As a leading home improvement and window installation company, Kingdom Restoration only wants the best for your dream bathroom remodel. As you plan it out carefully, you’ll likely need to decide which type of material should be used for your shower floor. There’s a lot of options to choose from, and they range from natural stone and tile flooring to concrete, glass and wood! It isn’t hard to find the right option for your shower floor, but it helps to keep a few things in mind.

bathroom remodeling shower floor

What to Consider When Choosing Materials

What you choose for your shower flooring is a big decision when any new bathroom remodel is being completed. There’s simply a lot to consider, as almost everyone will have a different idea on their best material for shower floor areas. However, you’ll need to take into account the age of your home, the styling of your interior, the bathroom’s specific usage, and its intended frequency, as well as your overall budget.

Your hired bathroom remodeling contractor will be explicit in their advice on choosing shower flooring materials, but they’ll all agree that the finishes should be non-slip and non-porous, with grout lines that are easy to keep clean and mold-free.

The size of your chosen floor tiles will also be important in your bathroom remodel. It’s generally accepted that shower floor tiles are no larger than six inches squared to allow for a greater amount of grout, which in turn, offers a good deal of grip and stability. On the other hand, larger tiles will naturally become more slippery, which will significantly increase the risk of accidents. If you still insist on having larger tiles, we suggest placing them on the walls.

It also helps to work with a trusted professional in bathroom and home innovations so you can be confident that your remodel will be completed smoothly. They have the right experience so you won’t have to worry about unwanted repairs, water damage and wasted time had you decided to do it on your own.

Natural Stone

Natural stone flooring such as pebbles will not only look amazing and bring a spa-like experience to your bathroom, but the material also has an excellent grip. When installed properly, you get a slight foot massage, and they can also be cleaned by using a grout cleaner and sealer. A hard water stain remover or distilled vinegar may also be needed at times to keep the film from building up.

Aside from pebbles that deliver texture and style, there are several options available for natural stone materials for your shower floor. A few of the most popular types include:

  • Granite – This material is a beautiful and highly durable natural stone that goes with nearly any type of modern shower. It’s available in a wide range of colors and patterns, so it won’t be hard to find one that can suit your home’s design. It also resists chemicals found in common cleaning and hygiene products, so proper sealing is still needed to keep it looking its best.

  • Marble – This material is practically synonymous with luxury in a bathroom space, with white marble being the most popular option in showers. You can find this material in assorted tile sizes with natural beauty being the biggest benefit among other advantages. But keep in mind that it chips and scratches easily, and is very slippery when wet. Be sure to have it properly sealed, especially if you choose a lower-grade marble that has a high iron content.

  • Slate – This is one of the most common forms of natural stone used in showers. It features a dark, smoky appearance that can give your bathroom design the right amount of contrast. When sealed correctly, it’s very durable and easy to keep clean.

Ceramic and Porcelain Tile

While ceramic and porcelain tile have been the standard in bathrooms of all sizes and styles, their main differences come down to their water-resistant capabilities. Ceramic tile absorbs more than 0.5% water compared to porcelain, for example.

In a humid and small bathroom, most professional bathroom and window installation contractors would recommend porcelain as a good choice. It’s versatile in a way that it’s resistant to chemicals and scratches while still being completely waterproof. Using this for your shower flooring will also last you many years.

Meanwhile, ceramic is a good compromise if you’re on a tight budget with your bathroom remodel. It’s generally cheaper than porcelain while offering well-rounded advantages that make it a durable and easy-to-install option.

Other Shower Flooring Options

If you’re looking for more versatility, then you may be interested in materials such as fiberglass and acrylic. These synthetic materials are easy to install, but you’ll still need help from a professional if you want to do it properly. Acrylic shower bases, in particular, are coated to resist common problems with discoloration and grime-buildup, and they retain more heat than fiberglass models.

But if you’re looking for a more specific look or a unique bathroom design, consider these materials:

  • Concrete – This has become a popular flooring choice in homes across the country, especially in bathroom remodeling. While the look and durability of concrete makes it a popular choice, it does require regular maintenance and resealing to avoid water damage.

  • Wood – You might think that this material wouldn’t go well in showers, but it’s actually an ideal choice for bringing a spa-like ambiance to your space. For instance, bamboo or teak shower floor mats make great and stylish additions to your bathroom. You can also choose wood slat flooring as they’re available in redwood, cedar and mahogany. When properly installed by a professional, it drains well and dries quickly with hardly any moisture retention!

  • Cast Iron – Only a few can surpass the durability this material offers. However, cast iron shower bases are enameled in porcelain and may require a special kind of maintenance. They’re also known for being cold on the feet.

  • Glass – Although a bit more expensive and slippery than other materials, this is still a great option as it’s available in a wide variety of colors and offers minimal maintenance.

When it comes to high-quality bathroom and home innovations, Kingdom Restoration is the name to trust. Call us at (941) 263-8715 or fill out our convenient contact form to get in touch with us today!