Wall Tile

Ask the Tile Experts

• What is wall tile?

  Wall tile can be the same as the tile you would use on your floor but with one added bonus—texture! 3-D tiles that you could not walk on can be used to add texture and depth, making the walls of your home the perfect place to experiment.

• How much does it cost to tile walls?

  As with all home remodeling projects, the cost greatly depends on the materials. A tile wall is more of an investment than paint or wallpaper, but the installation and style will last for many more years. You should also consider the different benefits of wall tile. It adds color, texture and a sense of space to a room, not to mention that you can even create works of art out of tile, which is a great budget option instead of tiling an entire wall.

• What are standard wall tile sizes?

  There really is no standard size for wall tiles. They range from small tiles and mosaics, made up of even smaller tiles, to large-format tiles, which means at least one side of the tile is over 16” long. The size is up to you and what looks best in your space. If you don’t know where to start, make a design consultation appointment, and stop into The Marble Shop to get some expert advice.

• Which wall tile is the best or most durable?

  Porcelain tile is the most durable. But since your walls are not going to experience nearly as much wear and tear as your floors, any wall tile will last a long time. This is a great place to display specialty and unique tiles.

• What shapes of wall tile are available?

  • Squares
  • Rectangles
  • Planks
  • Natural Pebbles and Stones
  • Cobblestone Look
  • Hexagon Mosaics
  • Woven-Look Mosaics
  • Diamond Mosaics
  • Chevron Mosaics
  • Herringbone Mosaics
  • Hexagons
  • Arabesques
  • Barringtons
  • And more!

• What is the best layout or pattern for wall tile?

  You can definitely feel free to mix and match tiles, patterns and materials in each location of your home and even in each room. Floor tile and wall tile don’t have to match and neither does your backsplash tile. It’s much more about coordinating than matching.

• How high do you install tile on walls?

  You can achieve different looks by tiling a full wall versus part of it. You can put different tiles on the top and bottom of the wall or create your own mosaic-style design with different colors and styles of tile in the same shape. This is where tile blurs the lines with art (and where it gets fun).

• How do I pick the size of wall tile?

  As long as it is approved for wall use, you can choose any size tile you want. Keep the size of the space you are tiling in mind. A large-format wall tile may not look as good in a tiny bathroom as it would in a large living area.

• Can you use wall tile on floors or in the shower?

  Not all wall tile is approved for floor or shower use, so check with a store associate before you use wall tile anywhere else. If the tile you like is not approved for floor or shower use, a store associate can point you in the direction of a similar or coordinating tile that is safe to use in those areas.

• What do you clean wall tile with?

  Cleaning your wall tile is easy with the right products. We recommend cleaning both man-made and stone tile with either our Grout and Tile Neutral Cleaner and Antibacterial Cleaner. This cleaner is non-acidic, antibacterial and safe for use on all tiles.

• How do you clean tile grout?

  The first step to keeping your grout clean is sealing it after it is installed. This will help ease the maintenance and keep the new look of the grout. Should it become dirty, use our Grout and Tile Neutral Cleaner and Antibacterial Cleaner to get your grout back to looking new.

• Is there wall tile without grout?

  No, wall tile should always be grouted to avoid chipping and cracking when tiles rub together.

• Do I need to seal wall tile and grout?

  If you are using natural stone, we recommend that you seal it unless it is specifically noted that it does not need to be sealed. Most ceramic and porcelain tiles do not need to be sealed. We recommend sealing all of your grout to keep it clean and make regular maintenance easier. If you are unsure if any of your tiles or grout need to be sealed, stop in at The Marble Shop and a store associate will be happy to help.

• Can you install wall tile over drywall, paneling, or wallpaper?

  We never recommend installing tile over drywall, paneling or wallpaper. Always start with as clean a wall as possible.