I am exploring ideas for our guest bathroom and thinking of larger rectangular tiles let s say 10x17 or 11x17 installed horizontally in a subway pattern.
Tile half wall height.
I believe your title or question answers it s self.
The minimum should be 6 feet from the base.
If your wall is 96 then 48 is half.
Standard tub and shower walls the minimum code height for a tub or shower enclosure s waterproof covering is 6 above the finished floor.
How high to tile when tiling half the wall.
The classic design feature is usually between 34 and 54 high with 36 being the average height.
Factoring in the grout lines this meets the minimum with a bit to spare.
Some people like to go all the way to the ceiling.
Much depends on your taste how tall the shower head is and whether you want extra protection from mold or potential splashes on the paint that could eventually cause problems.
For a truly classic look finish the top with a decorative trim or a bullnosed edge.
A classic offset or straight set pattern in a standard field size tile works best for this wall height.
I prefer at least 6 and a half to 7 feet.
Calculate your ideal height for the half wall which typically ranges between 30 to 40 inches.
Half the wall is half the wall.
A practical height when working with full sized 12 tiles is 6 courses.