Is Porcelain The Best Tile For Shower Floors And Walls?
August 19, 2025
Porcelain tile has fascinated many for years. Who can blame them? Its charm lies in its striking physical qualities and beautiful appearance. That authentic brick look porcelain tile creates a stunning impact when you enter a room, doesn't it? Appreciated for being durable and reliable, with a low 0.5% absorption rate, porcelain tile is truly a wonderful choice for any flooring needs.
Porcelain for shower floors and walls?
Let’s explore the fantastic benefits of choosing porcelain for your shower floors and walls. We'll also highlight some of MSI’s best shower options, all featuring stunning porcelain tiles. If you’re working on renovating your home, you might already be familiar with various tile and stone flooring choices along with their pros and cons. However, here, we're excited to focus on how porcelain can truly enhance one of the most important areas in your home!
First, it’s useful to understand the difference between porcelain and clay tiles. Many people often ask about how porcelain compares to ceramic tiles, especially when they're exploring flooring options. Remember, they aren't exactly the same. Both are crafted from clay and fired in a kiln, but porcelain is a special kind of ceramic with a denser clay, which makes it more durable.
Porcelain features a uniform color throughout, maintaining its appearance even if chipped or broken. In contrast, ceramic tiles have a glazed surface that provides their color; splitting one reveals a different interior shade. The sleek, smooth finish of porcelain can shape the room's overall ambiance, depending on its placement. Additionally, ceramic tiles are generally less dense than porcelain, which may influence their durability and tactile quality.
Next, let’s discuss the advantages of using porcelain on your shower floor or wall. This option is popular among home buyers and renovators, but have you ever wondered why? Porcelain tile is highly water-resistant, making it perfect for water-exposed areas like showers. Its absorption rate is only 0.5% or less, which means it resists liquids well. Considering water exposure is essential, making porcelain a practical choice for a shower.
Porcelain tiles are incredibly durable because they are made from a very dense material. Their excellent water resistance helps them withstand heavy impact and other stresses. (You might have noticed, this is also why porcelain is frequently chosen for busy commercial spaces with lots of foot traffic!)
Today, porcelain tiles come in many designs, making them a versatile choice for decorating. The market offers porcelain that resembles hardwood, slate, granite, and marble, with a wide range of colors and finishes, including glazed and unglazed options. This allows you to customize your shower to match your style, confident that the tile will withstand wear and last for years without needing replacement. Durable, beautiful, and long-lasting—what's not to love about porcelain tile flooring?
Now that we’re familiar with the benefits, let’s explore some of MSI’s top 5 shower designs to spark your inspiration. There’s nothing quite like seeing beautiful examples to get your creative ideas flowing. Who knows? You might discover the perfect shower for your home or apartment, or find new ideas to transform your shower décor into something special.
In this elegant bathroom, the Zaria™ Elora Porcelain Tile creates a striking shower surround with its subtle geometric design and creamy white tone. The tile’s intricate pattern adds texture and depth, beautifully complementing the warm wood vanity, brass fixtures, and minimalist styling seen in the space. Crafted for both beauty and performance, this porcelain tile offers water resistance and durability—making it an ideal choice for modern, spa-like bathrooms.
In this sleek, nature-inspired bathroom, the Flamenco™ Racing Green Porcelain Tile takes center stage in the shower, infusing the space with rich color and modern sophistication. Its elongated shape and glossy finish create a striking herringbone pattern that adds movement and dimension against the neutral backdrop. Durable, water-resistant, and easy to clean, this porcelain tile brings both bold style and lasting performance to contemporary shower designs.
The Calacatta Gold Matte Subway Tile brings timeless elegance to this contemporary bathroom, creating a luxurious shower surround with its soft white background and delicate gold veining. The matte finish adds a modern touch, balancing beautifully with the warm wood cabinetry and matte black fixtures. Crafted from durable porcelain, this tile offers water resistance and low maintenance—making it both a stylish and practical choice for everyday living.
In this sleek, minimalist bathroom, the Metro White 4x16 Glossy Porcelain Tile enhances the shower surround with its clean lines and luminous finish. The glossy white surface reflects natural light beautifully, making the space feel open and airy while pairing effortlessly with the bold black fixtures and accents. Durable and easy to maintain, this porcelain tile delivers timeless appeal and lasting performance, perfect for modern, spa-inspired interiors.
In this striking modern shower, the Zaria™ Modena Porcelain Tile commands attention with its bold geometric pattern and black-and-white contrast. The eye-catching design adds a sense of movement and artistry, perfectly complemented by sleek brass fixtures and natural light streaming through the window. Combining visual impact with durability and easy maintenance, this porcelain tile is ideal for creating a statement-making shower that feels both timeless and contemporary.
When it comes to porcelain, you'll find a wide range of options, which is great to keep in mind since everyone has their own unique taste in bathroom décor. Luckily, porcelain tile stands out with its many benefits; it's durable, has low absorption, and offers a versatile look and feel, making it an excellent choice for many people.
Everyone desires top-quality design elements for a shower. Since you spend considerable time in the shower, especially near your bed, it makes sense to choose the best tiles and wall flooring. Porcelain is a popular choice due to its advantages and wide range of designs. Discover additional options for your shower floor or wall to broaden your possibilities beyond your initial ideas.
Porcelain is a wonderful and versatile choice that can beautifully enhance any shower in your home. Excited to learn where to buy porcelain wall tile for your upcoming shower remodel? Chat with our experienced team at MSI online, or find an authorized MSI dealer near you to visit a showroom in person.
READ MORE ABOUT THE BENEFITS OF PORCELAIN TILE
Introducing Bold New Porcelain Tile Pattern Looks
Introducing Our New Porcelain Floor Tile Collections
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