Your shower flooring is much more important than it may seem at first. Depending on the type of material you choose, you can have a shower that is beautiful and easy to maintain at the same time. Some materials are not ideal in every situation and know which option will work best for you makes all the difference in the world.
As you start to think about your shower flooring options, you want to make sure you consider your budget first and foremost, as this will dictate what options you should be looking at. After your budget, you want to think about the surface type, durability, and ease of maintenance. Some of the most popular shower flooring materials include acrylic, tiles, and pebble.
Below, we will go over some of the different options available to you along with their pros and cons. This guide can assist you in knowing what your options are and aid you in choosing the best option for your home and shower.
Choosing the Best Shower Flooring
You want your bathroom to be not only relaxing but completely functional as well. Having the right material and design for your shower floor can make all the difference. Before we jump too far into the types of shower flooring available, let’s look at some of the things you will need to consider first:
- Maintenance – Think about how easily you want to be able to clean your shower. Do you mind some elbow grease, or do you want something that takes minimal effort?
- Cost – Know exactly what your budget is and then stick to it. The cost of materials and supplies can vary greatly, so it is important to know what works for you.
- Safety – Do you want something that is slip-resistant? How should the material feel under your feet? Do you have any concerns about your health or mobility that need to be factored in?
- Existing Flooring – Will you be completely replacing the current flooring that you have? Do you need new footing? Do you want a shower pan that is flush with the floor or one that is raised?
- Durability – How important is the durability of the materials to you? There are flooring options that are resistant to water damage and scratches.
- Aesthetics – Think about what you want your shower to look like and think about your bathroom’s current look and décor.
Best Material for Your Shower Floor
Below, we will discuss the different types of shower floors available for you to choose from along with an average price per square foot and the pros and cons of choosing a particular type of material.
Travertine Tile
Travertine tile is an available option for you and can be used in your shower. This material option offers a weathered look and is rustic in design. Many homeowners choose this option when they want to create a modern yet stylish shower space.
Pros
- By nature is a non-slip material
- UV resistant and does not fade easily
- Very durable
Cons
- Must be sealed regularly
- Cannot be done as a DIY project
- Costly when compared to other options
Ceramic Tile
Ceramic tiles are a wonderful and excellent option for homeowners and one of the most popular because they are easy to care for and extremely affordable. Fortunately, this option does come in a variety of colors for you to choose from, so you can style your bathroom however you want.
Pros
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Very affordable
- Many patterns and colors to choose from
Cons
- Tiles can absorb moisture if damaged
- The glaze on the tile can crack
- Durable, but not as durable as porcelain
Porcelain Tile
Porcelain tiles are a very popular option when it comes to shower floors. This is because they are affordable for homeowners, and they come in a variety of different colors. In fact, you can even choose tiles that look just like wood. Pretty cool, right? Porcelain tiles are known to do well in wet areas, which is what makes them perfect for the shower.
Pros
- Durable option and does not wear easily
- An affordable option for homeowners
- Good footing when in the shower
Cons
- Not a DIY project
- Can be slippery if not grouted and textured correctly
- Avoid chemicals with ammonia, bleach, or oil-based options
Glass Tile
Glass tiles look good in the bathroom and come in a wide variety of colors and styles so that homeowners can really choose the look of their shower. The biggest benefit of these tiles is that they allow you to be unique and get the exact look you want.
Pros
- Easy to clean
- Does not stain
- Smaller tiles offer traction and texture
Cons
- Slippery when large tiles are used
- Can be very costly
- Can break and scratch easily
Slate Tile
Slate tiles are an excellent choice for homeowners who want a balance between easy maintenance and a contemporary but earthy look. These tiles are loved by those who have them installed because each one is unique in style.
Pros
- Water and stain resistant
- Textured to be non-slip
- Easy to maintain and clean
Cons
- Expensive
- Colors are limited to various shades of gray
- Lower-quality slate tiles are porous and need to be sealed
Granite Tile
Many homeowners love granite and for good reason too. If you truly want granite in your bathroom, you can have it in your shower in the form of granite tiles. This is an excellent flooring option as it creates a luxurious feeling and is non-porous.
Pros
- Water-resistant
- Anti-slip when tumbled or textured
- Hardwearing and durable
Cons
- Cannot be done as a DIY project
- Heavy in weight
- Can be easily damaged by oil-based cleaners, acids, and ammonia
Pebble Tile
If you are after a spa-like feel for your bathroom, pebble tile is the best choice. You can choose from a multitude of designs that can create a rustic or even modern space for you.
Pros
- Unique as each stone has different variations
- Slip-resistant
- Comfortable to stand and walk on
Cons
- Can develop a chalky film if not cleaned regularly.
- Rounded stones can be uncomfortable on the feet
- High maintenance
Fiberglass
Fiberglass is an option when you do not want tile. This prefabricated shower base is cheap and easy to install. If you are looking for function over aesthetics, this is a good alternative. You will find that installation of this shower base does not require extensive labor, especially as there is no grout to deal with.
Pros
- Simple installation
- Cheap
- Clean look
Cons
- Limited variety of styles and colors
- No tile can be applied to the shower base
- Can crack or scratch over time
Wood
Wood is loved by many and is great for contemporary spaces. Wood on your shower floors looks unique and provides a look that many are not used to.
Pros
- Good traction
- Eco-friendly
- Good drainage
Cons
- Must be resealed often
- Requires a lot of maintenance
- Can be difficult to clean and keep clean
Acrylic
Acrylic is an option for the shower in your bathroom and offers homeowners a clean and seamless look. Many people choose it because it is so easy to care for and it is inexpensive, making it a good choice for most. These shower bases do not add a level of elegance to your bathroom unlike some of the tile options, but they will make your shower space functional.
Pros
- No grout is used (no mildew, mold, or bacteria)
- Installation is easy and quick
- Very affordable
Cons
- Not as aesthetically pleasing as other options
- Water can leak out if not installed properly
- Can crack or scratch
Which Flooring Material is Best Based on Different Situations?
No matter what type of flooring you choose for your shower, you want to make sure that you are happy with it. If you are not, you are likely to not care for it the way it needs to be cared for. You also want to make sure that the shower flooring is easy to maintain and clean and that it can withstand exposure to moisture and water.
Best Eco-Friendly Option
Wooden Floor Mats
Wood flooring is the best eco-friendly option for your shower floor if you are looking to go green. You want to look for wood flooring that is made from a sustainably sourced material. The wooden mats for the shower floor are made from a series of slats that will allow the water in your shower base to drain properly. These wooden mats are slip and water-resistant.
Best Non-Slip Option
Pebble Tile
Pebbles are beautiful and provide a wonderful look in any shower. Many homeowners like the feel of pebble tiles on their feet too.
Another great option if pebbles are not your thing is slate. They are slip resistant as they are naturally textured.
Best Affordable Option
Fiberglass and Acrylic
Both fiberglass and acrylic shower inserts are affordable and considered to be the cheapest options when it comes to redecorating and remodeling your shower area. While they are not aesthetically pleasing, they are easy to clean and durable.
Best in Durability
Granite, Porcelain, and Slate Tiles
All three of these options are ideal when you are looking for a tile that will be durable. Before you choose one, consider the pros and cons of each to see which will best suit your needs.
Best in Easy to Clean
Fiberglass and Acrylic
Fiberglass and acrylic take this category too. They are both extremely easy to clean and are also resistant to mold and mildew. Since there are no grout lines, you do not have to worry about the grout getting dirty. These options do not need to be resealed.
Can I Install My Shower Tiles on My Own?
It is not recommended. You definitely do not want to make a mistake with your shower floor, so it is best to leave it up to the experts. This type of installation requires precision to ensure it is done right. Poor installation can lead to serious water damage and tiles that fail over time.
FAQs About Shower Flooring
Check out these FAQs. We hope they answer any lingering questions you may have.
What is the best wood used for wooden shower mats?
The best type of wood would be bamboo first and then teak second. Bamboo is the first choice because it is less likely to warp and is resistant to water damage. It is also sustainable.
Can I have a marble shower floor?
While we would all love to have a marble shower floor, it is just not a good idea. Marble easily chips and scratches, which means your shower floor would suffer from imperfections and flaws rather quickly. If you are really set on marble, you should opt for the smallest polished available size to help keep them from scratching.
Does the shower tile size matter?
It does. In fact, there is a reason why most homes, gyms, and other showers have small tiles throughout them. This is because small shower tiles offer a better grip and are typically slip resistant due to the grout lines that appear. Larger tiles tend to become quite slippery, especially if there is soap on them.
What is the best stone to use for shower flooring?
Slate is an amazing choice when it comes to shower flooring and is the best type of stone to use. If your slate tiles are sealed correctly, you can expect them to be naturally slip-resistant, durable, and resistant to water damage.
Will pebble tiles be super slippery?
In general, no. They are not usually slippery as there are many grout lines to help provide you with texture and grip. It is important that you clean them thoroughly and regularly.
Get the Right Shower Flooring for Your Home
Your shower flooring is more important than you think. As you start to think about your shower remodel, consider the different types of flooring options available. Knowing what you want beforehand can help you make the right decision based on your needs, aesthetics, and budget.
Shower flooring offers many different looks from farmhouse chic to rustic to luxury and everything in between.