Tile is an excellent addition to your shower walls, backsplashes, or even standing alone as a statement wall. Wall tile adds depth, character, and dimension to your space, not to mention protecting the surface.
Wall tile is virtually worry-free, especially when compared to other options like paint and wallpaper. Let us help you find the perfect tile for all the walls in your space.
Pro Tip: Prepare your surfaceproperly before placing wall tile. This ensures success and avoids future problems, such as moisture behind your tile or cracking due to an uneven surface.
Browse all wall tile
What is the Best Wall Tile?
Wall tile is available in porcelain, ceramic, glass, stone, and more. As a vertical surface, foot traffic and slip resistance are not concerns, which means you can choose from almost any material, size, shape, or texture. So "the best" wall tile is subjective.
Many argue ceramic is the best wall tile. It is water, stain, heat, and scratch resistant and can easily withstand the demands of the kitchen backsplash, bathroom backsplash, or shower. Ceramic tile is the most cost efficient, is easy to cut, and comes in a plethora of eye-popping colors and textures.
Waterproof and extremely durable, porcelain is also an excellent choice - especially for walls that require extra protection, such as high traffic areas or outdoor applications.
Luxurious natural stone is the best choice for return on investment as stone offers the largest increase in resale value. However, it does require protective sealants and specialized cleansers formulated for natural stone.
Backsplash Wall TIle
The kitchen and bathroombacksplashis as much a statement of style as it is a protection for the wall.
Ceramic, porcelain, and natural stonewall tiles offer an endless variety of beautiful mosaicbacksplash options.
Natural stone, quartz, and extra-large format porcelainprovide slab options for a contemporary seamless backsplash.
Glassand metalmosaics are chic and eye-catching.
Glass, ceramic, and porcelain are easy to clean and can be installed in less than a day.
Natural stone mosaics cost more and require a little more care than other materials, but with regular sealing and a little extra effort, a natural stone backsplash can last a lifetime. While all materials offer luxurious style, natural stone is mined so each one is completely unique. Coupled with its propensity to increase resale value, natural stone backsplashes are rising in popularity.
Shower Wall TIle
Because the shower is always wet, plans for the shower wall should garner some special attention. As a vertical surface, shower wall tile doesn’t have standing water or foot traffic as considerations but should be able to withstand daily moisture and regular cleaning. For these reasons, and so many more, tile is the best choice for the shower wall.
We recommend ceramic and porcelain for the shower wall, as they are the most water-resistant, durable, and easy to clean. Natural stone for the shower is growing in demand and is an exquisite choice, but it does require sealing before use, resealing annually, and cleaners designed for natural stone.
Shower wall tile requires proper moisture barriers or backer board to ensure the installation stays watertight.Visit our installation guide to learn more about shower tile installation.
Easy Installation
Installing wall tile just got easier with our Mosaix line of products. Whether you are considering peel & stick mosaics, groutless mosaics, or pre-cut 18" mosaic (the standard size for kitchen backsplashes), these technologies are now available from Daltile!
The perfect choice for DIYers, these stylish natural stone mosaicsinstall quickly and easily, but most importantly, look custom and professional.
Transform your wall in an afternoon with our grout-freeMinute Mosaix™, peel & stickSimplyStick Mosaix™, or pre-cut 18" Perfit Mosaix™collections.
Indoor to Outdoor
Wall tile intended to withstand the elements is essential in designs that seamlessly move from the indoors to the outdoors.
Daltile’s Façade SolutionsandVerticals™ Wall Complementsfrom the Xteriors™ collection does just that. This wall tile is the perfect place to start for obtaining beautiful outdoorfacades, fireplaces, kitchens, barbecues, patios, and more.
In stone, brick, wood, and classic looks, your options include everything from well-appointed mosaics to seamless slabs and every size in between. Available in natural cleft stacked stone or stone look, wood look, and concrete look porcelain.
Water-resistant, heat-resistant, and UV-resistant, each series in the Verticals™ line is equipped with the capability to stand up to extreme conditions - including heavy moisture, freeze-thaw cycles, and blistering summer temps. Plus, they look incredible while doing it.
Popular Wall Tile Looks
SUBWAY
TEXTURED
MOSAIC
SEAMLESS
NATURAL STONE
3D WALL
LARGE Format TILE
ENCAUSTIC
Extra-Large Format Porcelain
Daltile’s Panoramic Porcelain Surfaces™ feature porcelain slabs that really make a statement on the wall. Whether used as a minimal accent in an alcove, on the backsplash, or spread across a large bookmatched wall, the effect is stunning.
Choose from realistic marble looks with dramatic veining in a natural color palette. Purchase full size slabs (10 feet x 5 feet) or smaller pieces pre-cut from the slab. Discover all the possibilities with Panoramic Porcelain Surfaces™.
Mosaic Design Tool
Create your own custom, random blends or design your own patterns with unique color ratios with our mosaic design tool. This tools allows you to use Keystones™, Color Wheel™ Mosaics, and Color Wheel™ Retro to create your own one-of-a-kind mosaic tile.
Our custom designer lets you save your designs to your computer, print, and share via email or social media.
Create your own mosaic design
Wall Tile FAQs
-
WHAT IS WALL TILE?
Wall tile is ceramic, porcelain, stone, or glass tile that can be installed on the wall. It can be a mosaic, standard size tile, or large format tile. Wall tile can have texture, patterns, or 3D design that adds interest to backsplashes, shower walls, or feature walls.
-
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO TILE WALLS?
The cost of wall tile depends on the type of tile you select and how much tile you need to cover your wall. A marble tile may be much more expensive than a ceramic tile wall. On the other hand, a custom tile picture wall or custom pattern in 1x1 tiles can be a significant investment.
-
WHAT ARE STANDARD WALL TILE SIZES?
Wall tile comes in sizes ranging from one-inch mosaics to seamless slabs. Most wall tiles are mosaics or standard sizes, which include 1”, 2”, 4”, 6”, and 8”. You can use some floor tiles on the walls as well. Standard sizes include 12” x 12" and 12" x 24”.
-
WHICH WALL TILE IS BEST OR MOST DURABLE?
Glass tile is waterproof and easy to clean, doesn’t scratch, and has high breaking strength. Porcelain is a close second and is impervious to water, scratch and chemical resistant, and lasts for years. Ceramic is also a close contender. It is water, chemical and scratch resistant. Natural stone requires an investment of time and care but with sealing and regular maintenance, it also lasts indefinitely.
-
WHAT SHAPES OF WALL TILE ARE AVAILABLE?
Wall tile comes in all shapes but the most popular are square, hexagon, and rectangular in both small and large sizes. Specialty shapes like lanterns, chevrons, abstract, linear, etc. are also excellent choices for the wall. Discover all the mosaic options.This is a growing category of wall tile so check back often!
-
WHAT'S THE BEST LAYOUT OR PATTERN FOR WALL TILE?
Your wall tile pattern or layout is a matter of personal taste but the most popular are a grid or brickwork layout and herringbone. Small square or hexagon mosaic tile allows for customization for the wall that personalizes your design. Our mosaic designer toolallows you to unleash your inner Michelangelo.
-
HOW DO I PICK THE SIZE OF WALL TILE?
Wall tile size is a matter of personal taste and manufacturer recommendations. If the tile you select is appropriate for the wall, you can choose any size. A good rule of thumb is that smaller tile looks better in smaller spaces and larger tile in larger spaces. Occasionally a designer will opt to use larger tile in a small space depending on the dimensions of the room.
-
CAN FLOOR TILE BE USED ON THE WALL?
Most floor tile is rated for both floor and wall. Be sure to check manufacturer recommendations. Consult with an architect or designer if you have any questions. (Selected Daltile Showrooms offer complimentary consultations from our interior designers.)
-
CAN YOU USE WALL TILE ON THE FLOOR?
Maybe. While many wall tile is suitable for flooring, not all of them are. Check recommendations from the manufacturer. Consult with a trade professional if you have questions. (Our interior designers offer free consultations at selected Daltile Showrooms.)
-
CAN YOU USE WALL TILE IN THE SHOWER?
Wall tile is an excellent choice for the shower. Each one of our products has a sales sheet that offers a list of suitable applications. We suggest selecting a durable ceramic or porcelain for best results in this damp area.
-
HOW DO YOU CLEAN WALL TILE?
Wall tile needs only water and a basic soap to look great. However, grout may need an occasional chemical cleaner to address issues, which wall tile beautifully withstands. Please consult our care and maintenance guide for detailed information.
Related Information
DARING KITCHEN BACKSPLASHES
From bold to neutral, Chip Wade offers suggestions for your kitchen backsplash.
Backsplash Ideas
Installing Wall Tile
Our experts provide step-by-step installation instructions and helpful tips.
How to Install
Beveled Subway Tile
A modern take on the iconic classic, beveled subway tile brings retro style to your space.
Updated Classic
Mosaic Tile to the Rescue
Mosaic tile packs a tremendous visual punch that breathes life back into any outdated kitchen.
Mosaic Inspiration
