Drainage
A shower floor must slope toward the drain. With large tiles, achieving this slope while keeping tiles flat and even is extremely difficult. Ponding water, where it does not drain properly, is a common result.
Introduction
Not all tiles are suitable for showers. Using the wrong tile in a shower can lead to a slippery floor, water - damaged walls, stained grout that never comes clean, or tiles that crack or deteriorate quickly.
This guide explains which tiles to avoid in shower areas, why they cause problems, and what to use instead for a shower that is safe, durable, and easy to maintain.
Why Shower Tiles Have Specific Requirements
A shower is one of the most demanding environments for any surface material. It faces:
- Daily water exposure - often hot water with steam
- Cleaning products - some of which are abrasive or acidic
- Foot traffic on the floor - with wet, bare feet (slip risk)
- Temperature changes - from cold to hot and back, every day
- Soap, mineral deposits, and body products - which accumulate on surfaces
Not all tiles can handle these conditions reliably.
Tiles to Avoid on Shower Floors
1. Large Tiles on Shower Floors
Large tiles - 600x600mm and above - are generally not recommended for shower floors. The reasons are:
Slip risk
Larger tiles have fewer grout lines, which means less grip on a wet surface. The tile surface itself must be non - slip, but fewer grout lines means less traction overall.
Cutting complexity
Cutting large tiles to fit around a drain, especially with a slope in the floor, requires very high skill and precision.
R9 - suitable for dry areas only (do not use in showers)
R10 - suitable for wet areas with normal foot traffic
R11 - suitable for high - moisture areas, better for shower floors
R12+ - for commercial or industrial wet areas
Staining that is very difficult to remove
Water absorption that weakens the stone over time
Slippery surfaces when wet (many natural stones polish naturally with use)
What to use instead: Tiles of 150x150mm to 300x300mm on shower floors, with an appropriate non - slip surface finish (R10 or R11 slip rating). Mosaic tiles are also an option specifically because their many grout lines provide grip.
2. Polished or High - Gloss Tiles on Shower Floors
Polished porcelain or highly glazed ceramic tiles look beautiful - but on a wet shower floor, they are dangerously slippery. This is one of the most common and most serious tiling mistakes in bathrooms.
The slip resistance of a tile is measured by its R rating:
Polished porcelain typically has an R9 rating - it should never be used on a shower floor.
What to use instead: Honed, matte, textured, or anti - slip porcelain tiles rated R10 or R11 for shower floors. The surface appearance can still be attractive - you do not need to sacrifice aesthetics for safety.
3. Natural Stone Without Proper Sealing (on Shower Floors)
Natural stone - marble, travertine, limestone, sandstone - is porous. Without regular sealing, it absorbs water, soap, and mineral deposits. On a shower floor, this leads to:
Natural stone can be used in showers, but it requires proper sealing before installation and regular re - sealing. Marble in particular is soft, easily scratched, and easily etched by acidic products (including many shower gels).
What to use instead: Porcelain in a stone - look finish - it gives the appearance of natural stone with virtually zero maintenance and excellent water resistance. Or, if you want real stone, choose a honed or textured finish and commit to the maintenance.
Tiles to Avoid on Shower Walls
4. Standard Wall Tiles on Shower Floors
This is worth repeating: wall tiles are not rated for floor use. They are typically thinner, more brittle, and have a smooth glaze that is slippery underfoot. Never use a wall tile on a shower floor, even if it matches.
5. Very Dark Tiles in Showers (Practical Concern)
Very dark tiles - deep charcoal, black, navy - are striking and can look beautiful. However, in a shower, they show every water mark, soap residue, and mineral deposit very visibly.
Cape Town's water, like water in many South African areas, can leave white limescale deposits that are particularly obvious on dark surfaces.
This is not a reason to completely avoid dark tiles in a shower, but it is a practical consideration. If you choose dark tiles, plan for more frequent cleaning and consider a water softener or descaling spray.
6. Tiles With Deeply Textured or Rough Surfaces (on Walls)
Highly textured wall tiles - with deep grooves, bumps, or heavily embossed surfaces - look interesting but trap soap, mineral deposits, and mildew in their texture. They are very difficult to clean and become dirty - looking quickly in a shower.
What to use instead: Tiles with a subtle texture are fine - they add visual interest without being a cleaning challenge. Avoid deeply recessed textures or surfaces with many small cavities.
7. Ceramic Tiles in Direct High - Splash Shower Areas
Standard ceramic tiles have a water absorption rate of 3 - 7% - they absorb some water through the body of the tile over time. In low - splash areas, this is not a problem.
But in the direct spray zone of a shower (particularly walk - in showers without a door), prolonged direct water exposure can affect ceramic tiles over many years.
What to use instead: Porcelain tiles, with a water absorption rate below 0. 5%, are the superior choice for shower walls. Ceramic tiles can still be used effectively in areas that get indirect moisture rather than direct spray.
What to Use Instead: The Best Tiles for Showers
- Application
- Recommended
- Why
- Shower floor
- Matte/honed porcelain (R10 - R11)
- Waterproof, non - slip, durable
- Shower floor
- Small mosaic tiles (100mm or under)
- Many grout lines = good grip
- Shower walls
- Porcelain tiles (any size)
- Very low water absorption
- Shower feature wall
- Textured porcelain, stone - look porcelain
- Durable, attractive, low maintenance
- Shower niche
- Matching porcelain or contrasting mosaic
- Waterproofed separately, practical
Practical Advice
- Always check the slip rating (R rating) of any tile you plan to use on a shower floor
- Ask your tile supplier for the water absorption rating of any tile for shower wall use
- Use porcelain rather than ceramic for the main shower area wherever possible
- Commit to regular sealing if you choose natural stone
- Never use the same tile on the wall and floor if the wall tile does not meet the R10 slip rating for floor use
Conclusion
The tiles to avoid in showers include large format tiles on the floor, polished or glossy tiles underfoot, natural stone without proper sealing, and deeply textured wall tiles that trap soap and mildew.
The best shower tiles are matte or honed porcelain with an appropriate slip rating, properly installed with full waterproofing behind them.
Getting the tile choice right in a shower is as important as the installation itself.
Ready to start your project?
Planning a shower renovation and want to choose tiles that are safe, durable, and look great? Contact Excellence Tilers in Cape Town for professional advice and installation. We help you make choices that work - not just choices that look good on paper.