What’s the Difference: Floor Vs Wall Tiles & How to Use Them

Although many tiles marketed as wall or floor tiles can look very similar aesthetically, there are actually some pretty important differences between the two.

To make sure that your home looks as beautiful as possible – for as long as possible –it’s important to get the right tiles for your project. And that includes understanding the difference between floor tiles and wall tiles.

We’ve been in the tile industry since 1986 (even we can’t believe it!), so it’s fair to say we know a a lot about it.

Here’s a quick guide to help you understand the differences between floor vs wall tiles – as well as how to choose and use them effectively.

The Main Differences Between Wall and Floor Tiles

The differences between floor vs wall tiles reach far beyond differences in size and patterns. 

There are some specific safety specifications that tiles must meet to be classified as either a wall tile or a floor tile.

1) Safety Ratings

The major difference between these two types of tiles is the safety ratings that they have to meet. These ratings are often referred to as Coefficient of Friction (COF) and Porcelain Enamel Institute (PEI).

The COF is the rating that determines whether a tile is suitable to be used on a wall or floor. In order to be deemed safe for use on bathroom floors, a tile must have a minimum level of friction to avoid slips and trips. The higher the COF number, the more friction the tile has.

PEI ratings refer to the durability and hardness of a tile. This rating is broken down into 5 categories numbered from 1 to 5. The higher the number, the more durable the tile is.

If a tile has a high COF and PEI rating, it’s suitable to be used as a floor tile. If it has a low rating for either of these measures, it’s best suited as a wall tile.

	Floor Tiles	Wall Tiles
COF (Friction) Rating	0.50 or greater	Any rating
PEI (Hardness) Rating	3 – 5	Any Rating
Recommended Use	Floors, walls, & countertops	Walls only

Luckily though, the tile shop or supplier you’re getting your tiles from will have taken these factors into account, making sure to only offer tiles that are suitable for their intended purpose. So you shouldn’t need to fret about whether they’re compliant or not!

2) Appearance of the Tiles

Another common difference between wall and floor tiles is obviously their appearance. Floor and wall tiles will come in tons of different colours, textures, styles and sizes, fantastic for creating a unique and eye-catching design in your home.

Our Favourite Floor Tile Designs

Floor tiles are often used in high-traffic areas prone to the dirt and debris of everyday life. Think of the kitchen or bathroom. Because of this, it’s common to choose a tile for your floor with a natural or applied pattern. 

The more intricate the pattern is, the better it hides the dirt.

For this reason, it’s common to find tiles on the floor that have a marble effect, wood effect, or natural stone effect as well as patterned tiles. It’s also a common occurrence for large format tiles to be used on the floor to ensure fewer grout lines. This is particularly true in high foot traffic areas.

Popular Wall Tile Aesthetics

Tiles used on walls tend to feature more subtle or natural patterns and effects such as natural stone and marble effects.

This is something that’s becoming increasingly popular in modern bathroom designs to give a more sleek and timeless look. 

With that being said, there are still some people who love to get creative with a pop of colour. Tiles used on walls are also more likely to have a semi-polished finish as they don’t have to meet specifications for friction.

It’s also becoming popular for bathroom tiles to match on both the bathroom wall and bathroom floor. This can give a wow factor that isn’t usually afforded to wet rooms. When using this effect, it’s important to make sure your tiles are anti-slip and appropriate for use on the floor.

3) Durability & Maintenance of Wall and Floor Tiles

If you want your modern tiles to last, it’s important to make sure that they have the right durability and maintenance for the area.

Cleaning Your Tiles

As far as maintenance is concerned, there’s very little difference between the two types of tiles. You can clean both wall and floor tiles with a simple solution of soap and water. 

Other than that, the grout might need to be refreshed every once in a while.

Durability Differences

The durability of these tiles is where there are some major differences. 

As we mentioned above, tiles designed for bathroom walls are thinner than tiles designed for the bathroom floor. Because of this, they don’t have the durability to withstand foot traffic like a floor tile can. 

This can lead to cracks and other damage – if not properly looked after.

4) Differences In Wall & Floor Tile Installation

Although there are many similarities in how a floor tile or wall is installed, there are also a few differences.

One of the most important parts of installing tiles is to ensure you’re using the right adhesive. This will help your tiles adhere to the subfloor or wall studs for as long as possible. Once the tiles have been cemented to the walls and floors, a strong grout is used to fill the gaps. 

This process is used for both types of tiles.

The Key Differences: Floor Vs. Wall Tiles

There are a myriad of differences between tiles for the floor and tiles for the wall. Although these tiles may look very similar, there are some important and major differences between them which affect how and where they’re used.

No matter what type of tiles you’re looking for and where you want to use them, Bridport Glass and Tile Centre has a huge selection of tiles for your walls and floors, as well as friendly and knowledgeable staff to help you create your own personal style.

FAQS