Can You Use Wall Tile On A Floor? Here's What To Know

You've perused aisle after aisle of home improvement stores and finally found a tile that is exactly what you had in mind for your kitchen or bathroom floors. But the only problem is that it's typically considered a wall tile. What does that even mean? And can you use it on your floor anyway? When it comes to your renovation projects, a major decision you'll need to make in several areas of your home is choosing the right tile for the space. While most floor tiles can easily be used on walls, the same is not always true the other way around. Many tiles can be used for multiple applications; however, some designations are particular, and using the wrong tile can lead to potentially hazardous conditions or end up becoming an expensive headache down the line.

The process of narrowing down a tile choice takes a delicate balance of aesthetics, durability, and overall budget — and filtering through the options can feel overwhelming. But to thoroughly understand why floor tiles can be used on walls, but wall tiles shouldn't always be used on floors, you need to know the differences between the two, and how each is designed to perform in specific areas of your home.

The distinction between floor and wall tiles is rooted in their construction and durability, and choosing the wrong kind is just one of many mistakes to avoid when tiling a room. Tiles designed for walls are generally lightweight and thinner compared to floor tiles, so they are easier to install and don't add unnecessary weight to the wall. They are designed with aesthetics in mind over functionality, which is why they are typically marketed and sold for backsplashes, kitchen walls, and shower walls. While it's certainly not the case for all wall tiles, and some can be used on the floor, many are made with intricate designs and glossy finishes to serve as decoration, with no need to serve any other purpose.

On the other hand, floor tiles are made much thicker than wall tiles, always with sturdier materials like porcelain, and have an added texture as well. This texture results in a coefficient of Friction (COF) rating that lets consumers know how suitable a tile is for humid rooms like a bathroom. Floor tiles should have a COF rating of .50 or higher. Another key distinction is that any tiles intended for floor use need to have a Porcelain Enamel Institute (PEI) rating of between 3 and 5. The PEI rating is a score that is given to tile products based on the hardness of their glaze to determine their proper usage. A score between 3 and 5 will ensure the tile can handle regular to intense footfall.

Getting started with the perfect tile floor installation begins with choosing the right tile, and the durability of that material is the most important factor to consider. Wall tiles can be made out of particularly fragile materials like glass, and often lack the structural integrity needed to handle the ongoing stress of foot traffic. Popular materials for wall tiles are also often not slip-resistant due to their glazed or polished finishes, which make them very easy to clean, but can become dangerously slippery when used on the floor. They also do not always have a flat surface, which is pretty essential for something you plan to walk on regularly.

Floor tiles are designed to withstand the weight of foot traffic, furniture, and appliances, since they take on the daily wear and tear of your lifestyle. While there are a lot of factors to consider, understanding the unique characteristics of each type of tile is essential to ensuring you choose something that is not just beautiful but is also functional. So even if you find a wall tile with a design you like, if it doesn't have the floor tile properties or requirements your home demands, then you have to leave it. Especially if you don't want to be caught in a repair and replacement loop in the near future.