Wow never seen that happen before. Where did you get the tile? Is it rated for showers?

https://www.builddirect.com/learning-center/flooring/porcelain-tile-rated-moisture/

Porcelain tile is rated for water absorption.

Hi, yes it is 100% porcelain.

i bought it at Floor and decor

" I would have to say that it does not meet the requirement for being listed as porcelain. It is obviously a ceramic. "

Are you trying to say that porcelain is not ceramic? Because porcelain is ceramic.

Where do reputable installers buy tile from?
I am an home owner. Where should I buy tile at?

I'd show these pictures to the store you bought it from. Something is not right, here. I've got porcelain tile on one wall of my shower and the floor and it doesn't do this. At all. I'd also check with your installer to make sure he used the right waterproofing material as a substrate prior to the tile installation.

http://ptcaonline.org/

I have witnessed cheap porcelain glazed tile with this issue.

Sadly, the word porcelain is abused for marketing purposes. Not meeting US standards.

Noticed cartons of tile recently marked waterproof. Think of all the money to be saved now that those costly waterproofing methods / systems can be avoided! (sarcasm)

If you could only hire a crew of those guys offering free installation:)

. The Homeowner's Guide to Hiring a Qualified Tile Installer (ceramictilefoundation.org)

I am thinking the waterproofing might be the culprit but we need more info. Who did the waterproofing ? Dit they do the tile install ?Those tiles are large for sure and needed a very good installer to get them right . Did you see the waterproofing ?

The entire shower is water proofed with the Schluter system.
The tile contractor was different than the one who actually waterproofed the shower

I don't think this is a tile setting issue. As @Creative Tile Eastern CT mentioned, it's likely a material problem.

Thank you @sabrina
That’s what we are thinking

I submerged left over tile in water last night. Porcelain should not absorb water like this and the leftover tile did show signs of water marking

Also, as a homeowner who bought the tile itself? What price point it continues to be a “cheap tile” At 4.39 a sf. I thought I was buying a decent tile provided that I saw similar tiles running for 2 usd the sf

Sadly, this might be a rip and replace. I'm sorry this happened to you. It's unfortunate this was labeled improperly.. I'd seek recourse from the store you bought it from and get different material.

Good porcelain tile should be anywhere from $8/sf to $11/sf. $4/sf is what you pay for Home Depot-level ceramic white subway tile, e.g. Daltile or similar.

Thank you Sabrína. I appreciate you

@ Sabrina. At no point did I state it was an installation issue. I provided a link addressing USA porcelain certification and reasons for it.

Sarcasm was used to point out deceptive marketing. I even typed (sarcasm) Perhaps BOLD type would have helped.

@Creative Tile Eastern CT Right. But other people suggested it might be.

Now that you have shown its a tile issue what should be done? This will be an expensive repair as all the tile and waterproofing will neeed to come out. Hire a construction lawyer and sue? The shower will work fine for awhile while you figure it out but what a mess.

The shower should work fine for now if it was properly waterproofed. Unfortunately as everyone said, Floor and Decor is not the place to buy tile. Neither is HD or Lowes. Buy from a reputable tile store.

$4/sf is what you pay for Home Depot-level ceramic white subway tile, e.g. Daltile or similar.

Actually there is nothing wrong with Daltile. Daltile is a good brand. The issue with going to HD for Daltile is that they get the seconds, meaning the tiles that may not be perfectly straight or those where the color is slightly off.

And my guest bathroom white subway tile bought through my tile store was $4.10 a square foot so that doesn't always hold true. Of course that was also 5 years ago. I have no idea what it would cost nowadays.

Hi @cpartist Wasn't suggesting otherwise, since I often spec Daltile when clients don't want to spend more $. I was pointing out that most porrcelain tile in larger formatsis at least twice that.

ugh OP- SO sorry you have to deal with this - esp. when you thought you were crossing all your "t's" and dotting your "i"s :(

"The issue with going to HD for Daltile is that they get the seconds, meaning the tiles that may not be perfectly straight or those where the color is slightly off."

Substantiate please.

Do you know what mortar he used to set the tiles?

Any pics of the waterproofing prior to tile going up, especially the part where you're getting the absorption?

I would contact floor and decor (or the tile manufacturer) and request a refund. You'll probably get it. as stated, porcelain should not do this. Take good pics and document exactly what's been explained here.

I had an issue w/my WalkerZanger ceramic tiles (they had a crazed finish and said it was fine for showers. After 6 months, the tile faded and the glossy finish became dull. They made a mistake by rating them for showers.) Not only did they refund my money for the tile, but they also reimbursed me for the complete tile job. You may be able to get something similar

As for 'where to buy tile'. A reputable tile shop that doesn't sell seconds. $4.39 a sq ft is pretty cheap for that marble-look tile. I think you can find something better.

this one is about $6. Better quality

https://www.tilebar.com/browse-by-project/bathroom-shower-tiles/bathroom-tiles.html

This one looks real, similar to what you have, and comes in many diff sizes. Versilia Statuario porcelain. It's double the price of what you paid, but worth it

https://www.tilebar.com/versilia-statuario-polished-32x32-porcelain-tile.html

The Venato:

https://www.tilebar.com/paradox-statuario-venato-24x48-polished-porcelain-tile.html

Wayfair and HomeDepot carry this tile under the IvyHill line.

https://www.wayfair.com/Ivy-Hill-Tile--Saroshi-11.81-in.-x-23.62-in.-Matte-Porcelain-Marble-Look-Floor-and-Wall-Tile-15.5-Sq.-Ft.-Case--EXT3RD107820-L2970-K~SOST5374.html

And, they have this one in a black and white veining that's really pretty

https://www.wayfair.com/home-improvement/pdp/ivy-hill-tile-magnus-2362-in-x-4724-in-polished-porcelain-marble-look-floor-and-wall-tile-1549-sq-ftcase-sost5229.html

calacatta rustico:

https://www.tilebar.com/paradox-calacatta-rustico-24x48-polished-porcelain-tile.html

they also have some that look like onyx. very pretty tile. $7.95

https://www.tilebar.com/lumina-onyx-absolute-24x48-polished-porcelain-tile.html

the good thing about tilebar is you pay a very low fee for shipping (less than $25) Other places will charge freight shipping. Tilebar also has 5 samples for $5. and some of the tile is carried under IvyHill, so you can have it shipped to home depot and pick it up there.

Most areas have local tile shops that are family owned and have been in business for many years. I have found that some mostly sell budget options, some only carry expensive brands and the tile stores I like are the ones that carry a good mix of basic tiles and fancy tiles.

I usually visit all the local independent tile stores when I move to a new area and then pick the one I like best to do business with.

Maybe post your general location and some members might be able to recommend some tile stores.

Hi @cpartist Wasn't suggesting otherwise, since I often spec Daltile when clients don't want to spend more $. I was pointing out that most porrcelain tile in larger formatsis at least twice that.

I did realize that too but wanted to also be sure that others reading realized that Daltile is a good choice. Which is also why I mentioned that I sourced my tile over 5 years ago, since prices even on good quality subway tile should have risen too. :)