What is The Difference Between Wall and Floor Tiles?

Wall and floor tiles may sound self-explanatory. One goes on the wall, the other on the floor.

But there’s more to it than just placement.

They may look similar, but each is designed for a different purpose. Wall tiles are all about style and light weight. Floor tiles are built for strength, safety, and daily wear.

Use the wrong tile in the wrong spot, and it won’t just look off. It could crack, chip, or become a slip hazard.

This guide breaks down the key differences between wall and floor tiles so you can choose the right tile for every part of the home.

Wall vs Floor Tiles: A Quick Comparison Table

Features	Wall Tiles	Floor Tiles
Durability	Light-duty. Can crack under pressure or heavy use.	Extremely durable. Resists wear, impact, and scratches.
Slip resistance	Usually low. Not safe for walking surfaces.	Higher slip resistance, especially in outdoor areas.
Water absorption	Suitable for splashes and moisture on walls.	Excellent water resistance. Ideal for wet areas like bathrooms and laundries.
Thickness	Thinner and lighter (usually 6–10mm.)	Thicker and denser (usually 8–12mm)
Surface texture	Often glossy or decorative.	Typically matt or textured for grip.
Purpose	Decorative finish for vertical surfaces like splashbacks and feature walls.	Designed for walking surfaces. Built to handle traffic, weight, and impact.

Wall Tiles vs Floor Tiles: Key Differences

1. Material

The main difference between floor and wall tiles lies in their material strength and density.

Wall tiles are commonly made from ceramic, which is lighter and easier to cut. This makes them ideal for vertical installation. Floor tiles are often made from porcelain or natural stone, which are denser, harder, and more resistant to wear.

2. Size

Wall tiles often come in small tiles like subway or mosaic formats, which are easier to place around fixtures or in patterned layouts.

Floor tiles, on the other hand, are usually large format tiles. These are great for open spaces and are a popular design trend. They offer fewer grout lines, which not only look sleek but also make cleaning easier.

Not sure which floor tile size is right for your space? Read our blog post to find out.

3. Durability and Strength

Floor tiles are built to be hard-wearing and durable enough to handle daily foot traffic and abrasion resistance.

They carry a PEI rating (Porcelain Enamel Institute) score. This is a technical benchmark that tells you how suitable the tile is for high-traffic or heavy-use zones. Wall tiles don’t usually carry this rating because they aren’t exposed to similar stress.

Curious about tile rating systems and what they mean? Check out our guide on tile ratings to make an informed choice.

4. Water Absorption

When you’re choosing bathroom tiles, especially for shower walls or floors, water resistance is critical.

Porcelain floor and wall tiles are non-porous, waterproof, and often frost-resistant, making them perfect for wet or outdoor areas. Some ceramic wall tiles may absorb more water and are best for low-moisture applications, like decorative bathroom walls.

5. Slip Resistance

Slip resistance is another key technical factor when installing tiles, especially on a floor surface in outdoor areas..

Floor tiles are tested for COF (Coefficient of Friction) and often rated with a slip resistance rating (P3–P4 is ideal for bathrooms and P5 for outdoors).

Wall tiles don’t meet these standards and using them on the floor could be a safety risk.

If you want to learn more about non-slip floor tiles, check out our blog post.

6. Surface Texture

Wall tiles come in many different decorative options. They’re typically glossy, smooth or patterned. Glossy finishes enhance light reflection but could be slippery if used underfoot.

Floor tiles often come in matte, textured, or even structured finishes that provide friction for safety.

7. Design and Aesthetics

Wall tiles allow more creative freedom as they are great for feature walls or shower walls. Floor tiles offer cleaner looks that complement larger spaces, especially when you want a minimalist style with fewer grout lines.

Combining the two, such as using natural stone or large tiles on floors and bold patterns on walls, is a popular approach with designers and tile experts.

8. Cost

Wall tiles are generally cheaper due to lighter ceramic material and simpler installation.

Floor tiles, especially porcelain or natural stone, cost more because they’re thicker, denser, and built for high-traffic durability.

Their higher price reflects the extra strength and technical standards required for floor use.

9. Installation Practices

Installing tiles depends heavily on weight and surface. Wall tiles are easier to DIY due to their weight and flexibility.

Floor tiles require precise levelling, quality adhesives, and professional tiling tools, especially for large format tiles or uneven floor surfaces.

Want to learn how to lay floor tiles step-by-step? Check out our blog post.

10. Maintenance

Wall tiles require less cleaning as they aren’t exposed to foot traffic, spills, or surface wear.

Floor tiles handle more dirt and moisture but are designed with hard, resistant surfaces that make cleaning straightforward.

Why are Wall and Floor Tiles Made Differently?

Wall and floor tiles are made different because they’re designed for completely different surfaces and they need to perform differently.

Wall tiles are used vertically, so they’re made thinner, lighter, and often more decorative. They don’t need to handle pressure or impact, which means manufacturers can focus more on style, finishes, and easy handling during installation, often using ceramic tiles.

Floor tiles, on the other hand, need to be much stronger. They’re built to withstand heavy foot traffic, weight, and constant wear. That’s why they’re thicker, denser, and made from tougher materials like porcelain tiles or natural stone.

They’re also tested for technical characteristics like PEI rating, slip resistance, and water absorption, all essential for safety and durability on the floor.

The difference comes down to purpose: wall tiles are about appearance, and floor tiles are about performance.

Can Wall and Floor Tiles be Used Interchangeably?

It’s a common question, and the short answer is: sometimes, but not always.

Floor tiles can be used on walls, but wall tiles should never be used on floors.
Here’s why.

Floor tiles are built stronger. They’re made from dense raw materials, like porcelain or stone, and designed to withstand foot traffic, pressure, and wear.

Wall tiles, however, are lighter and thinner. They aren’t made to support weight, resist impact, or handle daily stress. Installing tiles on the floor that were designed for walls can lead to cracking, chipping, or worse, safety issues, especially in wet zones.

Use	Wall Tile	Floor Tile
On a wall	✅ Yes	✅ Yes (if not too heavy)
On a floor	❌ No	✅ Yes
In high-traffic areas	❌ Not suitable	✅ Rated for safety
In wet or slippery zones	❌ Not slip resistant	✅ Rated for safety
For durability & long life	❌ May chip or tear	✅ Tough and hard-wearing

Can You Use the Same Tile on Walls and Floors?

Yes. Some tiles can be used on both walls and floors, but it depends on their technical rating and where you’re installing them.

Many porcelain tiles are suitable for both surfaces. These are made from durable raw materials, while still being light enough for vertical installation. This makes them a popular choice in modern interiors, especially when you want a seamless look across bathroom walls, floors, and even into living areas.

However, not all tiles are created equal.

Wall tiles, especially those made only for decorative use, should not be used on floors.

When Matching Wall and Floor Tiles Works Well:

Bathrooms: Use the same tile for the floor and shower walls to create a sleek, cohesive look.
Open-plan spaces: Large-format slip resistant tiles can flow from floors to feature walls for impact.
Commercial areas: Durable, matching tiles help maintain a consistent design with low maintenance.

Tip: Always check the manufacturer’s specs before installation. Look for tiles rated for floor use if you want to carry them up a wall. Never the other way around.

Speak to a Tile Expert Before You Buy

At TFO – Tile Factory Outlet, we understand that selecting the perfect tiles for your space can be overwhelming. That’s why we offer a free design consultation with our in-house interior designer, Stephanie.

With her expertise, Stephanie will guide you through our extensive range of wall and floor tiles, helping you find the ideal match for your project’s style.

Our showroom boasts an incredible range of tiles in different materials, colours, and textures, including ceramic, porcelain, natural stone, and more.

Come visit our Sydney showroom and explore one of the widest tile ranges in Australia, or browse online from wherever you are.

Difference Between Wall and Floor Tiles FAQs

Are wall and floor tiles the same?

No, wall tiles and floor tiles are not the same.

They’re made differently because they serve different purposes. Wall tiles are lighter and decorative, while floor tiles are built for strength and performance under foot traffic.

Why can’t wall tiles be used on floors?

Wall tiles aren’t designed to handle pressure, impact, or movement.

They lack the strength and COF rating needed to prevent slips or withstand heavy-duty foot traffic, which makes them unsafe for use on floors.

Are floor tiles stronger and thicker than wall tiles?

Yes, floor tiles are generally thicker, denser, and much stronger.

They’re made to resist wear and support high traffic or commercial areas, which wall tiles simply aren’t built for.

Can floor tiles be used on walls?

Yes, in most cases, floor tiles can be used on walls, as long as the wall can support their weight.

This is a great option if you want a seamless design using the same tile across both surfaces.

Do floor and wall tiles use the same material?

Not always. Wall tiles are usually made from ceramic, while floor tiles are often porcelain or natural stone for added durability.

The tile industry uses different manufacturing standards depending on the tile’s purpose and performance requirements.

How do I tell if a tile is for walls or floors?

Check the product label or specifications. Floor tiles will usually list a PEI rating, or mention use in high traffic zones.

Do you use the same grout for wall and floor tiles?

Not always. Floor grout needs to be tougher and more flexible to handle movement and cleaning, while wall grout is more about a clean finish.

Your tiler will recommend the right grout depending on the tile type and location.

Do you tile the floor or walls first?

It depends on the space, but most pros start with the floor to ensure clean lines and a watertight base.

This is especially important in bathrooms where waterproofing is present.

Is a wall or floor tile easier to clean?

Wall tiles are easier to keep clean since they don’t get walked on or exposed to dirt and wear.

Floor tiles are still low-maintenance, especially if you choose tiles with a smooth finish and a minimum level of grout lines.