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When choosing tiles for a shower floor, avoid highly porous tile materials, like those with a water absorption rating over 7%. Don’t use non-vitreous tiles, or tiles fired at low temperatures, because they will absorb more water. If you use a highly porous tile in the shower, the tiles can wear down faster, meaning they’ll need to be replaced much sooner.

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, you can tile over existing shower tiles, but it's better to remove the old tiles first for the best results. Tiling over existing tiles requires a clean, level surface and proper adhesion. If the old tiles are in good condition, you can roughen the surface to improve adhesion. However, removing the old tiles ensures a smoother, longer-lasting finish and prevents potential issues down the line.

Most professional shower tile installations take between six and eight hours, depending on the size and complexity. Most projects get completed in a single workday. DIY-ing the project takes around three to four days or roughly 16 hours. However, this will vary based on the skill level of the person completing the work.