Table of Contents
- Choosing Bathroom Tiles: Why Does it Matter?
- Choosing Wrong Bathroom Tiles: Let’s See Consequences
- Tiles You Should Avoid in a Shower & Alternative Options
- UK-Friendly Shower Tile Options – How to Decide?
- Some Of The Best Bathroom Tiles For Wet Areas In The UK Include:
- Long-Lasting Shower Tile Installation – Extra Tips
- Best Honed Stone Colours for UK Bathroom
- Contact Us for Anti-Slip Bathroom Tiles UK
- FINAL THOUGHTS – The Tile to Avoid in Your UK Shower
- Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
When I was renovating my bathroom, I was most excited for the tiling part. I had assumed it would be one of the simplest processes. The vanity tops were simpler. Then Boom! The moment I started hunting for the floor tiles, especially, I realised not every tile belongs in a shower. Then I officially began my research for “what tile should not be used in a shower”.
From one homeowner to another - Some options look fantastic in a showroom but turn into a slip hazard, water trap, or high-maintenance nightmare once installed in a real UK home.
So, I'm gonna break it down, room by room, tile by tile, just for you – all about different types of tiles and the ones you should (and shouldn't) use in a shower.
Choosing Bathroom Tiles: Why Does it Matter?
Unlike other rooms of a home, our bathrooms deal with constant moisture and fluctuating temperatures. Sometimes it even has to deal with poor ventilation, especially in older properties.
What does this mean, and how is it relevant in this blog?
It means that your shower tiles need to be more than just stylish; they must be non-slip, water-resistant and easy to clean.
Yes. The type of tile you choose for your bathroom and toilet areas might be one of the prime reasons you either love or hate your designer.
Choosing Wrong Bathroom Tiles: Let’s See Consequences
Safety hazards — slippery surfaces increase the risk of falls.
Water damage — porous tiles can absorb moisture, causing mould and staining.
Costly upkeep — certain materials demand frequent sealing and scrubbing.
This is nothing. We will discuss more in further sections so that next time your friend planning a home asks you “what tile should not be used in a shower?” you’ll not hesitate to answer.
Check Out Best Tile Collection in the UK
Call 0330 113 5868 to order.
Tiles You Should Avoid in a Shower & Alternative Options
Here’s a closer look at which materials, finishes, and styles should stay out of your shower cubicle.
Highly Polished Natural Stone
It's undeniable that materials like polished marble, limestone and granite do look luxurious for home renovations but in a wet shower? No! These tiles in their polished state can be dangerously slippery.
Another reason is that natural stones are also porous, which means if you go without regular sealing, it will absorb soap, shampoo and water stains.
Better Alternative:
Opt for those same natural stone shower tiles, but with a honed or textured finish. The finish is the key here. Rough finishes like matte, honed, suede, flamed, brushed, etc reduce slipperiness and, when sealed properly, they handle UK bathroom humidity better.
Glossy Ceramic Tiles for the Floor
Again, ceramic tiles are affordable and widely available, but a glossy finish on the floor will feel like ice underfoot when wet. Too cold to handle. You do not want to deal with icy floors (imagine winters, especially!).
If you really love ceramic designs and colours, they’re fine for bathroom walls. Just not recommended for the shower base.
Better Alternative:
As explained above, choose non-slip bathroom tiles, especially for walk-in showers. Yes, textured or matte finish.
Keep reading for more information on “what tile should not be used in a shower”
Porous Terracotta Tiles
Terracotta does have its rustic charm, I agree, but its high water absorption rate makes it unsuitable for a shower, mate.
Yes, even with sealing, constant exposure to running water can cause dark spots, cracking and rapid wear to your Terracotta tiles.
Better Alternative:
Go for porcelain shower tiles that are dense, durable and available in terracotta-look designs without the water issues.
Next Read: Heavy Duty UK Tiles for All Floors
Glass Mosaic for the Shower Floor
Glass mosaic tiles can be stunning on a feature wall, but on the floor, they can be slippery unless they have a textured grip.
They also show water spots and limescale easily — something UK hard-water areas know all too well.
Better Alternative:
Use glass mosaics for accent strips or niche areas, keeping the floor reserved for a safer material.
Unsealed Slate
Slate brings a beautiful natural texture, but unsealed, it’s prone to flaking and absorbing moisture.
Even sealed slate requires regular maintenance to stay looking fresh in a shower environment.
Better Alternative:
If you love slate, select a sealed, riven finish and commit to resealing every 12–18 months.
Call 0330 113 5868 for expert advice and in-stock options.
UK-Friendly Shower Tile Options – How to Decide?
When deciding on shower-safe materials, focus on:
Low water absorption rates (look for ≤0.5%)
Slip resistance (especially for floors)
Low maintenance requirements
Some Of The Best Bathroom Tiles For Wet Areas In The UK Include:
Porcelain Tiles – These tiles are extremely dense, water-resistant, and available in countless finishes.
Textured Ceramic – These shower tiles are affordable and practical for walls and floors.
Sealed Quartzite – You can customise your quartzite tiles to get that natural beauty with higher durability than marble.
Dekton & Sintered Stone – These are some of the best-engineered tile options that are virtually impervious to water and heat.
Want to Check the Best Tile Collection in the UK? Click Here.
Long-Lasting Shower Tile Installation – Extra Tips
When you are buying tiles for your shower, I'm sure you want something that lasts. At least a decade, right? These given checklists will help you make the best choice for your home:
Check Slip Ratings: In the UK, you must always look for tiles with an R-rating (R10 or higher for wet floors).
Consider Underfloor Heating: This will help keep moisture controlled and add comfort.
Seal When Needed: Sealing is very important for natural stone and porous materials like marble that homeowners love. Unsealed natural stone tiles are what tile should not be used in a shower area.
Mind the Grout: Epoxy grout resists water and mould better than cement-based options.
Planning Kitchen Renovation Next? Use this Checklist, Be Stree-Free
Best Honed Stone Colours for UK Bathroom
Click the given links for some of the best options for your bathroom floors and walls.
We have 1000+ colours to offer you. Call 0330 113 5868 for the best price.
SIENA BEIGE MATT RECTIFIED PORCELAIN TILES
£31.50
Siena Beige Matt Rectified Porcelain Tiles is an Italian style, extremely hard wearing tile, suitable for both residential and commercial applications. It has a beige-coloured surface background adorned by faint white veins. These tiles are offered by Work-tops in both… read more
MOLEANOS BLUE MIX LIMESTONE TILES
£54.00
Moleanos Blue Mix Limestone Tiles is an elegant, classic, beige stone with subtle blue hints and shell details that offer character and a balanced vibe. Your property value will improve thanks to the beige limestone wall and floor. It exhibits… read more
Contact Us for Anti-Slip Bathroom Tiles UK
At work-tops, we don't just offer a wide range of floor and wall tiles for the bathroom; we also guide you regarding what tile should not be used in a shower, how to make your bathroom anti-slip and help you decide the best colours according to your other spaces.
So, dial 0330 113 5868 or mail your query to info@work-tops.com for all types of finishes like polished, glossy, honed, matte, filled, brushed, flamed, tumbled, and many more.
Check out Best Tile Collection UK!
FINAL THOUGHTS – The Tile to Avoid in Your UK Shower
So, back to our question: what tile should not be used in a shower?
Let me tell you in short. Skip highly porous, glossy and unsealed materials for floors. Also, avoid anything without adequate slip resistance.
Be careful to choose tiles that suit UK bathroom conditions. This move will ensure that your shower stays safe and beautiful as well as easy to maintain for years to come.
Disclaimer: This blog "what tile should not be used in a shower" published here is based on information available from online sources, industry trends, and general market knowledge at the time of writing. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date insights, the content should be treated as informational and inspirational guidance only, not as a substitute for expert advice.
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
Is It Okay To Buy Matching Wall and Floor Tiles for Showers?
It is good as long as you keep the floor tiles honed. Glossy, polished tiles are slippery and pose safety risks for bathroom floors. Visit Work-tops.com for all kinds of tiles.
How To Match My Shower Floor And Wall Tiles?
To effectively match floor and wall tiles in your shower area, focus on either colour or pattern coordination, not both.
Can I Use Leftover Bathroom Wall Tiles on Floors?
Avoid bathroom wall tiles on the floor if they are in polished finish because a shower area floor is always wet and glossy, or polished finish may make it slippery. If they are in these finishes – matte, suede, honed, brushed, or flamed – go ahead.
