IN THIS POST
– Pros of Installing Glass Tiles
– Cons of Installing Glass Tiles
– Pros of Installing Ceramic Tiles
– Cons of Installing Ceramic Tiles
– Ceramic vs Glass Tiles
If you’re in the middle of remodelling your bathroom, choosing the right type of tiles for your shower floor and walls can make or break the project. Although there are quite a few different types of tiles available in the market that are suitable to be installed in the shower, ceramic and glass continue to be the top choices among homeowners. Therefore, in order to help you figure out which one of these two options would be the perfect fit for your bathroom, we’ve brought you a detailed analysis on ceramic vs glass tiles – including their individual pros and cons.
Unfortunately, a lot of homeowners buy tiles for their showers based solely on their aesthetic, such as colours, patterns and sizes. However, there are quite a few performance factors you must consider before reaching your final decision. For instance, the tiles you choose for the shower floor must be slip-resistance, impervious to water damage and durable.
So, between ceramic vs glass tiles, which one exhibits all (or most) of these features? Let’s find out.
We’ll first discuss the pros and cons of glass tiles.
Pros of Installing Glass Tiles in the Shower
These are some of the most noteworthy pros of installing glass tiles in the shower.
- Visual appeal
- Durable
- Impervious to water
- Can make the bathroom look bigger
- Low maintenance
- Resistant to Stains
Visual Appeal
Glass tiles can enhance the visual appeal of your bathroom and make it look like a spa. These tiles are available in a wide variety of colours, shapes, sizes and patterns, allowing you to choose between different styles and designs for your shower floor and walls.
You can even mix-and-match mosaic glass tiles of different colours and shapes to create stunning patterns in order to give your bathroom a more contemporary look.
Along with shower floors and walls, these tiles are also perfect for kitchen backsplash.
Durable
Glass tiles are incredibly durable and can last for a long time if you treat them with proper care. They don’t break easily under pressure, which makes them a suitable option for shower floors.
Impervious to Water
Glass tiles are perfect for shower floors as they are completely impervious to water absorption.
Make your bathroom look bigger
As we already know, strategically placed mirrors can make a room look larger than it actually is. Similarly, installing glass tiles in the shower can also create an illusion of a bigger space. This is because glass reflects light, which automatically makes the room appear brighter and more spacious.
Moreover, since glass tiles are translucent and allow you to see the way through their surface, they can add a bit of depth and dimension to your bathroom.
Low maintenance
Glass tiles are relatively low maintenance, which means they can be easily cleaned and you won’t have to spend a lot of time or money on their upkeep.
If you install glass tiles in the shower, you can simply clean the soap build-up and residue using a solution of equal parts water and vinegar. Just spray the DIY cleaning liquid on the shower floor and wait for about 10 minutes before rubbing the tiles with a soft brush or a cloth. Rinse the floor with clean water and use a wiper to get rid of the moisture. Your tiles will look as good as new.
Resistant to Stains
This is one of the biggest advantages of installing glass tiles in the shower.
Since they are completely non-porous, glass tiles are resistant to stains. They are also impervious to rot, mildew, mould and allergens, making them a healthy choice for those with allergies.
Cons of Installing Glass Tiles in the Shower
These are the most prominent disadvantages of installing glass tiles in the shower.
- Difficult to install
- Relatively expensive
- Can be easily scratched
- Slippery surface
- Highlights imperfections
Difficult to install
Unless you are well-versed in the art of installing tiles, you will probably need to hire an expert to complete the process of glass tiles installation in your shower.
Installing glass tiles is not only difficult, it sometimes takes about 7 days to fully set. They are also very fragile during installation and can break easily.
Relatively expensive
Are glass tiles more expensive than ceramic? The answer is yes.
Compared to ceramic tiles, glass tiles are significantly more costly. So, if you are working with a limited budget, installing glass tiles in the shower might not be the best option for you.
Can be easily scratched
While glass tiles are impervious to stains, water damage and mildew, they are not resistant to scratches. This is probably one of the biggest problems with glass tiles.
The best way to keep your tiles from looking scratched and dull is to clean them regularly with non-abrasive cleaning products.
Slippery surface
Glass tiles can get really slippery when wet. Therefore, if you are installing them in the shower, you must consider opting for smaller mosaic tiles in a matte finish, as additional grout lines will make the surface much less slippery.
Moreover, you can apply a slip-resistant sealant to make the floor even safer.
Highlights imperfections
Glass tiles may be low maintenance, but their reflective surface can easily highlight imperfections such as stains left by hard water and soap build-up etc. Even fingerprints can be really visible on these tiles.
This means you will need to clean them rather frequently to make sure your floors do not look worn out and dingy.
Now that we’ve explained all you need to know about glass tiles, let’s take a look at the pros and cons of ceramic tiles.
Pros of Installing Ceramic Tiles in the Shower
Here are some of the main reasons why most people prefer installing ceramic tiles in the shower.
- Affordable
- Durable
- Easy to clean
- Available in different colours
- Easier to install
Let’s delve deeper into each of these advantages.
Affordable
When it comes to ceramic vs glass tiles debate, the former get additional points for being more budget-friendly.
The cost of using ceramic tiles for the shower is relatively affordable. In addition to that, these tiles are available in a variety of price ranges, which means you can easily find something that fits your budget. This also makes ceramic tiles an ideal choice for shower walls along with the floor.
Durable
Ceramic is a very durable material. Usually, these tiles are rated between zero and five based on their hardness. While the tiles rated zero, one and two are mostly used for wall application and backsplashes, those rated three are considered suitable for kitchen and bathroom floors. Tile rated four and five are meant for commercial use.
Therefore, if you are looking for a material that will stand the test of time, you should consider installing ceramic tiles in the shower.
Easy to Clean
Ceramic tiles are fairly low-maintenance and easy to clean.
When it comes to the shower, cleaning the floor with a soft brush dipped in the solution of mild detergent and water usually does the trick. However, you can also use store-bought non-abrasive cleaner to make your ceramic tile floor look brand new.
If the tiles look hazy and dull even after being washed, you can use lemon juice to cut down the soap residue before washing the floor with clean water. Moreover, always make sure to wipe off the water instead of letting the tiles air-dry, as sitting water can result in unflattering water stains.
Available in different colours
These tiles are available in a wide variety of finishes, colours, textures, shapes, sizes and patterns. From floral patterns to geometric shapes, you can easily find ceramic tiles that will enhance the aesthetic appeal of your bathroom.
In fact, you can even customize them according to your liking, making it a timeless and sustainable choice for your shower floor.
Easier to install
Last but not least, ceramic tiles are relatively easy to install. In fact, if you have experience installing backsplashes or wall tiles, you can easily install ceramic tiles on your bathroom floor without hiring a professional.
Some of the items you will need for ceramic tile installation include backer boards, pointed and flat trowels, thinset mortar, grout and grout sponge, tile spacers, waterproof sealant and a level.
Cons of Installing Ceramic Tiles in the Shower
Just like everything, installing ceramic tiles in the shower can pose certain disadvantages.
- Slight irregularities
- Not resistant to stains
Slight irregularities
Ceramic tiles are handmade, which means you can expect slight imperfections and irregularities while installing them. In addition to that, the colour of the tiles may also slightly vary with each lot.
Not resistant to stain
Unglazed ceramic tiles can get stained rather easily, which makes them unsuitable to be installed in the shower. Therefore, you must make sure to use glazed ceramic tile for this project. Applying a waterproof sealant will also protect your shower tiles from any potential damage.
Ceramic vs Glass Tiles: Which One to Choose?
When it comes to deciding between ceramic vs glass tiles, the choice depends solely on your budget and personal preference.
If your budget allows, you should consider installing mosaic glass tiles in your shower instead of the traditional ceramic ones. In case that seems too expensive, you can install ceramic tiles on the floor and add mosaic glass tiles as an accent. This will add depth and texture to your bathroom, along with making it look extravagant.
To learn more about different types of floor tiles and their rates and tips on renovating your bathroom, head over to Zameen Blog – the best home improvement and property blog in Pakistan. You can also check out our guides on choosing the perfect tile for each room as well as how to prevent and fix cracked tiles.
Meanwhile, if you have any concerns or queries about choosing between the glass and ceramic tiles for your shower, you can share them with us by sending an email on blog@zameen.com.
Furthermore, don’t forget to subscribe to Zameen Newsletter on the right to stay updated about the latest trends in the construction and real estate industries.
