What Is the Most Popular Tile for Showers

ProSource Wholesale | 11/25/2025

Tricks of the Trade is an article series dedicated to providing answers to commonly asked questions. The interviews are conducted with ProSource Wholesale® trade professional members, offering their insights and experience to questions that arise during the building or remodeling process.

This month, we spoke with Cindy Leach, owner of CDL Flooring Services and a ProSource Wholesale® member at ProSource of Indianapolis. With years of experience guiding clients through tile selection and installation, Cindy knows how to balance style, performance, and practicality when it comes to designing the perfect shower.

Choosing the Right Tile for Showers

Selecting the right tile for showers involves more than just choosing a color or pattern—it’s about finding a surface that can stand up to daily use, moisture, and cleaning while still looking beautiful.

“Durability and water resistance are always my top priorities,” Cindy explains. “Showers are exposed to constant humidity and heat, so you need materials that won’t warp, fade, or crack over time. At the same time, people want something stylish that reflects their personality and ties into the rest of the bathroom design.”

She adds that slip resistance is also an essential consideration, especially for shower floors. “Porcelain or matte-finish tiles tend to perform best because they’re easy to clean and provide more grip than glossy finishes.”

The Most Popular Shower Tiles Today

When it comes to popularity, porcelain tile leads the way. “Porcelain is hands-down the most popular choice for shower tile,” says Cindy. “It’s dense, waterproof, and available in so many styles—stone looks, marble looks, textured finishes, you name it. It’s also very low maintenance, which homeowners appreciate.”

Ceramic tile remains a close second. “Ceramic is great when you want something affordable but still stylish. It’s easier to cut and install than porcelain, and with today’s printing technology, you can achieve beautiful looks at a lower cost.”

For those seeking something more unique, Cindy notes that glass and natural stone are still desirable options. “Glass mosaics can add a stunning accent wall or niche. Natural stone, like marble or travertine, gives a spa-like feel—but it does require sealing and a bit more care.”

Comparing Tile Materials: Porcelain, Ceramic, Glass, and Stone

Each material offers its own advantages when designing a tile shower.

• Porcelain: Extremely durable and fully vitrified, making it ideal for both shower walls and floors.
• Ceramic: Lightweight, budget-friendly, and perfect for walls or less humid spaces.
• Glass: Reflects light beautifully but should be installed on walls or accents, not floors.
• Natural Stone: Luxurious and timeless, but requires proper sealing and maintenance.

Cindy explains, “For longevity, porcelain wins. It’s dense, non-porous, and can handle heavy use without showing wear. For those who want to keep maintenance simple, porcelain is the best of all worlds.”

Tile Size, Shape, and Layout

The right tile size depends on where it’s being installed. “For shower floors, I always recommend smaller tiles like two-by-twos or mosaics,” Cindy says. “They give you more grout lines, which help with traction and contour to the slope of the drain.”

On walls, large-format tiles have become increasingly popular. “They create a sleek, modern look and minimize grout lines, which means less cleaning. Rectangular shapes like 12x24 or even 24x48 are trending right now.”

Cindy often helps clients mix tile sizes and patterns to create visual interest—pairing large wall tiles with a decorative niche or accent strip made of smaller mosaics.

Trends in Bathroom Shower Tile Design

Current shower tile designs reflect a shift toward natural, calming aesthetics. “People are loving soft, neutral tones—beiges, grays, whites, and warm taupes,” Cindy notes. “Textured finishes and stone-inspired looks are also really big. They bring that natural spa feel into the home.”

She adds that homeowners are becoming more adventurous with layout patterns: “Herringbone, stacked vertical, and mixed finishes are on trend. Matte finishes are also in demand because they hide water spots and give a more organic, high-end appearance.”

Installation and Maintenance Tips

A great design means little without proper installation. “The right prep and waterproofing are non-negotiable,” Cindy emphasizes. “Always use a high-quality waterproof membrane behind the tile and a grout that’s stain-resistant or epoxy-based to prevent discoloration.”

For low-maintenance shower tiles, Cindy recommends porcelain with minimal grout lines. “Porcelain is easy to clean with mild soap and water. If you seal your grout once a year, your shower can look brand new for a very long time.”

Timeless vs. Trendy Tile Choices

When it comes to deciding between timeless and trendy, Cindy advises clients to find balance. “Trends come and go, but the classics—like marble looks, subway tile, and soft neutrals—are always in style. If you love color or bold patterns, use them as an accent so it’s easy to change down the road.”

She adds, “Ultimately, choose what makes you happy. It’s your shower—you should love walking into it every day.”

The ProSource Advantage – Indianapolis

Cindy partners with ProSource of Indianapolis to bring her clients top-quality materials and exceptional service. “The showroom team is incredible,” she says. “They’re knowledgeable, helpful, and always go above and beyond to make sure I get what I need for every project. It’s like having an extension of my business.”

Through her partnership, Cindy and her clients gain access to an unmatched selection of shower tile, flooring, and bath products—backed by wholesale pricing and personalized support.

Whether you’re a homeowner planning a bathroom remodel or a trade professional designing for clients, ProSource Wholesale® can help you find the perfect tile for showers. Visit your local showroom or request an appointment today to explore endless options for style, performance, and value.

Tagged: Shower Bases Shower Heads Shower Faucets Bathroom Tile