Cabinets, Kitchen and Bath Remodeling

A Guide to Shower Floor Materials

If you’re thinking about remodeling your bathroom, you’ve probably considered how you want it to look and function. You may have decided on your fixtures, the style of sink, whether you want a tub, and the type of shower.

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But have you considered the shower floor? It’s easy to overlook this detail, but the wrong shower floor can ruin your remodel. A shower floor should be water-resistant, slip-resistant, and low-maintenance. Let’s look at the pros and cons of some common options.

  • Marble: This beautiful, luxurious stone is a timeless option. It’s versatile and can come in different shapes and textures. However, it’s a very soft stone, and not always ideal for a shower floor. Marble requires special care, can scratch and stain, and can develop a filmy residue. It’s also an expensive option, and it’s not very slip-resistant.
  • Travertine: Available in many different colors and styles, this natural stone is also practical. It’s naturally slip-resistant, long-lasting, and has beautiful veins and swirls that make it a popular choice. The issues with travertine, however, are similar to marble. It’s prone to damage and staining and requires sealing every year or so. Further, it can’t be cleaned with anything stronger than a mild detergent and you’ll have to be careful about the soaps and shampoos you use.
  • Glass Mosaic Tiles: A beautiful option, these are low-maintenance and easy to clean. Glass tiles are slippery when they’re wet, so slip-resistant sealant is a must, and they can also be expensive.
  • Ceramic and Porcelain Tiles: with a low-absorption rate and a stylish, attractive look, this is one of the best options for a bathroom floor. It’s easy to clean and resistant to scratches, but it’s also cold and involves a lot of grout, which will need cleaning.
  • Wood: Wood has a warm, beautiful look that can be perfect for contemporary spaces, and it wears well if properly maintained. Unfortunately, long-term exposure to water can cause warping and discoloring, so if you want the look of wood, wood-look tiles may be a better option.
  • Pebbles: Because of their organic look, pebbles can create a spa-like feeling in your bathroom. They’re naturally slip-resistant and feel soothing under your feet. Unfortunately, they require a great deal of grout, and that means a lot of cleaning. Pebbles can also become filmy and may even need daily maintenance.

When you’re ready to remodel your bathroom, the USA Cabinet Store is ready to help. At the heart of our business is the philosophy that everyone deserves a beautiful home, with kitchens and bathrooms that are both functional and spectacularly designed. Founded in 2011, we have locations in Northern Virginia, Maryland, Washington DC, and Houston, TX. Our kitchen and bathroom design professionals and experts in installation relentlessly pursue excellence while working as a team to exceed our clients’ kitchen, bathroom, and remodeling project goals. On our website, you can contact us, find a location near you, or request a complimentary consultation.