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Small Cabin Forum / Cabin Construction / Can I use this porcelain tile for my shower walls?
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spikemarie
Member
# Posted: 21 May 2020 10:36 - Edited by: spikemarie
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Hello, everyone!
At long last, my cabin is to the point where I need to pick out tile for my shower walls. I found some amazing tile at Home Depot, but I posted a question asking if I could use it on my shower walls. They responded "no," but did not give a reason. I love, love, love this tile! Are they just being overly cautious by saying not to use it in a shower? It's a matte tile, maybe that's why, but in the product description, it says "Good for all applications," so I don't understand why shower walls are a no-no. Here's the link:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Ivy-Hill-Tile-Daze-Stone-24-in-x-48-in-Blue-Matte-Porcela in-Floor-and-Wall-Tile-2-pieces-15-49-sq-ft-case-EXT3RD104932/312139810
Or just google: Home Depot Ivy Hill Tile Daze Stone Blue Matte
Picture is below.
Thank you in advance!
Ivy_Hill_Tile_Daze_B.png
Ivy_Hill_Tile_Daze_B.png


jhp
Member
# Posted: 21 May 2020 11:09
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If it's a "community answer" and not by a Home Depot rep then its some random person on the internet who probably doesn't know what they are talking about.

If you read the specs below or the attached PDF this tile has the highest rating for being impervious to water and also rated for "all applications" meaning it passes the hardness and friction scale so it could be used for a floor.

I'm not a pro tiler but this stuff looks fine to use to me.

spikemarie
Member
# Posted: 21 May 2020 11:31
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Thank you for your reply, jhp!

Oh, yeah! I will have to recheck to see if the reply was by Home Depot or some random person. I'll check with my tile guy, too. He may not be keen on working with 24 x 48 inch tiles, though . . . !

hueyjazz
Member
# Posted: 21 May 2020 12:35
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It may be possible but it's going to be tough to work with. That's going to be a lot of weight hanging on the wall while the mastic cures. I could see your tile guy not being keen on this but maybe he's got some tricks.

I've done stone on wall before but with that you use little metal tabs you tie back to the wall. You cut off any exposed tab when things are all cured.

spikemarie
Member
# Posted: 21 May 2020 12:42
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Thanks, hueyjazz!

Maybe he could cut it into 24 x 24 inch squares instead. Does that sound feasible? I can ask him when I see him tomorrow.

Princelake
Member
# Posted: 21 May 2020 14:35
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If they are matte finish then they are probably a bit porous. Once you start showering it'll get full of soap scum and what not and be tough to clean. I would not be worried about weight and size.

spikemarie
Member
# Posted: 21 May 2020 16:55
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Thanks for the reply, Princelake!

That's a good point! I wonder if they could be sealed.

Princelake
Member
# Posted: 21 May 2020 18:06
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Yes you can buy sealer. I'd do a couple coats and depending on how often the shower is used every few years reseal them.

Brettny
Member
# Posted: 21 May 2020 19:29
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Sealer will wear off..and do you really need another thing to maintain every year?

The title says floor and wall tile so I would assume it can be used for a wall. Unless there 3/4in thick weight shouldn't really matter. If the same square footage of smaller tiles weighs 50lbs I would think a bigger tile wouldnt weigh much if any more.

Princelake
Member
# Posted: 22 May 2020 06:57 - Edited by: Princelake
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I've worked in homes where the tile guy has put 3'x4'x1/2" marble tile on shower walls he just back buttered the heck out of it. Use a 1/2" notched trowel. Trowel the wall then trowel the back of the tile. Put the tile on the wall. Push on it hard and move it around a bit making sure it has contact everywhere. Even after 5seconds you'll have heck of a time pulling that tile off. It'll be like it's suctioned right to the wall.Weight is not a concern.

spikemarie
Member
# Posted: 22 May 2020 08:16
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Thanks, Brettny and Princelake!

Excellent advice and pointers! I think I will go ahead with that tile. Will post pictures when it's done if I remember to in all the excitement of having a shower in the cabin!

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