What Floor Tile to Use in the Shower Area?
Feeling good underfoot: Shower tiles, mosaics, teak slats and pebbles
Debbie Snider
15 November 2018
Houzz Contributor.
You have finally selected your bath tile, but do you know what you are using for the shower floor? This surface is an important detail that shouldn’t be overlooked. It is an opportunity to unify the bath design or make a statement. In addition to aesthetics, there are practical issues to consider, such as the floor slope and slip resistance. Let’s take a look at some Houzz showers to see how they were done.
This stone blend of whites and greys adds subtle pattern to the shower floor and looks great with the black vanity.
For a clean, continuous look, use the same material on the floor and shower pan. This floor expanse is only broken up by the curb.
Tip: Shower floor tiles should be no larger than 6" x 6", and 4" x 4" or smaller is recommended. There are two reasons for this: One is so there are enough grout lines underfoot to provide traction for slip resistance. The other is that you need small tiles to cover a sloping floor.
Tip: Shower floor tiles should be no larger than 6" x 6", and 4" x 4" or smaller is recommended. There are two reasons for this: One is so there are enough grout lines underfoot to provide traction for slip resistance. The other is that you need small tiles to cover a sloping floor.
Teak slats add warmth and a natural element to this serene, spa-like shower. Teak wood contains a resin which makes it water resistant and ideal for humid environments.
Here’s how to give your bathroom a spa-like treatment
Here’s how to give your bathroom a spa-like treatment
Pebbles make a great shower floor because they are naturally slip-resistant and feel nice underfoot. These pick up the warm tones of the slate wall and floor.
Penny tile rounds are fun and provide plenty of traction for this roll-in shower.
Neutral tan mosaic tile covers and differentiates the shower floor in a blue glass mosaic shower. Mosaic tile, defined as 2” x 2” or smaller, is either affixed to a mesh backing or is paper-faced for ease of installation. These are just shy of 1” x 1”.
Learn how to wow with mosaic tiles
Learn how to wow with mosaic tiles
A ready-made shower pan is designed with a sloping non-slip surface. The slope allows the water to drain. No need to build a curb and pan and no grout lines to clean. However, the colour choices are limited.
How would you like to have a private rain shower like this one?
How would you like to have a private rain shower like this one?
What do you do if the bath is done in faux croc and there are no small matching tiles? Have your tile installer cut down large tiles.
For a unified look, use mosaic tile which matches the rest of the bath tile. Most tiles are available in various sizes for this purpose. Here, 2" x 2" creamy travertine does the job.
If the shower wall tile is suitable, bring it all the way down to the floor for a clean, uninterrupted look. This one is a staggered random stone tile called Falling Water from Stone and Pewter Accents.
A tumbled stone accent wall continues down the floor in this stylish shower.
Hexagonal cararra marble tiles coordinate with the calacatta curb and floor tile in this blue and white bath.
Here’s how to tell the difference between cararra and calacatta marble
Here’s how to tell the difference between cararra and calacatta marble
This shower is done in a porcelain tile which looks like stone. Basket weave mosaic with brown dots coordinates nicely with the cream tile and teak fold-up bench.
Read more:
How to Choose the Best Tiles for Your Shower
Tell us:
What shower tiles have you used at home? Share images and your ideas in the Comments below.
Read more:
How to Choose the Best Tiles for Your Shower
Tell us:
What shower tiles have you used at home? Share images and your ideas in the Comments below.
Related Stories
Bathroom Guides
Step-by-Step: A Guide to Renovating Your Bathroom
Planning to renovate your bathroom? Learn about the different stages involved in the remodelling process
Full Story
Lighting Ideas
Every Bathroom Needs These 4 Types of Lights
Get ready for your close-up in a bath that's a sanctuary with task, accent, decorative and ambient lighting
Full Story
Bathroom Ideas
What to Do With Windowless Bathrooms
With clever planning and creative styling you can shine a light on washrooms without a window
Full Story
Bathroom Ideas
How to Make a Bathroom Safe for All Ages
Grab rails and anti-skid mats are common knowledge. What are the not-so-common ideas for an accident-proof bathroom?
Full Story
Bathroom Ideas
9 Fresh Alternatives To Bathroom Wall Tiles
Can a bathroom be done without tiles? Here's a guide to other wall treatments that can set your bathroom apart
Full Story
Houzz Around the World
32 Unforgettable Bathrooms From Around the World
A wild mix of materials, hand-drawn decorations, floral tiling... feast your eyes on these truly individual approaches
Full Story
Kitchen Guides
How to Clean Tiles: Daily Cleaning Tips
To scrub or not to scrub? Use steel wool or not? Learn how to clean tiles easily
Full Story
Bathroom Ideas
Makeover Magic: A Dull Bathroom Gets a Luxury Upgrade
Inky hues and gleaming brass have transformed a dull, beige bathroom into a dramatic, indulgent sanctuary
Full Story
Bathroom Ideas
How to Make Your Bathroom Watertight
Here are ways to waterproof your bathroom from any kind of leakages or dampness
Full Story
Bathroom Ideas
Not Just Any Shower Cubicle: 50 Refreshing & Rejuvenating Designs
Find fresh inspiration in these bathrooms with mosaic and large-format tiles, pebble flooring and more
Full Story
- Sand finished concrete
- 1" stone mosaic with 1/4" sanded grout joints
Prompt cleaning to alleviate slippery hair products (conditioner)
Anti mold/mildew treatments
Sliced pebble stones or river rock: which is easier to keep clean?
why use sanded grout in a shower? Epoxy right?