Is there any tile named “shower threshold“? Also know why to use tiles in shower area?
This is a general question you may hear. The answer is a no! There’s no such thing as “shower tile.” Many ceramic, porcelain, stone, and glass tiles are perfectly suitable for a shower environment.
There are some vital performance factors to consider, but for the most part, you may decide on a tile material first, then narrow it down to the size, shape, color, and layout you like best.
Choosing suitable tiles for showers starts with focusing on the specific areas you’ll be lying tiles to simplify matters.
So, in this article, I’ll tell you all the ins and outs regarding why you should use tiles in the shower. Therefore, read till the end to know all the details.
Tile For Your Shower Floor
Shower tiles need to have some specific features. These are:
- slip-resistant
- comparatively impervious to water
- sized appropriately for the space and the slope of the shower pan.
Various porcelain and stone tiles are popular options, while most glazed ceramic tiles are unsuitable because they are too slick (unless the tiles are tiny).
It is also unnecessary to have tiles classified as “impervious” unless the shower is outdoors and subject to freezing temperatures. Still, the least impervious tiles usually aren’t suitable for shower floors.
Shower tile size affects both design flexibility and slip resistance. Shower floors usually slope about 1/4 inch per foot toward the drain and often have various planes to direct all the water to a single point.
This makes laying tile in a quality shower pan with anything larger than 6 x 6-inch tiles intricate; 4 x 4-inch or smaller is suggested because it follows better slopes and other surface variations.
Smaller tiles also require more grout lines than larger units, and because grout is almost like sandpaper, this translates to
slip-resistance.
Tile For Shower Walls
Suitable tile for shower walls includes almost any type ideal for very wet locations. Ceramic and porcelain tiles are used most commonly, from the allover four 1/4-inch white squares to large-format tiles of nearly every size — give your installer is up to it.
Glass and stone also make a suitable tile for shower walls. Large, clear glass tiles are not easy to install and can show moisture behind the tiles. On the other hand, small, colored glass is a safer choice.
Stone tiles are easy to clean and water-proof. As for grout joints, the benefit of slip-resistance doesn’t apply to walls, so the question of size comes down to wall size, layout, shape, and maintenance: the gritty surface of grout is more challenging to clean than the smooth tile faces.
Tiles are one of the best and comfortable choices for shower walls and floors. If you still think of why you should install tiles in your shower, this article is for you.
Moisture Resistance Is Paramount
Today’s bathrooms have to put up with moisture everywhere, but now we have harsh cleansers, modern shampoos, soaps, etc., types of materials can damage the shower floor or walls.
Ceramic tiles are non-porous and can resist this kind of harsh environment nicely. You can also use stone tiles in a wet environment, but they should be sealed to keep harsh chemicals from damaging the surface.
If correctly maintained, you won’t feel like you’re tempting fate stepping out of this bathtub onto a tile floor.
More comfortable to Maintain in Wet Environments
The water itself isn’t the problem. The mold and mildew that comes with it can make other kinds of components harder to maintain than tiles in a shower.
Laminates, mostly, can be ruined when water soaks underneath them, removing the glue and making them buckle and warp.
This gives hidden spaces where mold can grow, making for a very unhygienic area. You don’t want to see mold and mildew in a white-toned shower as it is effortless to end.
However, if you use tiles, it’s far easier to keep tiles looking crisp and clean.
It’s a Perfect Match for Radiant Heating
Tiles will keep the heat more than other materials when you mix it with radiant heating.
Stone can also cool in the summer and warm in the winter when using radiant heating methods.
Generally, tiles conduct heat much better than laminate or wood flooring. Besides, other materials will crack and become damaged over time because of expanding and contracting with the heat cycle.
You don’t have that issue with ceramic and stone tiles, making them ideal for radiant heating.
Long-lasting
When you select tiles for your bathroom, you are making a durable and long-lasting choice. Tiles are a rigid material, thus, very stable.
According to a study, if appropriately maintained, Ceramic tiles will last 75 years or more, and stone tiles will last over 100 years.
You would probably have to repair or rebuild the grout before doing anything to the tiles. But laminates will only last from 5 to 10 years in optimal conditionals and only two years if they are in high-traffic areas, such as bathrooms.
You Won’t Have Off-Gassing
Off-gassing is just a term. It is used to describe the way that specific synthetic materials undergo.
Materials such as plastics and laminates give off Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) that pollute indoor air over time.
They are mainly problematic for people who have allergies and chemical sensitivities. For healthy people, it’s still something you don’t want to be breathing.
We already know that ceramic and stone tiles are made of natural elements, so they do not off-gas. When you want a healthy home environment, it is best not to use laminates and other synthetics to keep your indoor air quality pure.
Even some glues that are used in some flooring installations can off-gas too.
You Have Limitless Design Possibilities
You can get thousands of types of tiles in the market. You may think tiles are confined to geometric and straight-edge designs because they have to be cut by a stonemason.
However, modern tile designs offer complex curves created using waterjet technology. This new technology allows you to create any design you want and cut to precision every time.
You also get to customize your system, even using intricate curves, circles, and different stone materials, as in this design.
Final Verdict
Tiles cost more than other types of buildings or construction components. However, it is still beneficial for its durability and moisture resistance, making them last far longer and better.
Thus, while you pay more upfront, you pay less over time since you do not replace them as often as laminate, wood, vinyl, etc.
I hope this article will help you to know why you should use tiles for the shower!