Get matched with top backsplash installation pros in Eldora, IA

Tile—specifically smaller, mosaic-style tiles—is the best type of flooring for building a walk-in shower base. Shower pans come with a threshold and sidewalls to contain the water, but tile can be set into the shower base. This creates a walk-in shower floor that gently slopes toward the drain to keep water from getting out and into the rest of the bathroom.

Tiles last for around 100 years or more. Tiles on backsplashes can last even longer since they’re less likely to crack under foot traffic or from accidental drops, but even tile in high-traffic flooring can last a century or more with proper installation and upkeep. Porcelain tiles are denser and stronger than standard ceramic tiles, so they’ll last longer, often pushing past the 100-year mark.

Yes, but you’ll have to use some other type of tool to avoid damaging the tile and possibly injuring yourself. Some alternatives to tile cutters include a glass cutter, angle grinder, and wet saw. Depending on the tile material, you might simply be able to measure and score it with something sharp, like a carbide-tipped pencil, and break it off. Be sure to sand the edge for a smooth installation.

You can often find many types of peel and stick tile at big-box home improvement stores. Other places to shop for this type of material include home decor websites, other types of big-box stores, and even directly from the manufacturer. It’s a good idea to order a tile sample first to see how you like the look and feel before installing it.