Most commercially available wall tiles have a standard thickness of one quarter inch. Glazed wall tile is typically made from lightweight porcelain, and usually measures 4 x4 feet square. The slim size and light weight of standard wall tiles address installation and safety concerns. Floor tiles are typically both thicker (usually 5/16 ft.) and larger than wall tiles. Lowes.com discourages the use of floor tiles on walls for safety reasons.

On the Other: Wall Tile Thickness Not a Rule

Many artists look beyond standard, ¼-inch thick wall tile for inspiration in creating tiled wall designs. In her 1996 book Tile, Jill Herbers references a uniform tile design traveling "across the floor, up the walls, and even onto the ceiling." Although wall tile should never be used for floors, Armstrong manufactures claim their flooring tiles can be safely used on both walls and floors to create the floor-to-ceiling effect. On the other extreme, mosaic wall designs like those created by Susan Jablon for Fox TV's Hell's Kitchen use glass tiles which can measure as slim as 1/8 feet.

Bottom Line

Standard, ¼-ft. thick wall tiles are specifically designed to address installation and safety concerns, and should be used for most wall-tiling projects. However, other types of tile can be used on walls to create artistic effects. Novices should consult with an artist or designer for a mosaic or other artistic effect.

Source:

Lowes.com

Armstrong.com