What Is the Thickness of The Shower Tile?

Most ceramic tiles are between 1/4 inch to 5/16th inch thick. In modern construction, they are glued to water resistant gypsum boards 5/8 inch thick or 1/2 inch thick cement boards.

One important question to ask when it comes to projects that include shower tiles is, “What is the thickness of shower tile?” Knowing how thick the shower tiles can be a game-changer for your next home project. Here are some essential things to know.

How Thick Are Shower Tiles and Thin Sets?

On average, shower tiles measure around ¼ inch to 5/16 inch thick. On the other hand, a thin-set does not exceed 3/16 inches in thickness. Shower tile and thin-set go together when installed in your shower wall.

In any home, tiling is something that is considered. It adds to the comfortability of the whole abode. Moreover, the tiles used in the shower is another important matter.

Size must be taken into consideration when it comes to tiling. More deliberate thinking and planning are made for the shower compared to other rooms in the house. For one, tiles should be safe, particularly, not so slippery.

Thinset is also a significant factor in flooring or installing tiles. Most times, the thinset is interchanged with the grout and mortar since they all have almost the same functions, but the thinset is different from the other two. It is specifically an adhesive for the tiles located in the shower.

The thinset is a combination of several components, namely cement, water, and sand, which makes it durable for the job in the shower.

How Thick Should Shower Tile Be?

When it comes to picking the thickness of the shower tile, there is no ‘one shoe fits all,’ but there is a standard measurement for shower tiles. Standard porcelain tiles often used in shower rooms have a thickness ranging between ¼ – and ¾ inch thick, while ceramic ones range between ¼- and ⅜- inch thick.

You may be wondering why the thickness should also be included in the planning or should even be given much thought? The depth of the shower tiles will also determine how high your shower’s flooring will be after the renovation.

Different types of tiles also vary in their thickness. This is the case for various kinds of tiles because they serve their own unique purposes. How thick your tile should also depend on your preferences and needs.

Thicker equals stronger. Shower tiles intended for the floor need to be thicker. For porcelain tile or ceramic tile, it is preferable to be about ¾ inch thick. Floor tiles should be thick and durable for them to resist breakage and cracks.

While thicker tiles are more durable, thicker is not always better in certain situations. For example, your new tile floor should not be higher than the flooring in adjoining rooms. Also, you don’t want an extra-thick porcelain tile that can catch the door, not allowing the door to swing freely.

If variation in thickness is ever an issue, it must be given attention right away before beginning the installation. Such meticulous surveillance of materials will save you a lot of money and resources in the long run.

Trying to lay down tiles before installation would save you a ton of headaches in the future. The difference in thickness will affect the flatness of the surface. The effect may not be readily noticed initially, but once the tiles start putting up and cracking, you will know the difference between a well-surveyed bunch of tiles and a bunch that is not.

Careful observation of the thickness of the tiles is crucial in any home construction. If you are unsure, it is best to ask a professional to make sure the thickness is even, and the tiles will be level once they are installed.

Shower Floor Tile Thickness

Shower floor tiles usually range from ¼ inch to ½ inch thick. There are different types of tiles you can choose from for your shower. The thickness may also depend on the thin set that goes with it upon installation.

Tiles vary in size and in materials they are made of. Thickness is also mostly taken into consideration, the standard thickness starting from ¼ inch. Here are some suggestions for you.

Porcelain tiles can be used in about any part of the home. The density of the substances used to create porcelain tiles makes it more hardwearing than most types of tiles. The material in it closely compares to ceramic tiles.

The standard thickness of porcelain tiles are ¼ inch but could reach ¾ inch thick depending upon its use. Thicker flooring is best to protect the tiles from the impact of foot-traffic. ¾ inch porcelain is best for the shower floor since it is more sturdy and less prone to cracking.

As stated above, porcelain and ceramic tiles share a lot of similarities in their characteristics. They are truly long-lasting products when it comes to tiles because of their quality and durability. They do not need much maintenance, either.

The only difference between ceramic and porcelain tiles is that their components make a significant difference in their water absorption capacity. Ceramic tiles absorb more water and are cheaper compared to porcelain tiles. Its thickness starts at ¼ inch to ⅜ inch thick.

Aside from the commonly used Porcelain and Ceramic tiles, there are also marble, limestone, pebble, vinyl, and glass tiles that you can use for your shower. Each type of tile may differ in thickness, but one thing to really keep in mind here is that thinner tiles are more suitable for large spaces. Thicker tiling in the shower secures the floor from cracking and other damages.

Shower Wall Tile Thickness

Usually, shower wall tiles are thinner than tiles used on the floor since the floor obviously needs a ton of protection in heavy-traffic spaces. Actually, what really determines what can be used in a shower wall is based on the grade of the tile. The grade of the tiles ranges from 1 to 5, one being the lowest.

These grades are established to determine the thickness or quality of the tiles. Wall tiles need only reach I Grade for it to be suitable for your shower wall. The average thickness is ¼ inch thick for a shower wall tile.

The coefficient of friction can also be one factor in choosing shower wall tiles for the bathroom. This pertains to the slipperiness of the tiles. The tile thickness does not necessarily affect the friction it has. Instead, it is the type of tile you use in your shower walls.

Bathroom Wall Tile Thickness – Is It Different From the Shower?

You can definitely use the same wall tile thickness for the bathroom and the shower. In addition to choosing tiles with equal thickness, you can also pick those with similar designs. Doing so incorporates the whole room together.

The shower area can be the moistest spot in the bathroom. Both get almost equally wet when in use. There is no arguing that there should be uniformity in the tiles’ thickness to be used in the bathroom and the shower.

Bathroom wall tiles should also have the same durability as the floor tiles. There are countless types of tiles that you can choose from when it comes to installing the tiles.
What is the average thickness of ceramic tile in the bathroom?

The average thickness of ceramic tiles in the bathroom usually ranges from ¼ to ⅛ inches. So many people have been butting ceramic tiles and porcelain tiles against each other. Though there are so many types of tiles that can truly surprise visitors and please you as well, ceramic and porcelain tiles are the most popular.

Ceramic tiles have so many positive attributes that could be spoken of. It is easier to clean compared to most tiles making it a good pick for the bathroom. Ceramic tiles also have a hundred of styles to choose from.

In addition, ceramic tiles are water-resistant, especially when you get the glazed ones. Also, the design does not easily wear off when you clean it, so it maintains the ‘newly installed’ look even when it has been in the bathroom for a long time. Ceramic tiles’ durability is superb as they do not crack easily, even under so much pressure.

Summary

Tiling is a construction endeavor in the house that requires planning and accuracy. A little difference in thickness can make such a huge impact in the overall finish. It is also a sensitive job that requires much skill. So if you are thinking of getting tiles for your home, there are several things you have to consider.

The thickness of the shower tiles in both the flooring and the walls matter in both aesthetic purposes and functionality. Everybody loves beauty and usefulness. Shower tiles not only serve your unit with its durability or quality; it also creates an atmosphere in your home that truly brings comfort and a sense of order.

Resources

Image credits – Photo by DAVIDCOHEN on Unsplash

Mortar, Grout & Thinset: What’s the Difference?

4 Best Flooring Types for High Traffic Areas of Your Home

Ceramic vs. Porcelain Tiles

Coefficient of Friction – ScienceDirect

I have over 20 years of experience in construction. For the past 12 years, I've been mostly devoted to bathrooms, where I have my own business. I've seen almost every problem, so I believe I can help you. Read more