A tiled shower is one of the most popular bathroom upgrades, and one of the few places where the choices you make affect both how it looks and how long it lasts. Here's how to think through the walls, the floor and the details.
Shower walls
Walls don't have to be slip-resistant, so you have the most freedom here.
- Large-format porcelain (12x24 inches and up) means fewer grout lines and easier cleaning. Marble-look porcelain gives the look of stone without the upkeep.
- Subway tile is classic and works in almost any home, from a 1920s bungalow to new construction. Stacked vertically, it feels more modern.
- Handmade-look and zellige-style tile adds texture and variation. Expect more lippage (slight height differences between tiles), which is part of the look.
- Natural stone like marble is beautiful but needs sealing and gentle cleaners.
Shower floors
The floor has two jobs: draining water toward the drain and keeping you from slipping.
- Smaller tiles (2 inches or mosaic sheets) bend easily to the slope of a standard center drain, and the extra grout lines add grip.
- Larger tiles work best with a linear drain along one wall, because the floor slopes in one direction.
- Check the slip rating. Choose a tile the manufacturer rates for wet, level floors. Matte and textured finishes grip better than polished ones.
- Pebble and stone mosaics feel great underfoot but have lots of grout to keep clean.
What's behind the tile matters most
Tile and grout are not waterproof on their own. Water passes through grout over time, so a long-lasting shower depends on a waterproofing layer behind the tile and under the floor. That's usually a sheet membrane or a liquid-applied membrane over the backer board, tied into the shower pan and drain. Ask how the shower will be waterproofed when you get an estimate.
Niches, benches and accents
- A recessed niche keeps bottles off the floor. Plan its size and height around the tile so it lines up with grout lines.
- A bench can be built-in or floating. It needs to slope slightly so water runs off.
- An accent like a mosaic stripe, a patterned back wall or a different tile in the niche adds interest without much extra cost in material.
Curb or curbless?
A low curb keeps water in the shower. A curbless (zero-threshold) shower is easier to walk into and looks seamless, but the floor has to be recessed or built up so water still runs to the drain. That's more involved, so mention it early if you want one.
Planning tips
- Pick your fixtures and glass early. Valve heights and glass type affect the tile layout.
- Bring a tile sample home and look at it in your bathroom's light.
- Order extra tile for cuts, plus spares for future repairs.