What to Look For in Wall Tile
Walls carry no traffic, so the choice turns on face and format rather than wear. Bodies filterable here are white-body ceramic, glazed porcelain, porcelain and glass. Products on the page include Blanca White 24x48 in satin ceramic, Chic Stone Blue and Chic Stone Mix 12x24 in glossy and semi-matte, Burano White 3x9 subway décor with a matte glimmer face, Sophisticated Brick White 3x9 décor, Blanca Black 3x3 polished inserts, and slim wall strips at 1x24 and 1x30 used as banding. Several of these are wall-only products, so confirm the rated use on the specification before putting one on a floor.
Choosing Wall Tile
A 3x9 brick or subway layout suits a short run and forgives a wall that is slightly out of true. A 24x48 panel gives a near-continuous surface but demands a flat, plumb substrate. Glossy faces reflect light and help a room with one small window; matte and satin absorb it and keep a large field calm. Rectified edges allow a tight joint and a quiet grid, while pressed non-rectified tile needs a wider joint, which turns grout color into a design decision. Décor strips and inserts break a tall field at eye level.
Where to Use Wall Tile
Shower enclosures and tub surrounds, the wall behind a range, powder room feature walls, hallway wainscot, a fireplace chase, a laundry wall and the back of a built-in niche. Commercial uses include restroom walls, cafe counters and lobby columns. Sheet formats from the mosaic range handle curves and returns a rigid panel cannot. For plainer profiles filter to modern, or go the other way with a black field and a light grout.