Tile floors — whether ceramic, porcelain, or stone — present specific considerations for shoe molding installation. Unlike wood and laminate, tile is rigid and does not expand or contract, and the surface can be uneven where grout lines create dips. You also cannot nail into tile without risking cracks.
Tile floors are typically set close to the wall and do not require an expansion gap, so shoe molding is sometimes unnecessary. However, shoe molding is still useful on tile floors when:
Since you cannot (and should not) nail through tile, shoe molding on tile floors must be fastened to the baseboard or wall only:
Where the shoe molding crosses over a grout joint, there will be a small gap where the grout is recessed below the tile surface. These tiny gaps are generally not noticeable once the molding is installed. If they bother you, a thin bead of color-matched caulk can fill them (see caulking guide).
Any shoe molding material works on tile. In bathrooms and entryways with tile, PVC is a good choice for moisture resistance. In dry areas like living rooms or hallways, wood or MDF works fine.