Is tile actually waterproof?
No — and this matters more than most homeowners realize. Tile and grout on their own are not waterproof. A shower or bathtub surround needs a proper waterproofing membrane behind the tile, installed using a TCNA-approved method, or water will eventually find its way into the wall and subfloor behind it.
What's the difference between ceramic and porcelain tile?
Porcelain is fired hotter and longer than ceramic, which makes it denser and more water-resistant — true porcelain has a water absorption rate of 0.5% or less. Ceramic tile absorbs water at a higher rate, which makes it a weaker choice for exterior use or wet areas, though it remains a solid, affordable option for many interior applications.
Should I choose glazed or unglazed porcelain?
Glazed porcelain generally has a smoother finish that's easier to clean, since the glazing fills in microscopic surface holes. Unglazed porcelain often provides better slip resistance, which can matter more in a shower pan or exterior walkway than in a kitchen floor.
Why does tile choice matter for a backsplash?
Some materials, like natural stone and marble, are porous and need sealing and regular maintenance to resist staining. Non-porous options like ceramic, porcelain, glass and metal tile hold up with far less upkeep. Larger tile formats also mean fewer grout lines, which means less cleaning over time.
Is tile a healthy flooring choice?
Ceramic and porcelain tile are made from natural materials and don't off-gas the way some other flooring materials can. Tile is also hypoallergenic and naturally resistant to dust mites, mold and other allergens, which is part of why it's a popular choice for people with allergies or asthma.
Is tile an environmentally friendly choice?
Tile is extremely long-lasting when installed correctly, which reduces landfill waste compared to flooring that needs to be replaced every decade. Many tile products are recyclable or made with recycled content, and tile's thermal mass can help moderate indoor temperatures, easing the load on your HVAC system.
What should I look for in a shower tile contractor?
Ask whether they specialize in shower tile, what waterproofing materials they use on the substrate, whether they perform a flood test on the shower pan, and whether both the product manufacturer and the contractor offer a warranty. A contractor who can answer all of these clearly is worth prioritizing over the lowest bid.
Do you offer free estimates?
Yes. We'll look at your project, discuss your tile options, and give you an honest, no-obligation estimate before any work begins.
Tile glossary
Terms you might hear during your project
- Brick joint / running bond
- Tile installed with each row offset, typically by half its length.
- Bullnose
- Trim tile with a rounded edge, used to finish an exposed edge cleanly.
- Backerboard
- An underlayment substrate for tile; some varieties are waterproof, others require a separate waterproofing layer.
- Grout
- The material that fills the joints between tiles.
- Honed
- A satin, low-gloss surface finish.
- Lippage
- A detectable difference in height between adjoining tile edges at the same grout joint.
- Membrane
- A sheet or liquid-applied underlayment used to isolate cracks in the substrate or waterproof it.
- Thin-set mortar
- A cement, sand and additive blend used to bond tile to its substrate.
- Rectified tile
- Tile with mechanically finished edges for a more precise, uniform dimension.
- Trim
- Bases, caps, corners and moldings used to finish or transition tile edges.
Industry organizations
Groups that shape tile standards
A few of the organizations behind the standards and training referenced throughout the tile trade.
- ANSI — American National Standards Institute — sets technical standards used across the tile industry.
- ASTM International — Develops testing and material standards referenced throughout tile manufacturing and installation.
- NTCA — National Tile Contractors Association, a nonprofit trade group focused on professional ceramic tile and stone installation, established in 1947.
- TCNA — Tile Council of North America — represents tile, tile-material and equipment manufacturers and publishes the handbook most installers reference.
- CTEF — Ceramic Tile Education Foundation — provides training and certification for tile installers.