Non-Slip Shower Tile Options

The experts at HousePro will be happy to work with you to ensure that your shower is tiled with the highest quality materials and workmanship.  Each homeowner has specific requirements that need to be addressed, whether it is the size of the space, ventilation issues, style considerations, design or color preferences and a defined budget.  Our consultant will guide you through the options available, determine the best materials to use for your space and work within your budget.

You should be aware of the variety of tile materials that are available…there are lots of choices, but the moist atmosphere in a bathroom shower demands a tile that is easy-to-clean, water-resistant, non-slip and in a design and color that coordinates with the look and style of the room.

Safety is the highest priority in this area of the house and for all bathroom floors we stress that using a non-skid tile surface is most important. As a general rule, high-gloss tiles are slippery, but there are several options to maintain a safe area, while also keeping the benefits of tile or stone.

There are several choices that provide a safer shower floor. Textured ceramic and porcelain can provide traction, while maintaining the glossy finish and waterproof qualities of tile. Rubber and cork are excellent non-skid surfaces and can be treated for use in humid, wet conditions. Stone has a rough finish and is a natural non-skid product.

Ceramic tiles are the most popular, probably because they are non-porous and don’t require a sealant.  They are available in a huge variety of colors, shapes, sizes and finishes, from high-gloss glaze to flat matte, with many textures in between. Many of the finishes and textures are made to look like the more expensive tile materials.

Travertine is another popular tile for the shower area, due to the natural stone look and feel. Travertine has been the subject of controversy for use in bathrooms, since it is a porous stone.  Our professionals can explain to you that travertine is suitable for showers as long as it is properly sealed.  These sealers also make the surface very easy to clean.

Porcelain tiles are another choice for a bathroom shower.  It is a type of ceramic tile that is fired at extremely high temperatures, making it very strong and durable. Bacteria do not adhere easily to porcelain tile, which is an added feature when considered for a shower wall.

Slate is durable, natural and its rough surface makes it slip-resistant and perfect for a shower floor.  It is soft and requires use of a sealant.

Glass tile is usually one of the most expensive and is more practical to be used as an accent, trim or in a small area.

Whatever tile you select, you need to take your needs into consideration.  For most people, safety is a concern, so the slip-resistance of certain tiles makes them the obvious choice.

Another consideration in choosing tile for this area, the tiles must be 4 inches square or smaller, so that they can be sloped toward the drain.

Mixing finishes is becoming a trend.  If there is an expensive tile that you love, but the cost is prohibitive, consider using it in a pattern on the wall or as a trim.  It will satisfy your decorative needs, while keeping your project within budget!

The key to a perfect tile installation in the bathroom and shower areas is using a reputable installer.  They will use only the appropriate materials for your circumstances and their experience will provide you with a finished project that will last for years to come. HousePro provides the expertise and professional service to ensure that you are happy with the outcome.