Q: Do you install shower doors before or after tile?

• <div><p>It&rsquo;s best to install a shower door after the bathroom tile is in place to ensure you have accurate measurements. If you try installing a shower door first, the tile might be too thick to install afterward, or the tile will be too thin and create a gap between the shower doors that allows water to leak. With the tile in place first, you&rsquo;ll know the exact shower door size that you need.</p></div>

Q: Do porcelain tiles need sealing?

• <div><p>Like <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/pros-and-cons-of-glass-tile.htm">glass tiles</a>, you will not need to seal most porcelain tiles, particularly if the porcelain is already glazed. It depends on quality. Porcelain is very water resistant, but it is not 100% waterproof. To avoid staining, some homeowners use a penetrating sealer. It is also a good idea to seal your grout. Unless you use epoxy grout, grout is very porous and can harbor bacteria, mold, and mildew.</p></div>

Question 1

Do you install shower doors before or after tile?

Accepted Answer

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It’s best to install a shower door after the bathroom tile is in place to ensure you have accurate measurements. If you try installing a shower door first, the tile might be too thick to install afterward, or the tile will be too thin and create a gap between the shower doors that allows water to leak. With the tile in place first, you’ll know the exact shower door size that you need.

Question 2

Can I tile over existing shower tiles?

Accepted Answer

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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.

Question 3

What’s the difference between floor and wall tile?

Accepted Answer

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The difference between floor and wall tiles is that floor tiles generally have higher strength and porosity ratings than wall tiles. Wall tiles are typically weaker and more likely to crack or become damaged under sustained pressure like high foot traffic.

For this reason, avoid using wall tiles on floors and vice versa.

Question 4

Do porcelain tiles need sealing?

Accepted Answer

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Like glass tiles, you will not need to seal most porcelain tiles, particularly if the porcelain is already glazed. It depends on quality. Porcelain is very water resistant, but it is not 100% waterproof. To avoid staining, some homeowners use a penetrating sealer. It is also a good idea to seal your grout. Unless you use epoxy grout, grout is very porous and can harbor bacteria, mold, and mildew.

Question 5

Are porcelain countertops more expensive?

Accepted Answer

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Porcelain is a relatively affordable, mid-range countertop. It’s less expensive than other popular materials, including quartz, slate, concrete, and marble. It’s similar in price to the average, low-end or mid-range granite or quartzite countertop (high-end options cost more). It’s more expensive than laminate, acrylic, and ceramic.

However, note that porcelain doesn’t come with very many long-term maintenance costs. If it breaks, you’ll still need to make repairs, but it won’t need regular sealing like concrete and natural stone.