A tile is a popular option for shower floors and walls. But to maximize its longevity and aesthetic appeal, you need to select the correct material.
Slip resistance is key when selecting a shower floor, so you should consider both tile size and texture before making your selection. After all, bathroom-related falls are the leading cause of injuries among adults over 15 years old.
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Tumbled Stone Tile
Tumbled stone tile is an aesthetically pleasing, natural choice for shower floors. Not only does it provide superior traction on bare feet, but its beauty also lends itself to any bathroom design scheme.
Tumbling stones come in a range of materials, such as marble, slate, and travertine. Their colors and patterns allow for versatile application in any design scheme.
When selecting tumbled stone tiles, factor in their finish and how they will be maintained. Generally, tumbled tiles have a slightly chalky texture and tend to have muted colors naturally.
If you want to enhance the color of your tumbled stone tiles, we suggest applying a color-enhancing topical sealant after installation and grouting.
When selecting a shower floor tile, proper drainage and ventilation are key to reducing moisture and preventing mold or mildew from growing. Therefore, sealing natural stone tiles once a year is recommended to maintain their beauty.
Marble Tile
Marble is one of the most stunning natural stone flooring materials. With its distinct veining and color options, you can use it in virtually any room of your home.
Marble floor tile is renowned for its durability and timeless aesthetic appeal, but requires regular care to maintain its look at its best.
Another excellent option for a shower floor is porcelain tile. Porcelain tiles are robust, easy to maintain, and much less likely to stain than their ceramic or marble counterparts.
However, when selecting porcelain tiles for high-traffic areas, be sure to pay close attention to their hardness rating. A tile that has a PEI (Porcelain Enamel Institute) hardness of 4 or 5 is ideal.
The right material for shower floor tile
Porcelain Tile
Porcelain tile is an increasingly popular option for bathroom flooring and wall coverings due to its wide range of colors, styles, and resemblance to hardwood, marble, slate, or granite.
Porcelain tiles are incredibly easy to keep clean. Simply wipe up spills immediately, sweep or vacuum regularly, and damp mop once a week.
Installed correctly, porcelain tile can be an incredibly attractive and long-lasting material. It stands up better to heavy traffic and splashed water than other types of tile, ensuring its stunning aesthetic for years to come.
However, using porcelain in a bathroom shower has its drawbacks. For one thing, the tile may not be as resistant to stains and damage as natural stone or quartzite.
Hardwood
Hardwood tile is one of the most beautiful choices available, allowing you to bring a sense of natural splendor into your bathroom. Additionally, it’s an excellent choice for those seeking long-lasting flooring that will withstand moisture in humid places like bathrooms.
Teak is a great choice for shower floors due to its resistance to water and moisture damage. That means your floor won’t rot or become damaged by wood-eating insects.
Another advantage of teak is its comfortable texture when walking on it, making it a great choice for bathrooms. However, be aware that teak can get cold in the shower so you may want to consider investing in warmer material like a textured mat to keep your feet warm and dry after taking a shower.
When selecting hardwood tile for a shower floor, be mindful of the potential hazards from flooding and humidity. These two issues can cause extensive damage to your flooring over time, including warping, cracking, and discoloration.
