Can you use wall tiles on the floor?

It can be a daunting task choosing bathroom tiles as they’re a long-term addition to your home, so getting the right tile for you is key. Choosing wall and floor tiles is more about personal choice but there are a few things to consider along your project’s journey…

No, you cannot use all wall tiles on the floor, tiles have different compositions and surface textures meaning some are not suitable for heavy traffic or areas of wet. The best thing to do is look up the product’s suitability on the tile’s product page, this will tell you whether it is suitable for wall only, floor only or wall and floor.

There are differences between wall and floor tiles, noticeable those with slip resistance which are ideal for the floor. Porcelain is most common in floor tiles as they are stronger and more durable whereas smaller wall tiles are generally made from ceramic and often feature a more decorative glaze.

Floor tiles are mostly made from porcelain because they are strong and durable and have their own PEI rating, which grades the strength of the material, making them ideal for high foot traffic areas that could see more wear and tear over time.

Slip resistance is also more common in porcelain tiles, the higher the slip resistance, the safer they are to use in wet areas whether that be in a bathroom or an outdoor patio.

L-R: Essen, Novene Carrara, Prekast

L-R: Hartley, Berkeley Essence, Skandi

As floor tiles are hardy and durable and, given the look you’re going for, are as design friendly as wall tiles, there is no specific reason as to why a floor tile cannot be used on the wall too.

However, there are a couple of considerations when choosing to use a floor tile on the wall.

Using the same types of tile on the wall and floor is most common in modern bathrooms as it creates a seamless finish and often makes a room feel bigger. However, it is all down to personal taste and style.

You’re most likely to use a different tile on the bathroom floor as they can offer slip resistance which is not necessary for walls. If you like the look of polished natural stone, although this looks great on the floor, it’s not advisable for a bathroom as it will be slippery when wet so you’d perhaps limit it to the shower walls.

If you love the look of clean white tiles, you’d be best sticking to your shower enclosure for these as they will quickly show up dirt on the floor. If you are opting for a lighter tile on the floor, then try darker grout lines as an easy clean option.

Having matching wall and floor tiles can also inhibit your choices if you’re on a budget. If you’re mixing and matching tiles in certain places around the room, you can prioritise the more expensive tiles you love for a decorative feature and use more budget-friendly options for the rest of the room. The sink splash back is the perfect place to experiment with coloured tiles, mosaic tiles or a bit of pattern.

If you’re opting for a wet room bathroom, a matching wall and floor tile will open up the space and make it feel bigger however it’s not necessary to match your shower tiles to your floor.

Create continuity in your room by using a matching coloured grout and silicone sealant. If you’re looking to invest in a truly seamless finish then try our Aquabase tiling trays which coordinate with different wall and floor tiles without adding the bulk of an actual shower tray.

A bathroom doesn’t need to be tiled wall to floor unless you’re constructing a waterproofed wet room. Tiles are only required in areas of water use to avoid damp in the substrate, the main areas to consider tiling are a shower area, behind a sink’s taps and around a bathtub if it is placed adjacent or close to a wall.

Think like an interior designer and consider how you use the bathroom during the day and how you want the bathroom decorated. Don’t be afraid to use colour as the space should reflect your personal taste. However, if you have a small bathroom having floor to ceiling tiles will help the space feel bigger. By using a larger tile and having fewer grout lines, you can create the illusion of a bigger room but you can equally change the proportions of a room by using clever laying patterns, they also help to add interest to your space.

So, when it comes to choosing your tiles the world is your oyster! Having trouble visualising the finished room? Create a version of your bathroom using our online visualiser to see the finished result. You can even play with laying patterns and different grout colours so get experimenting!