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The truth is that there is no one type of tile that is “shower tile,” and various types of stone, glass, ceramic, and porcelain tile are all used in bathrooms and showers. If you are wondering about using porcelain tile for your shower, the simple answer is: Yes! You can use porcelain tile.
Is porcelain tile good for shower walls?
Porcelain tile can be used anywhere you want an excellent performing, good-looking surface. It works great in kitchens as countertops or wall coverings and is also a good choice for showers and bathroom walls. Where it really shines, however, is in flooring.
Should you use ceramic or porcelain tile in a shower?
The main benefit to using porcelain tile is the low water absorption rate, or its density, which means it absorbs water at a minute level. Because of this, porcelain can be used in exterior applications and in locations where freezing and thawing occur. Not all ceramic tile is approved for shower walls.
Will bleach damage porcelain tile?
While porcelain tile boasts exceptional durability, there are few products and techniques you should take pains to avoid: Never use a product containing ammonia or bleach (or any type of acid-based cleanser); these can alter the tile color and/or stain the grout.
Is porcelain tile slippery in shower floor?
Is porcelain tile slippery when wet? Ceramic and porcelain tile floors can be notoriously slippery. The very feature that makes tile easy to clean—its smooth, non-porous nature—also means that it is slippery underfoot.
Are there different grades of porcelain tile?
Porcelain tile is graded on a similar scale. The Porcelain Enamel Institute (PEI) has established ratings ranging from 0 to 5, whereas 0 represents the softest tiles suitable for wall applications and 5 represents the hardest tiles suitable for heavy foot traffic.
What is the best cleaner for porcelain tile in a shower?
Best With Bleach: Clorox Plus Tilex Daily Shower Cleaner Spray Bottle. To keep your shower tiles clean, you might want to invest in a daily cleaner that prevents the build-up of soap scum and mildew. Tilex Daily Shower Cleaner is a great option that’s affordable and easy to use.
What can you use for shower walls instead of tile?
- Acrylic.
- Fiberglass.
- Marble.
- Solid Surface.
- Back-Painted Glass.
- Stone Resin.
- Wood Shower Walls.
Does porcelain tile crack easily?
Hard, dense, and solid, porcelain is resistant to most heavy stresses and can even be used in commercial environments. Be aware, though, that the hardness of porcelain can make it slightly more brittle than standard tiles, which means they can be more susceptible to cracking.
What can damage porcelain tile?
Regular use of corrosive chemicals can erode the surface of the tile, and increase its water absorption rate. Corrosive chemicals will also erode the grout, which will loosen the tiles and allow water to get beneath the tiles creating dampness. For everyday cleaning of porcelain tiles, just use warm water and a mop.
Why are my porcelain tiles slippery?
What this means is that, when it rains, porcelain pavers absorb significantly less moisture than stone paving slabs would. Instead, that water stays on the surface of the porcelain tile and evaporates quickly, leaving your patio dry and relatively slip resistant.
What do I clean porcelain tile with?
For polished or glazed porcelain tile, wipe with hot water and scrub stains with a bristle brush. Wash with vinegar solution or a commercial tile cleaner diluted to half strength. Wash one more time with hot water to rinse off the cleaner, then dry with a clean towel.
Is matte or glossy tile better for shower?
The decision to use matte or glossy tile for your shower really comes down to personal preference and the size of the space in question. Matte tile is slip-resistant, shows less grime, and can offer a more rustic look to your bathroom. Glossy makes the room appear larger, is easy to clean, and brightens up your space.
Does vinegar damage porcelain tile?
While some people recommend using a white vinegar and water solution to clean ceramic and porcelain tiles, experts advise against it, since vinegar is highly acidic and can damage grout and the glaze on your tiles.
How can you tell the difference between ceramic and porcelain tile?
The main difference between ceramic and porcelain tiles arises from the different clays and raw materials, firing temperatures and timeframes used. Porcelain tiles are generally made of finer and denser grade clay than ceramic tiles, and are pressed and cooked for longer and at higher temperatures.
How can I make my porcelain tile shine again?
Step 1: Take a bucket of water and pour in a teaspoon of mild dish soap. Take the soft bristle brush or a toothbrush and dip it into the soapy water. Scrub the tile in a circular motion. Step 2: Scrub the floor till the residue is gone from the tile, now wet a cloth and wipe the leftover solution from the tile.
What cleaners are safe for porcelain tile?
You can clean porcelain til𝚎 with a damp sponge mop and a solution of 1/4 cup of white vinegar to 2 gallons of water. Although it is by definition impervious (having an absorption rate of . 5% or less), it is still possible for its surface to stain.
Why are some porcelain tiles so cheap?
Porcelain and ceramic tiles are made from clay materials and fired at high temperatures. It’s more difficult to reach those higher temperatures (which create a denser, more durable product), so the higher the temperature, the more it adds to the cost.
What type of tile is best for shower?
Mosaic tiles are the most popular choice for shower floor tiles. The small size of the individual tiles means they conform to the slope and shape of the shower floor better than a larger tile would. There are also more grout lines present between mosaic tiles, offering much-needed slip resistance in the shower.
Does porcelain tile need to be sealed?
The surface of most ceramic and porcelain tile does not need to be sealed, although some require a light application of a penetrating sealer to fill the micro pores on the surface of the tile. However, the grout joint between the tiles is usually very porous and generally made of a cement-based material.
What are the pros and cons of porcelain tile?
The Pros and Cons of Porcelain Tile
- Install Yourself? Yes.
- Best Uses: All-purpose; also commercial installations.
- Pros: Toughness, variety of design.
- Cons: Requires modified setting material to anchor it to substrate.
- Price Range: $3–$6.
What type of shower tile is easiest to clean?
The four bathroom tiles that are the easiest to clean are natural stone tile, glass tile, polished porcelain tile, and vinyl tile. Choosing one of these four tiles will help you save on cleaning products and cleaning time.
