granite
Granite, as a material, is harder than most other stones. This makes it work great for high-traffic areas like bathroom and shower floors.
Average cost: $5 – $140 per square foot, uninstalled
Glass
Glass tiles are often used for mosaics and other bathroom focal points. They’re easily breakable, so they’re not really used for high traffic areas. However, they’re impervious to liquids and resistant to staining.
Average cost: $4 – $50 per square foot, uninstalled (more for more intricate designs)
Porcelain or Ceramic
Porcelain and ceramic tiles are made of a mixture of clays pressed into shape and fired in a kiln (like pottery). Both are very popular choices and are very easy to clean.
Average cost: $3 – $30 per square foot, uninstalled
Limestone
Limestone, a natural stone, can be found in a small variety of colors. It should be resealed every two years or so.
Average cost: $2 – $11 per square foot, uninstalled
Grout
Grout is a mixture of cement, aggregate, and additional ingredients (such as sand or water) that creates a water-resistant material that fills gaps or reinforces existing structures. There’s a variety of grout materials and types depending on the other materials you’re working with.
Epoxy grout
Epoxy grout is the most durable type of grout and is made in two parts, the base and the activator. When combined, a chemical reaction goes off, giving you limited time to apply. However, once applied it can stand up to high-traffic and plenty of harsh cleaners.
Sanded
A cement-based grout where sand is added into the mix. The sand helps create a bond in the grout without making it more susceptible to cracking and breaking. Sanded grout is better suited for installations where the grout line is wider than ⅛ of an inch to prevent cracking.
Non-sanded grout
This is a cement-based grout but without the sand. It’s used for small joints where the spacing is between 1/16th and 1/8th of an inch. You don’t want to go any bigger, since without the sand, there’s less of a bonding agent to keep the grout together.
Want to know more? Contact Flohr!
At Flohr, we have over 20 years of experience in supplying and installing flooring and other flooring products. We’ve seen all kinds of shower projects from inception to finish. Whatever project you want to do, our team can help you hone in on the best combo of size, texture and grout for your bathroom. Give us a call to get started on your next favorite shower project.
