When it comes to picking the perfect stone to use for a shower floor, there are several options available. Natural stone, such as marble, granite, travertine, and slate make great choices; they’re durable and often have unique, eye-catching patterns.
Man-made tiles, such as porcelain and ceramic, are great choices as well, both for their ease of upkeep and their excellent slip-resistance. Additionally, there are several pre-fabricated options such as acrylic, which are strong, lightweight, and easy to install.
No matter which option you choose, bear in mind that a shower floor is used often and requires regular maintenance to keep it looking beautiful. The grout of natural stone and tile will need to be sealed periodically to ensure it’s waterproof and resists damage from moisture and soap.
All types of flooring should be cleaned regularly, as dirt and grime can begin to etch and discolor the surface. Additional options to consider include installing heated flooring to keep the floor warm and comfortably slip-resistant.
Whatever you decide, you’ll want a stone that is both beautiful and durable.
What kind of stone do you use on a shower?
The type of stone used in a shower will depend on the style and design of the particular shower you are creating. Natural stone such as granite, marble, or slate can all make beautiful shower walls, however the installation process and the cost of materials can be quite expensive.
Another option is to use ceramic, porcelain, or glass tile, which are usually much more affordable, and can come in a variety of colors and textures. Additionally, there are pre-fab shower kits that come with panels made from plastic or vinyl, and are fast and easy to install.
Consider all your options before you make a decision, and make sure to use a moisture-resistant grout and sealant to protect the stone from water damage.
Can I use natural stone tile on shower floor?
Yes, you can use natural stone tile on the shower floor. Natural stone tile is a versatile and stylish material and is a great choice to use in your bathroom or shower. Natural stone tile adds a unique aesthetic and comes in a variety of types, including slate, marble, granite, and limestone.
Natural stone tile is durable and can handle the moisture that is found in bathrooms and showers. Additionally, natural stone tile is easy to care for and maintain and can last for many years. When installing natural stone tile in the shower, it is important to take extra steps to make sure it is properly sealed and waterproofed to prevent water damage.
Additionally, non-slip stone tile should be used on the floor to prevent slipping and ensure safety.
Does a stone shower floor need to be sealed?
Yes, a stone shower floor should be sealed to ensure its longevity and protection. Sealing your stone shower floor will prevent staining and water damage. It is also important to seal your stone shower floor to provide a slip guard to make the shower safer.
When sealing your stone shower, choose a product that is specifically formulated for stone and applied exactly as instructed. It is important to note that you should reseal your stone shower every few years to keep the sealant effective.
Additionally, you should use cleaners that are specified for stone surfaces, such as a mild detergent, to avoid damaging the sealant.
What tiles should not be used in a shower?
When it comes to tile selection for your shower, it’s important to consider a few factors. This is because certain tiles can be unsuitable for wet areas, such as showers and baths. Some tile materials are porous, meaning they can absorb water and become susceptible to mold, mildew, and staining.
Other materials, while durable, can become slippery when wet and present a safety hazard.
It is recommended to avoid the following tile types:
* Unsealed natural stone tiles like marble and granite: These tiles can be very porous and will need to be sealed regularly to prevent water seepage.
* Porcelain and Ceramic tiles: Porcelain and Ceramic tiles are known for their water-resistance, but when left unsealed, they can still absorb water, leading to mold and mildew growth.
* Glazed tiles: Glazed tiles can be very slippery when wet, providing a safety hazard.
* Moisture-sensitive materials like wood, laminates, and cork: These materials can warp, rot and will quickly become stained when exposed to water.
The best tile types for shower use are non-porous, stain-resistant and slip-resistant. Natural stone tile, such as slate and quartzite, are ideal as they are durable and non-slip. Additionally, glass tile, while not entirely water-proof, can be sealed and will not become slippery when wet.
There are also water-resistant porcelain and ceramic options available, like those with a specialized H-rated coating.
Does stone hold moisture?
Yes, stone can hold moisture. This is due to the porous nature of many natural stones. Through a process known as capillary action, moisture can penetrate the surface of porous stones and hold in the moisture.
Because of this, stone can be especially susceptible to moisture absorption, frost damage, and freeze-thaw damage. The extent of moisture absorption and damage will ultimately depend on the porosity and permeability of the stone material.
Impermeable stones like granite tend to be less likely to absorb moisture, while materials like sandstone, limestone, and slate are typically more prone to it. Additionally, stones with higher thermal mass, like marble, can allow for surface moisture to evaporate more quickly due to the increased volume of material in the stone, reducing the amount of moisture able to be stored.
While the ability to absorb moisture can be beneficial to certain materials, it can also cause issues if left unchecked. Proper maintenance, including proper stone cleaning and sealing, can help to minimize moisture absorption and prevent future problems.
How often should you seal stone shower floor?
Sealing stone shower floors should be done about once a year in order to keep the tile and grout looking great and reduce the risk of moisture damage. Sealing helps prevent dirt from becoming trapped in the pores of the stone and grout, which can cause staining and discoloration.
It also helps protect the stone from the harsh cleaning chemicals used in bathrooms. When the time comes to seal the stone, it’s best to use a waterproof sealer that is specifically made for stone and tile surfaces.
Depending on the type of stone and shower environment, you may need to reseal more or less often. If you notice that the stone is losing its luster, it’s probably time to reseal.
What to use in showers instead of tiles?
One of the most popular alternatives to tiles for use in shower walls is fiberglass. Fiberglass is a sturdy and long-lasting material that is easy to install and maintain. It is also incredibly moisture-resistant and mould-resistant, so it is a great option for wet or humid environments.
It can be made to resemble tile or paneling with various imprints and designs and is available in a range of colors. Another popular shower wall option is acrylic. Acrylic sheets come in larger panels and provide a uniform, easy to keep clean, surface.
Acrylic shower walls are also moisture-resistant, mould resistant, and easy to install. Acrylic panels are available in a wide variety of colors and often include texture and designs to resemble tile.
Lastly, PVC can be used as an alternative to tiles in shower walls. PVC is a lightweight, durable, and water-resistant material that is available in a range of textures and styles. PVC walls are easy to install and maintain, and available in a variety of neutral colors, making them a great option for those looking to replace their tile shower walls.
Are all tiles OK for showers?
Not necessarily. While tiles are a popular surface choice for showers, which tiles you can use depends on several factors. If your shower will have consistent exposure to moisture, you should look for water-resistant tiles such as ceramic, porcelain, or mosaic tile.
Another option you may want to consider is natural stone, like slate or granite, though these may obviously be more expensive. Vinyl tile is not recommended, as it is not very durable in wet settings.
It is also important to make sure the grout is rated for wet environments and apply a sealer to the grout and tiles to protect them. If you have any doubts about the tiles you want to use, contact a professional for guidance and further advice.
Is it OK to use ceramic tile in a shower?
Yes, ceramic tile is an excellent option for showers due to its durability and water-resistance. Ceramic tile is the best choice for wet areas, such as showers and tub surrounds. It is a strong, waterproof material that resists water seepage, mold and mildew.
Ceramic tiles are available in a variety of sizes, textures, shapes, and colors, allowing you to customize the look of your shower or bath surround and make it unique. Additionally, ceramic tile is extremely durable and long-lasting, so it can stand up to even the heaviest foot traffic and water exposure of a busy shower or bath.
The grout used to secure the tiles in place can also provide a waterproof seal. Installing ceramic tile in a shower requires some special tools and techniques to ensure that it is done correctly and that no cracks or gaps exist that could allow water to penetrate the walls.
If you are considering installing ceramic tile in a shower, make sure to work with a professional to ensure that it is done correctly.