10 The Best Tile For Bathroom Floor And Shower Buyer's Guide for 2024 | SHR

For bathroom floors and showers, it’s important to select tiles that are durable, water-resistant, and slip-resistant. Here are some of the best options:

1. Porcelain Tiles: These are highly durable, water-resistant, and available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Porcelain is less porous than ceramic, making it a great choice for wet areas.
2. Ceramic Tiles: While slightly less durable than porcelain, ceramic tiles are also a good choice for bathrooms. They are available in many designs and are generally more affordable.
3. Natural Stone Tiles: Options like granite, marble, and slate add a luxurious feel to bathrooms. Ensure they are sealed properly to maintain water resistance.
4. Glass Tiles: Often used for shower walls, glass tiles are highly resistant to stains and water. They also add a bright, reflective quality to the space.

Should Bathroom Floor Tile and Shower Tile Be the Same?

The tiles for the bathroom floor and the shower do not have to be the same, but coordinating them can create a cohesive and harmonious look. Here are some considerations:

1. Design Consistency: Using the same tiles can make the space look larger and more unified. If you prefer a seamless look, using the same tiles for both areas is a good choice.
2. Functional Differences: Bathroom floors and shower floors have different needs. Shower floors require more slip resistance, so you might choose a smaller, textured tile for the shower floor to provide better grip, while using larger tiles for the bathroom floor.
3. Aesthetic Variation: Mixing tiles can add visual interest. For example, you might choose a simple, larger tile for the bathroom floor and a mosaic or patterned tile for the shower to create a focal point.

What Tile is Least Slippery for a Shower Floor?

The least slippery tiles for a shower floor typically have a textured surface or a smaller size, which provides more grout lines for additional grip. Some of the best options include:

1. Mosaic Tiles: Small tiles with numerous grout lines provide excellent slip resistance. Mosaic tiles come in various materials, including glass, ceramic, and stone.
2. Textured Porcelain Tiles: These tiles have a textured surface designed to provide better traction, reducing the risk of slipping.
3. Natural Stone Tiles: Textured stones like slate have a naturally rough surface that provides good grip.

What is the Best Tile for Shower Floor with Hard Water?

Hard water can cause mineral buildup and stains on tiles, so it’s important to choose tiles that are easy to clean and resistant to staining. Here are some suitable options:

1. Porcelain Tiles: Porcelain is highly resistant to staining and easy to clean, making it an excellent choice for areas with hard water.
2. Glazed Ceramic Tiles: The glaze provides a protective layer that resists stains and is easy to wipe clean, helping to prevent hard water deposits.
3. Glass Tiles: Glass is non-porous and resistant to staining, making it easy to maintain even with hard water. It’s a good option for shower walls and accents.

In summary, for bathroom floors and showers, porcelain and ceramic tiles are highly recommended for their durability and water resistance. Coordinating but not necessarily matching the tiles in the bathroom and shower can achieve both functional and aesthetic goals. For slip resistance, opt for textured or mosaic tiles in the shower. For dealing with hard water, porcelain, glazed ceramic, and glass tiles are excellent choices due to their ease of cleaning and resistance to staining.