Choosing tile for your shower isn’t as straight-forward as you might think. Some considerations are slip-resistance, the shape of the shower (curved versus straight lines), and even the mineral content of your water.

Making the right tile choices for your shower definitely requires a little forethought and planning. Consider the following when making your decision:

Slip Resistance

Mosaic tiles have lots of grout lines, meaning it’s more slip resistant than many larger-scale tiles. If you prefer a large-scale tile, look for one with a good slip-resistance rating — an A or a B rating is preferable. Bear in mind, too, that if you’re using glass or a sheet-type mosaic tile, it’s up to the manufacturer or retailer to let you know if the tile is acceptable for submersion.

Handling the Curves

If your shower has a curved bench, consider using small tile, which works better on curves. A curved edge on a shower bench feels more comfortable on the back of your legs when you sit, so if your shower bench has straight angles, use a bull-nose or radius-edge tile for the sake of comfort.

Consider the Cleaning Aspect

If you’re not a fan of cleaning your shower, use larger slabs or glass panels, since they’re easier clean than small mosaic tiles.

Using Two Different Tile Sizes

If you like the look of a larger-scale tile on the walls, but prefer a small-scale mosaic or pebble tile on the floor for better traction, frame the floor with the large-scale tile to unify the two sizes. This also adds interest to a simple shower.

Glass Tiles

If you favor a spa-like feeling in your shower, consider small glass tiles, like you’d find in a pool. Stick with a smaller size with glass tiles, though, since larger glass tiles can show trapped moisture and ruin the look of a shower in short order!

Tile is a classic shower material that works beautifully in all kinds of bathroom showers from modern to rustic to traditional! Visit Flooring Innovations in Palm Springs or Palm Desert, California for a great selection of tile and a staff of professionals who are happy to guide you in selecting the right tile for your shower, your bathroom, and anywhere you want the ease, beauty and durability of tile!

Tags: bathroom, shower, tile