How porcelain, ceramic and natural stone tile differ in water absorption, hardness, slip resistance, looks and care in a bathroom.
Tile is the most visible choice in a bathroom, and the materials behave differently. Porcelain is dense and absorbs little water. Ceramic is lighter and often used on walls. Natural stone is beautiful and needs sealing. Homeowners in Nashville often start by picking a look, and the best choice also depends on where the tile goes and how it will be cleaned.
Porcelain suits floors and showers because it resists water and wear. Ceramic works well on walls and offers many colors and shapes. Natural stone brings variation and depth and calls for sealing and gentler cleaners. Grout, size and finish matter too, since a smooth floor tile can be slippery when wet. We bring samples and test them with water.
Dense, durable and low absorption.
Many looks, best on walls.
Unique, with sealing needed.
Finish and size affect grip.
More lines mean more grip.
Cleaners differ by material.
Walk-In ShowersWalk-in showers with a low or no threshold, clear glass or no door at all, built with a…Explore 
Tub to ShowerTub-to-shower conversions that replace a bathtub with a roomy shower, in a new base, walls, valve and door…Explore 
Steam ShowersSteam showers with a sealed enclosure, a quiet generator, a sloped ceiling and proper drainage and ventilation, built…Explore 
Acrylic SurroundsAcrylic and solid-surface shower and tub surrounds, one-piece or multi-panel, installed with a base or tub so you…Explore 
Pans and WaterproofingShower pans and waterproofing systems, including mortar beds, foam pans and sealed membranes, built and tested so water…Explore 
Tile InstallationBathroom tile installation for floors, walls and showers, with flat substrates, planned layouts, the right mortar and even…Explore 
Mosaic and Pattern TileMosaic and pattern tile, including hexagons, herringbone, penny rounds and decorative cement-look designs, laid with precise layouts, clean…Explore 
Wainscoting and WallsWainscoting and bathroom wall finishes, including moisture-tolerant panels, beadboard, shiplap and washable paint, installed to protect lower walls…Explore Design your bathroom, size it or ballpark a budget.
Bathroom Design StudioPick the tile pattern and colors, grout, vanity, countertop, fixture finish and shower or tub style, set the room size and watch your bathroom update, then send the design to us.Try it 
Bathroom Size and Layout PickerPick the type of bathroom, tick the fixtures you want and see the room size, clearances and layout that usually work, plus when a layout change makes sense.Try it 
Bathroom Remodel Budget PlannerPick a full remodel, a custom tile shower, a tub conversion, a walk-in tub, an accessible package or a vanity, set the size and add allowances like permits, demolition and plumbing to see a ballpark planning range. Placeholder values only.Try it Small porcelain tile with texture is a common choice because it follows the slope and grips well.
Most natural stone does, and we explain how often and with what.
Some ceramic tile is rated for floors, and many are meant for walls only. Check the rating.
Comparison guideProcess and TimelineThe usual order of a bathroom remodel, from first visit and design to demolition, rough-in, inspections, tile, fixtures…Learn more 
Comparison guideWhat Drives CostThe main factors that make one bathroom remodel cost more or less than another, such as size, plumbing…Learn more 
Comparison guideShower Types ComparedHow walk-in showers, tub and shower combinations and curbless showers differ in space, safety, cleaning, resale and construction.Learn more 
Comparison guideTub Types ComparedHow freestanding, alcove and walk-in tubs differ in space, plumbing, weight, comfort, safety and care.Learn more Call us and describe what you want. We will visit, take measurements and give you a clear written estimate.
