Due to constantly being exposed to water, most showers use tiles to keep the shower clean and safe and prevent molding. However, figuring out tile placement and height can be quite tricky for this.
Shower tiles should generally be approximately six feet and two inches high in the shower. This height covers the minimum of three-fourths of the shower to keep water flowing into the drain and not seeping into the walls.
For different aesthetics, designers use different tile layouts that coordinate with the style of the house. Some showers are entirely covered in the tile while others only have tile covering part of the shower wall.
At the end of the day, it is all a matter of preference, with a few exceptions of badly cut or asymmetrical designs.
How High Should Tile Go In Shower?
When it comes to designing a bathroom, it is crucial to take into account the exposure it has to water. For this reason, shower walls are usually covered in tiles to protect the integrity of the structure.
Even though the showers have to be covered in the sleek slabs of thick ceramic, there is still some degree of freedom in how much of the wall that is covered.
As long as at least three-fourths of the shower walls are covered in tile, the rest of the wall can be painted. As long as the surface area of the tiled zone starts from the bottom up, and the tile is approximately six feet and two inches tall, everything should be in the clear.
Furthermore, once all the regulations have been met, the designer chose the layout and colors that will go with their space’s aesthetic. After all, interior design is a creative field of work and has flexible rules to accommodate the creator’s creativity and personality.
Preferred Heights of Shower Tile
For different designs, some designers suggest some go-to looks that will never disappoint. For a crisp, simple, and modern feel, many recommended going with the classic, three fourth covered design with the tiles of one’s choice.
Generally speaking, it is not recommended to go below that height. The codes and regulations that ensure safe constructions, advise this as the minimum height.
This is mainly to prevent future issues from water getting into small crevices and rotting away at the structure of the wall.
Because having tile on the majority of the wall is a requirement, it limits the number of tiles one can use on a wall. Since interior design is a creative outlet, designers still have the liberty to alter the shape, size, and color of the tiles they use.
Some even do a play with texture or colors to create patterns. However, you should not cover less than three-fourths of the wall.
Tile lovers enjoy covering the whole bathroom in a myriad of patterned tiles. This style is known as the “floor-to-ceiling” bathroom, it is a fresh, modern, look that people can’t seem to get over.
Even with its modern feel, this design does not have to be plain white or neutral colors. This can be done using different sizes, shapes, and colors to create unique and intricate patterns.
Besides those two, the next go-to tile layout is when the shower walls are tiled all the way up to the ceiling. This is an easy way of ensuring that the walls are covered to the standards of the code and leaves very little room for error.
This bathroom layout is an easy style to make interesting and glam up. With all these options to choose from, designers can make sure the finished product of the space they design will be safe and beautiful.
Does It Have To Be Tiled?
Even though tiles are the preferred material used in showers, it can easily be replaced with other materials. For people who want to avoid using tile, there are several secure ways to beautify shower walls.
While all of these materials are approved, some of them are less durable than others while others differ in price. This allows the designer to choose what works best for the customer’s budget and tastes.
Materials for shower wall can range in price, from the inexpensive PVC panels to the luxurious marble, designers have a wide selection to choose from.
All these materials perform the same job as the tile by adding a water-resistant barrier to prevent significant water damage over time. However, just like the tiles, the material used in the shower needs to cover at least three-fourths of the wall from the bottom up.
As long as the appropriate surface area is protected, all of the following materials can be used as a replacement for tiles.
- PVC Panels– Additionally to being one of the most affordable options for shower walls, the sleek appearance of the PVC panel provides a neat and fresh look.
- Stone Resin– Resin has become a big part of modern architecture and has allowed us to incorporate stone in showers. Stone resin is sleek and durable and warm to the feet which makes it the perfect option for colder areas.
- Stainless Steel– While this is not a typical material, stainless steel adds a very modern look and feel to any bathroom.
- Wood Shower Walls– Even though wood showers are a sight for the sore eyes, it is hard to make sure the natural wood remains intact. A good option is Showerwall’s Nautical Wood panel, which was specifically designed to withstand warping.
- Paint– Although this wasn’t possible in the past, there is now a specialized paint that is moisture-resistant and suitable to be used in showers.
- Acrylic Panels– These shower panels offer a sleek and seamless look to any shower. Reinforced with glass fibers, these panels can last a lifetime.
- Marble– This is probably the most similar to tiles, with the only difference being the price tags. Marble is a nice way to add character to the bathroom.
The architecture world is a dynamic one, a few decades ago, there was no such thing a shower paint or wood shower walls. However, as the world evolves, humans evolve along with it.
When there is a problem that needs solving, someone designs a solution that will be used for years and years. These new materials all work to perform the same function as tiles, but with these options, designers have more creative freedom to make the ideal space for their clients.
Remember that ultimately the goal is to waterproof the shower and prevent moisture damage. This YouTube video outlines approaches to ensuring a waterproof shower install:
In Short
Even though there is not an exact number as to how high tiles should reach when designing a shower, it is important to remember why the tile is being used in the first place.
Forget about appearances a moment and ensure first that the area that will be exposed to water is protected. Safety is the main priority. As long as the majority of the shower walls are covered, people now have the choice between the new shower wall options.
Whatever style one chooses, they have the choice to make the space unique and beautiful by adding colors, shapes, and textures.
After all, designing is supposed to be fun, so once all the safety standards have been met, designers have free reign to unleash their creativity and bring someone’s dream house to life.
Related Reading:
- Can You Install a Bathtub Over Tile? Read This Before You Do
- Using Spray Foam Under A Shower Pan: Pros, Cons, & Cautions
As a homeowner, I am constantly experimenting with making the structure of my house more energy-efficient, eliminating pests, and taking on DIY home improvement projects. Over the past two decades, my family has rehabbed houses and contracted new home builds and I’ve learned a lot along the way. I share my hard-learned lessons so that you can save time and money by not repeating my mistakes.
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