wall tile vs floor tile: the differences and why they matter

what’s the main difference between wall and floor tile?

you may be surprised to hear that tile doesn’t fall neatly into two categories, “wall” and “floor.” in fact, many types of tile that are commonly installed on walls are also suitable for floors, and vice versa.

take cement tile, for example. it’s an excellent choice for floors, where its unglazed surface offers much-needed traction, especially in wet areas. (not to mention it ages with the grace of wood or leather.) cement tile also has a unique ability to hold pigment for creating crisp patterns, making it a bold and exciting option for walls as well.

the major difference, then, lies in the factors you have to consider, depending on where you’re installing the tile. if you’re updating, say, a kitchen or shower floor, you’ll need to prioritize traits like slip resistance and durability. if you’re tiling a backsplash, on the other hand, you’ll want to think about ease of cleaning. (more on these factors ahead.) and if you’re putting tile on a wall for decorative use (say a living room wall) you have an even wider range of options.

wall tile vs. floor tile

before we dive into only wall tile or only floor tile, let’s look at both generally.

materials

as we mentioned above, a variety of tile materials can be installed on both walls and floors. cement, zellige, terracotta, natural stone, and brick have all graced walls and floors in a number of spaces.

one thing worth noting, however, is that glaze can play a key role in determining which tiles are best suited for which surface. glazed zellige, terracotta, and brick, for example, are often reserved for walls because their glossy surface has less slip resistance, and they offer the advantage of easy cleaning. the same goes for glazed porcelain and ceramic tile. unglazed tile, on the other hand, is often favored for floors because of the traction it lends.

durability

while it would be far too simple to say that floor tile is more durable than wall tile, you certainly need to prioritize wear and tear resistance when choosing tile for, say, a mudroom floor that sees heavy foot traffic. cement, marble, slate, unglazed terracotta, brick, and porcelain tile can all offer this sort of durability.

that said, it’s always best to consult a tile’s technical specifications in order to understand its durability and which types of surfaces it is well suited for.

size and shape

tiles large and small—and in every shape—can be find on walls and floors alike. some people appreciate the room-expanding effect that larger sizes of tile can have when installed in a small space such as a bathroom wall. others love the eye-popping look of small penny rounds on a vast entryway wall.

one thing to remember here is that small tiles are (sometimes!) better suited for the floor if you’re considering working with glazed tile. this is because glazed tile offers less slip resistance, which could be less practical in areas that see water, like a shower floor. in this scenario, you’d be better off opting for mosaic tile or cutting a larger tile down to a smaller size, which will give you more grout lines for traction.

texture

as you’ve likely already figured out, texture can play a major role in determining whether a tile is ideal for the wall or floor. textured, unglazed tiles can add much-welcome dimension to a wall, but they won’t be as easy to clean as, say, glossy ceramic tile. this may have you prioritizing glazed options for the wall.

likewise, tiles with natural texture like slate and cement can bring much-needed traction to a kitchen or mudroom floor. but that doesn’t mean you have to stop looking at glazed tile options altogether, especially if that’s the look you’re going for. again, a tile’s technical specifications can offer helpful guidance here.

understanding wall tiles

let’s dig into wall tiles specifically, from general characteristics to practical considerations.

characteristics and features

when installing tile on a wall, the world is your oyster. options like glazed farmhouse brick, zellige, and marble subway will offer a smooth surface that is blessedly easy to clean, which is an advantage in the kitchen and bathroom. other choices like cement and unglazed terracotta, meanwhile, lend bold patterns or texture.

there really is no one characteristic or feature of wall tile. what you go for comes down to your goals and preferences.

aesthetics

similarly, it would be impossible to nail down a single aesthetic for all wall tile—there are simply too many options. some people might favor glazed terracotta for a laundry room wall, for example, while others may choose bold patterned cement to create a unique backsplash in the laundry room.

practical considerations

as we’ve mentioned, tiles with smooth and glossy surfaces tend to make for easy cleaning. (hello, stain and water resistance.) this makes ceramic subway tile, zellige, and glazed brick good choices for backsplashes and other high-traffic walls. that said, we’ve also seen bold cement and unglazed terracotta work beautifully on many kitchen backsplashes.

the best wall tile types

wall tile is a powerful design element that is going to be with you for a long time. so: weigh your practical goals and aesthetic preferences, then decide what makes the most sense for your space. ultimately, the best wall tile type is the one you love.

decoding floor tile

now, let’s take a look at floor tile, including common characteristics and aesthetics.

characteristics and features

like wall tile, floor tile can have a wide range of characteristics and features, from polished and glazed to raw and textured. options like honed marble, terrazzo, and glazed brick can lend a smooth touch, while brick, slate, and unglazed terracotta add a bit more slip resistance (more on that in a moment). what you choose is up to your goals and preferences.

aesthetics

as you’ve likely guessed, you have a wealth of aesthetic options when exploring floor tile as well. cement is known for endless pattern play and beautiful patina, while marble and slate pull nature in. looking for something raw and earthy? you might love terracotta or brick.

practical considerations

the main practical consideration with floor tile is slip resistance. this is especially important for high-traffic areas and wet areas like showers and bathrooms. matte and unglazed tiles generally offer greater slip resistance, but glossy tiles are okay to use if they are smaller in size. (smaller tile equals more grouting, and more grouting equals more traction.)

if slip resistance is top priority for you, be sure to check a tile’s cof (coefficient of friction) slip resistance rating. the higher the cof rating, the higher the slip resistance.

the best floor tile types

as with wall tile, the best floor tile type will be what aligns with your practical goals and aesthetic preferences. take our advice and select the tile you love.

can wall tiles and floor tiles be used interchangeably?

the short answer: often, yes. many of our tiles have graced both walls and floors.

the long answer: it depends on which tile you are considering and where you want to install it. when choosing tile for your project, always check a tile’s technical specifications and material guidelines, including installation areas, freeze/thaw resistance, and sealing recommendations.