Shower Tiles - Which to Choose and How to Lay Them

The bathing area is a place where water is present on a daily basis, so not all materials will be suitable. When choosing tiles for a shower, it is important to verify whether they meet several requirements. They should have low water absorption, resist staining, and offer high abrasion resistance. In practice, glazed ceramic tiles and technical porcelain stoneware are the most popular choices for shower enclosures. They should also be resistant to detergents and cleaning agents, making the shower enclosure easy to clean.

Different tiles are used for shower walls and for the floor - and for good reason, as floor tiles must primarily ensure safety. Which tiles should be used on shower walls, and which instead of a shower tray?

Various types of shower enclosures are available on the market, and many modern solutions combine functionality with aesthetics. Thanks to this, the bathing area can become the main decoration of the bathroom. To highlight it, it is worth paying attention to wall tiles, which should harmoniously complement the entire interior design without disrupting the proportions of the space.

One of the key aspects is the tile format. Large-format shower tiles look impressive, especially on a large wall in a spacious bathroom. However, they will not work well on uneven and small surfaces. In such cases, smaller-format tiles or mosaics are a better choice; these can take various shapes, such as herringbone, hexagons, or arabesques. Wooden or wood-look tiles also look particularly striking in a shower.

Which shower tiles should be chosen when considering the finish? In modern bathrooms, matte tiles look impressive, emphasizing the interior design. On the other hand, glossy shower enclosure tiles can visually enlarge the space, making them a good option for smaller bathrooms. Regardless of the finish, the tiles must still meet the previously mentioned requirements for water absorption, durability, and resistance to cleaning agents. Which tiles should be chosen for the shower floor? What level of slip resistance is sufficient for shower tiles?

Showers without trays are gaining popularity, as well as Minimalist doorless enclosures. This is because walk-in showers look stylish and elegant while visually enlarging the bathroom space. Floor tiles for showers differ significantly from wall tiles. The latter can become slippery when in contact with water, and if laid on the floor, they would increase the risk of slipping. For this reason, only anti-slip shower tiles are recommended. It is often said that tiles with an R10 rating are sufficient. To some extent this is true - their anti-slip properties are adequate for use throughout the bathroom, but not in the shower area. Anti-slip shower tiles that ensure adequate safety should have an R11 rating.

Tiles for a shower without a tray should primarily be anti-slip. They must also harmonize with the remaining tiles in the bathroom and the overall fittings. It is important to consider the required slope when laying the tiles, which will allow water to drain freely. Laying tiles in the shower is generally easier when smaller tiles are used. They must also provide good adhesion. How should tiles be laid in a shower with a linear drain?

Having established which tiles to use for a shower without a tray, it is time to address their installation and determine what the shower slope should be. Proper substrate preparation is crucial - it must be dry, even, and clean. The old primer should be removed and a new one applied to increase tile adhesion. The next step is waterproofing. It should be applied not only in the area of the shower base but also on the walls. Adhesive designed for rooms with increased humidity is applied to the underside of the tiles, which are then laid on the wall or floor. After fixing the tiles, the gaps between them should be filled with moisture-resistant grout. And what about shower enclosures equipped with trays - what should be installed first, the tray or the tiles?

There is no single clear answer to this question among specialists. Some recommend performing waterproofing first, then installing the drain and shower tray, and only afterward laying the tiles. This approach minimizes the risk of damaging the tiles during tray installation. Another group of experts suggests laying the wall tiles first and only then installing the shower tray. Which adhesive should be chosen for shower tiles?

For tile durability, not only the type of tile matters but also the choice of an appropriate adhesive to fix them to the wall or floor. Various adhesives suitable for bathroom use are available on the market. These include fast-setting adhesives and those with extended drying times. They are divided into classes: deformable (S1) and highly deformable (S2) adhesives are particularly popular. For smooth surfaces, thin-bed adhesives are recommended; for uneven walls, medium-bed adhesives; and for more challenging substrates, thick-bed adhesives. Bathrooms also require adhesives with enhanced adhesion. How should tiles in a shower enclosure be sealed?

Waterproofing of the walls and floor is essential. It can be carried out using a membrane, liquid foil, or sealing compound. Sealing tapes should be used in corners and around pipes. For fixed elements such as the shower mixer or door profiles, sanitary silicone is applied. After completing the work, it is worth checking once again the areas most exposed to water.

Although tiles are the most commonly chosen material for shower enclosures, they are not the only option. Natural stone, such as granite, marble, or travertine, is another option to consider. Another alternative is microcement, a thin-layer mortar that fits perfectly with an industrial style. Some people opt for wood, but only a few species are resistant to water. These include iroko, teak, and wenge. Glass panels with any pattern (for walls only) and waterproof paint can also be considered. Paint is particularly worth considering when a bathroom renovation is needed, tiles are already present but do not look their best. Instead of replacing tiles entirely, painting them with high-quality paint can be a cost-effective way to refresh the bathroom.