Top Considerations for New Tile Shower Walls

With exceptional water resistance, durability that lasts, and incredible design versatility, tile is an excellent and often the preferred material for shower walls right here in Ventura, Kern, and Santa Barbara Counties. Elevating your bathroom appearance and shower experience will not only add tangible value to your property, but it will also create a spa-like retreat for you to enjoy each day. Although installing tile shower walls requires significant skill and attention to detail, especially for waterproofing, hiring a professional tile setter ensures proper installation and can prevent costly mistakes.

Now it’s time to explore the incredible array of tile colors, sizes, shapes, textures, and patterns. Whether you’re after a sleek, modern look or a more traditional style, Flooring 101 has the ideal shower tile options that perfectly match your aesthetic preferences and complement your bathroom décor. You can also flex your creativity with tile shower layouts and accent pieces for a truly customized feel! Make sure your substrate preparation is complete, ensure compliance with local building codes and regulations, and consider how your shower tile choices will age and align with your home vision. Here are more of our top considerations for new tile shower walls:

Top Tile Shower Wall Materials

You will love that low maintenance tile allows you to craft stunning showers that are equally easy to clean and hygienic. Tough shower tile materials will last for decades with proper installation and upkeep:

• Porcelain tile is often considered the top choice for shower walls due to its exceptional water resistance, durability, and low maintenance.
• Ceramic tile is a good and more affordable alternative when properly glazed.
• Natural stone provides a luxurious look but requires careful consideration of its porosity and maintenance needs.
• Glass tile offers a unique aesthetic and is non-porous but can be more expensive and show water spots.

Selecting New Tile for Shower Walls

A striking tile shower is often seen as a desirable feature by potential homebuyers, so make sure to let your personal style shine when choosing quality tiles that upgrade your shower area:

• Large Format Tiles: Can create a sleek, modern look with fewer grout lines, reducing maintenance and visual clutter. However, they require a very flat substrate and skilled installation.
• Small Format Tiles (e.g., mosaics): Offer intricate patterns and can add texture and visual interest. Be mindful of the increased grout lines and cleaning effort.
• Tile Shapes: Popular shower tile shapes include rectangular, square, subway, and other geometric shapes. Experiment with different shapes and layouts to achieve the desired style.
• Color Palette: Consider the overall bathroom aesthetic and choose tile colors that complement the flooring, fixtures, and other elements. Light colors can make a small shower feel larger, while darker colors can create a more dramatic feel.
• Texture & Finish: Glossy tiles will Reflect light and can make a space feel brighter but may show water spots more easily. Matte tiles offer a more natural look and better slip resistance. Textured tiles add interest you can see and touch while enhancing slip resistance.

Accents for Tile Shower Walls

• Grout Color: Since grout color significantly impacts the overall look of tile walls, consider contrasting grout to highlight the tile pattern or a matching grout for a more seamless appearance.
• Niches: Recessed shelves integrated into the tile work provide convenient storage for toiletries and can be a design focal point with contrasting tiles or patterns.
• Borders & Decorative Strips: Add visual interest and can break up large areas of the same tile.
• Built-in Seating or Footrests: If space allows, consider incorporating tiled seating or footrests into the design.
• Layout & Pattern: To enhance visual interest and luxurious appeal, consider which tile pattern such as stacked, offset, herringbone, or chevron can elevate your shower. Plan the tile layout carefully to avoid awkward cuts and ensure a visually balanced design and consider how the pattern will flow around corners and niches.

By carefully considering these key aspects, you can design tile shower walls that are not only beautiful but also functional, durable, and contribute to a safe and enjoyable showering experience. Visit one of our seven California Flooring 101 locations to see, feel, and take home tile samples as well as ask our experts any tile questions regarding your gorgeous new tile shower!