Many of these products have mold and mildew inhibitors, waterproof guarantees, and a slip resistance warranty, according to RestorationMaster. What is a She Shed? Design Ideas and Install Tips. Say bye-bye to pooling water and worrying about leaks caused by standing water. But these porous inner-materials are also what contributes to swelling, warping and peeling when exposed to moisture. Youve imagined a toasty-warm shower floor on frigid Winter mornings. This is by far the cheapest option. And with todays tight labor market, its a lengthy process to get your shower back in order. We hired Legal Eagle to completely renovate our master bathroom. This is true of many hard surface options, however, as porcelain and ceramic tiles are often baked to a smooth finish, people often think of them as more slippery than other surfaces. Natural stone tile offers many of the same positives of ceramic and porcelain tile. But theres one major difference between bathroom flooring and the flooring of other roomsbathroom surfaces need to be waterproof. Since neither tile or grout may be waterproof, you will generally need to use a waterproof material to set the tiles and again, to coat them. Tile and grout are not inherently waterproof. Over time, hard water and soap can create a film on the stones. It not only will knock your socks off with style, but its not super-expensive like a real marble shower. Plus, they will need to be re-sealed with a polyurethane type coating more frequently than if they were in another room without the moisture challenges presented by a bathroom. Copyright 2022. They say size isnt everything, but if you have a small bathroom its a great opportunity to stretch your flooring wings and dollar. Are You Getting An Estimate, A Quote, Or A Bid? How Much Does a Bathroom Remodel Cost in Houston? Perhaps you want to upgrade your tile shower floor with tons of teeny-tiny grout joints youve been fighting (and trying to keep clean) for years. While vinyl is extremely durable, it can develop bumps, gaps, or curls after a period of time. Natural stone tile offers many of the same positives of ceramic and porcelain tile. 4 of the Best Shower Base Flooring Options, You can choose between a variety of high-quality. Or you dont want to buy an expensive glass enclosure and are planning to use shower curtains instead. They simply want to make a sale. Remember absorption is the enemy looking at you, carpet. And while we hope we're not being too pushy, we'll always be here if you ever need floor heating. Wet rooms typically consist of a freestanding tub and shower space divided from the rest of the bathroom with a pane of glass. They also dont require grout, which can become a cleaning issue. If youre unfamiliar a reversible shower pan is a base where the flanges (which are needed for waterproofing) around the edges of the pan are added during installation. Its dated and horrible for the bathrooms. If youre polishing a concrete slab to use as the bathroom floor, have the finishers leave a little bit of texture for traction. With these pans you have the flexibility of putting your drain on either side by rotating the base. Kits may come with a waterproof epoxy that will adhere to tiles and the bottom and sides of the pan. Still, its a viable option that can work if youre careful. (And while the two materials are similar in composition, porcelain is different from ceramic in that its made from more refined clay and fired at a higher temperature, making it more durable and less porous.). You can clean them with some acidic chemicals, but if youd rather avoid using these in your home, you might consider an acrylic shower pan instead. Porcelain tile is also low maintenance, which is an upside for many homeowners. Your partners at The Good Guys can help guide you to this choice too! With grout free shower pans (whether theyre custom or standard size) theyre built as a ready-to-install unit. While this coating should protect the grout, it will still eventually stain and need consistent cleaning to look its best. Here are some flooring options and the pros and cons of each. A solar generator gives you backup energy from the sun should your electricity fail. To protect your cork flooring from moisture, reseal it every couple of years. And while there are many reasons you SHOULD buy a grout free low profile shower pan, there are advantages of traditional tile showers or bases with full height (4 and higher) curbs as well. How Much Does It Cost to Build a Custom Home in Houston? The web sites youve visited have promoted whatever theyre selling. Its dated and horrible for the bathrooms. It can also require more regular maintenance than other options, as some stone products require periodic applications of sealant to maintain the stone finish and prevent penetration of dirt and debris, or absorption of moisture. Plus, cork can feature some beautiful and unique grain patterns. When it comes to choosing flooring for a bathroom, most homeowners focus on finding an attractive, durable material that suits their style. We wont share your information and you can unsubscribe at any time with a single click. On the other hand, you dont need to pay for tiles or spend time setting them. Expect the price of smaller acrylic shower pans to start in the $300s, not including labor and accessories. For that reason alone, when considering a bathroom remodel, its a good idea to research your options to determine what really is the best bathroom flooring for your project. Molded stone shower pans can offer you another. Expect the price of smaller acrylic shower pans to start in the $300s, not including labor and accessories. Wet rooms and curbless showers are some of the most popular bathroom upgrades thanks to demand for universal design and open floor plans. They are naturally slip-resistant and offer a soothing feel under the feet. Timeless looks. Tile setters are as scarce as a needle-in-a-haystack. For a more luxurious appearance and to match other parts of your shower and bathroom, you may want to consider molded stone or tile. Nearly not all. Be aware, however, concrete is not waterproof unless it has been properly finished and sealed. Homeowners have always been trying to make their bathrooms look and feel larger than they are. As you can see, there are many more options now than you may have had in years. Since people taking a shower will stand on wet tile, you may also want to consider the texture of the surface to ensure its not a slipping hazard. Stone can be slippery like tile, but grout patterns and finishes applied after to rough the surface can minimize this. Carpeting soaks up moisture from the air, or water from dripping and overspray, holds it, and turns it into mold and mildew. Get The Good Guys involved early and use our experience to help with planning and product selections. And remember, your flooring professional partners at The Good Guys can assist in your search for the perfect bathroom floor! . Its something you dont think about until it fails. However, theyre not nice when you have long-haired family members who are constantly clogging your drains. Tile does have some features that are often perceived as cons by some buyers. . Subscribe for regular updates. Copyright 1999-2022 WarmlyYours.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This is one fact many people dont realize. Its also naturally textured, which makes it the perfect non-skid surface. Another great bathroom flooring option is natural stone. And if you dont believe me check out this durable stone matte black marble shower pan. It comes in many different colors and textures. Ceramic and porcelain can handle even pools and puddles of standing water, which makes them great options for shower tile. It comes in a variety of loops, weaves, patterns and colors. Need to know what the best type of flooring is for a bathroom? However, they can be slippery when wet like tile and require a non-slip additive, and many prospective homebuyers will find them cold or a bit too risky, so factor this in if you are remodeling to sell. This is not really a do-it-yourself type project as it generally involves acid etching the concrete in order to prepare it for staining and typically extensive filling, patching and grinding. Its a great way to create a cohesive look with the tiles on the walls and bathroom floor. At the end Id love to hear where youre leaning after reading this article. These may come with chrome drains and are usually. Molded stone shower pans can offer you another high-end and elegant solution. They allow you to (as New Yorkers would say) fuggitabout grout joints! Steam from the shower typically mists the entire bathroom at least once a day. That means youll need to install a waterproof material below the tiles and coat them with a protectant. Dont put them in the bathroom. Concrete can be stained or stamped to suit your decorative taste. They arent heavy to bring in the door. Ceramic and porcelain can handle even pools and puddles of standing water, which makes them great options for shower tile. It is extremely waterproof because it has few if any seams for moisture to infiltrate. Best of all, an electric floor-heating system can be embedded right in the concreteduring installation to ensure that your wet room floors are always warm despite concretes cold reputation. If you can afford natural stone and dont mind refinishing the floor once in a while, its certainly one way to raise the resale value of your home. Some coatings can help protect grout, but in a high-use area like a shower, its more likely to stain and require a lot of maintenance. For tile flooring, especially in a shower, find a tile with a textured surface for safety. The problem is YOU (especially if youre the you in your family who gets to clean it) are the one with the scrub brush cleaning the joints and fighting mold and bacteria which comes with themyear after year after year. They can be slippery. Take a minute to learn some vital information to help you make this important decision. You can also order custom pans to fit in non-standard spaces or match specific colors. Otherwise, water will penetrate, and they will rot eventually. So, now that your spouse (or significant utter) has finally gotten their way and youve agreed to remodel the shower (or your tub/shower) you need to figure out the right shower floor pan. Required fields are marked *. and bad vs. good world of bathroom flooring. Please Note: All electrical, plumbing & mechanical work is subcontracted to contractors licensed by the State of Texas. Not including accessories or labor, molded stone shower floors generally start around $800. On the other hand, you dont need to pay for tiles or spend time setting them. Or how about a reversible glass reinforced plastic pan with a colored top surface, perfect for a roll in shower. Low profile pans are smart because theyre simple to step into (a huge benefit for someone whose mobility isnt good). These pans are made of various man-made stone mixes or PVC. High-quality molded stone should be easy to keep clean and resistant to such threats as mold and mildew. Stone is one of the most expensive flooring options available. Once the decision has been made to remodel a bathroom with a curbless shower or wet room, its inevitable that flooring will have to be removed and replaced. Both are made with a waterproof core, but WPC is preferred for being thicker, more flexible, and more resilient. So dont hesitate to reach out before you start your project. Also known as a base, this part of your shower serves as a foundation and leak guard. If youre uncertain the size shower you need or the exact drain location required its a gamble to order a custom low profile grout free shower pan without ripping out the old shower before ordering your new pan. Or choose a PVC shower pan which can be customized for your crazy-shaped shower. 2420 McIver Lane, Ste 102Carrollton, TX 75006, Use left/right arrows to navigate the slideshow or swipe left/right if using a mobile device, In this post we will cover mostly waterproof flooring options. Be aware, however, concrete is not waterproof unless it has been properly finished and sealed. . TECL 34945. Each of the shower bases above are top-tier options. Timeless looks. So dont hesitate to reach out before you start your project. Keeping this in mind, when selecting your materials for bathroom flooring, the best options are really the waterproof options. Starting at closer to $900 for the. Turn Your Home Renovation into a Green Remodel with These Sustainability Ideas, The Top Seven Post-Freeze Home Remodeling Projects, Dans Funk Chart: Plotting Your Home Remodels Emotional Journey, How to Apply Caulking to Insulate Exterior Windows Instruction Video. It adds style and beauty to many rooms. You see if drain clogs happen frequently AND you have a small 32 x 32 or 36 x 36 stand up shower pan, the limited water-holding capacity of a low-profile shower pan can become a nightmare. Tile flooring is resilient, waterproof, available in a variety of colors and designs, and generally less expensive than other hard surface options. and engineered woods are also not the greatest choices for bathrooms. Youre welcome Paul thanks for taking the time to read this post Mike, Your email address will not be published. Whatever you call it, the shower base serves as the foundation for your shower and ensures water falls into the drain and not into your basement or floorboards. While vinyl and concrete can also be used in a curbless shower, tileis typically the go-to option for curbless shower flooring. As for sterile, thats great! After reading this article, do you think grout free low-profile shower pans are a smart option for your shower remodel? Solid hardwood, on the other hand, is never a good idea for bathrooms. Our expertise is in floor heating so naturally a lot of our articles are written from that perspective. Some benefits of acrylic shower bases include easy cleaning and maintenance and a relatively modest cost. The right floors for the most used room in the house! More About Mike, Copyright document.write(new Date().getFullYear())2020 Innovate Building Solutions | Terms/Privacy Policy, Bathroom, Kitchen, Basement Design & Remodeling Ideas for the Nicest Home or Business on the Block, President of Innovate Building Solutions a nationwide supplier and regional (Cleveland and Columbus) remodeling contractors. Or if you dont want the weight of a heavy stone shower base, choose a decorative PVC pan. Tile is always a great option for bathrooms and showers. A con to these materials? Vinyl floors come in sheets or planks/tiles. The most popular choice for bathrooms is tile. If well maintained, tile can last up to 20 years. Just tell us a little about yourself and your project to get started. Helpful instructions to let your patriotic spirit fly from your front lawn with this DIY weekend project. Or buy a low-profile solid surface pan made specifically for a curved glass block walk in shower. Theyre made in standard or custom sizes. Small mosaic tiles which appear to spill onto the bathroom floor. The 5 Best Solar Generators (2022 Review). This was a large and complex project, and Dan and his team did an extraordinary job Legal Eagle Trade Contractors, Co. is an award-winning full-service residential remodeling company serving Houston for 35+ years. The 5 Best Laminate Floor Cleaners (2022 Review), Tile Setting 101: Best Practices from an Expert. Natural stone offers a luxurious finish for any bathroom, but it can come at a cost. WPC and SPC Vinyl is a great waterproof option for bathrooms and other wet, high traffic areas. And they may surprise you. Durability. Its extremely sensitive to moisture and will likely eventually rot, even with a topcoat of protection. are a great choice in many spots in the home. You see with a low-profile pan (which is 1 to 2 off the floor), its easier for water to escape with shower curtains than if you use a mid-height (3 tall) or full height (from 4 to 5 tall) shower base. WPC and SPC Vinyl flooring are rigidcore products, combining the durability, scratch resistance and waterproof features of vinyl. Of course, if youre in an area or building where you have a concrete foundation or subfloor, you can always stain and finish the concrete floors. Of course, if youre in an area or building where you have a concrete foundation or subfloor, you can always stain and finish the concrete floors. You can also choose to have a concrete slab or overlay poured for a bathroom floor. How Much Does it Cost to Remodel Your Kitchen in Houston? Thats right, water in all of its various forms can wreak havoc on the home, and bathroom flooring often catches the majority of errant water. Again, not to be Captain Negative, but there are just some flooring options you dont want to select during your next bathroom remodel. Acrylic shower pans can provide you with a moderately priced and customizable solution thats pretty easy to maintain. Get in touch with Epoxy Colorado for more information on epoxy flooring solutions! If you want to keep your home for years and to add value in case you do want to sell, youll probably find that a more durable solution will save you time or money in the long run. So, measure twiceand have the factory fabricate once. Maybe youve got hard water and hate cleaning glass shower doors. Stone can be difficult to install for the do-it-yourselfer. And for many of them, once theyre damaged, these water-resistant boards cannot be repaired, leaving a full replacement as the only viable option. Porcelain tiles specifically absorb less water than any other ceramic product. It doesnt take a rocket scientist to know theyre simply pitching products. It comes in a variety of loops, weaves, patterns and colors. These intricate looks are only limited by your imagination, budget, and ability to find an experienced tile setter who can bring them to life. When selecting flooring, water-resistant flooring is a great option for a number of rooms in the home where water is a consideration. Be aware of this if you attempt this project on your own. of your shower to match the walls or bathroom. From river rocks to terrazzo, there are so many fun options to explore with this type of shower flooring. Its an expensive problem. Plus, when there are no thresholds to worry about, that means the design is accessible to everyone, which is a necessity for many homeowners and a great feature for resale as well. , but its likely to be a more expensive option than using pre-made shower pans because of labor involved. You can buy a low-profile shower pan in a custom size, shape, or curb height. Waterproof and comfortable underfoot, its an excellent choice for the bathroom. Its also highly resistant to water and low maintenance, but often comes at a lower price point than porcelain. There may be more to it than you think! Call 216-658-1270 or click for a Free Estimate. Click here to Sign Up for the Innovate Builders Blog. This is one HUGE reason to go with a grout free shower pan. A molded shower base is a ready-made, easy-to-install option. A high-traffic commercial shower might be better suited for an option thats easy to clean such as epoxy. Water can sit on it or even penetrate the surface of the flooring without damaging the material, or (arguably more important) the subflooring beneath. Vinyl can also be hard to fix if it is pierced by a sharp object. Just be sure youre okay with all the potentially negative aspects of each option and pick the flooring that will serve you or your business best. If possible, tiling without grout may offer a better solution. Mold and mildew can lead to respiratory issues and damage to your subfloor. Also like ceramic and porcelain, it is a very slippery material; consider choosing a stone thats been honed or tumbled instead of polished, or something thats been textured with sandblasting. Curbless showers, on the other hand, look like traditional showers but they have no threshold and typically feature a clear glass wall and door. Vinyl can look like wood planks, stone, and even ceramic tile. Its inexpensive. They also dont last as long as the options above. It adds style and beauty to many rooms. Whether youre shopping around for your home or youre looking for a practical option for a commercial bathroom, there is an array of options for shower flooring. Remember, your flooring professionals at The Good Guys can always help you navigate through options of water-resistant vs waterproof flooring and bad vs. good world of bathroom flooring. These systems generally start in the $500s, and that doesnt include tiles or installation. Tankless Water Heaters: What You Need to Know Before You Buy. Otherwise, water will penetrate, and they will rot eventually. You DO NOT want to repeat the mistakes of the past. This is generally a high end shower pan solution because of the cost and maintenance. This type of flooring option is made from polyester resin mixed with woven glass fibers in a shower floor-shaped shell. Sure, a tile shower looks wonderful when the contractor finishes the job. Ceramic tile is very similar to porcelain (since porcelain is actually a form of ceramic tile), but its slightly less durable. If your project needs a quick turnaround (maybe you have a tenant moving in or your desperate to get out of temporary housing), ready to install shower pans without grout are the ticket. Whether you like large-format tiles or small tiles with plenty of grout lines, the slip resistance within the shower should be sufficient as long as you dont select a particularly glossy tile. There are different types of grit you can add to the solution to create a surface that provides grip. However, they can be slippery when wet like tile and require a non-slip additive, and many prospective homebuyers will find them cold or a bit too risky, so factor this in if you are remodeling to sell. High-quality molded stone should be easy to keep clean and resistant to such threats as mold and mildew. Legal Eagle Contractors, Co. All Rights Reserved. Tile flooring is resilient, waterproof, available in a variety of colors and designs, and generally less expensive than other hard surface options. Theres no need to worry if you bought a pan with the correct drain location and you wont be forking over restocking or shipping fees because you bought a pan with the drain in the wrong spot. Laminate flooring and engineered woods are also not the greatest choices for bathrooms. Acrylic systems come in a variety of colors and sizes, though white, grey, and black are common, . Its inexpensive. Whether from overspray, spill, leak, drip, or just kids being kids, the simple fact is that water will inevitably end up on your bathroom floor, and the walls, and even the ceiling! And since THEIR TIME (er your contractor) is YOUR MONEY getting a grout free shower pan can be a win for your wallet or a prayer for your purse. You see if someone is running the water to get it warm, doesnt know the drain is clogged and goes away from the shower for a few minutes WITHOUT realizing the drain is clogged you could end up with a disaster on your hands. A shower pan will likely NOT be the most exciting feature of your bathroom remodel. While its true that standing for extended periods of time on tile can be uncomfortable, that is true for any hard surface, and temperature of the floor can be addressed as porcelain and ceramic both work well with radiant flooring systems. One potential drawback to tile is that it can be slippery when wet, and bathrooms are generally always wet. Typically, this means harder surfaces, rather than soft ones that will trap water. The products included in this article are available at various home improvement stores, local home centers, and online retailers like Amazon. Acrylic shower pans can provide you with a moderately priced and customizable solution thats pretty easy to maintain. You may decide that you want to tile the floor of your shower to match the walls or bathroom floor tile. Written by Mike Foti on November 30, 2021. Specifically, ceramic and porcelain tiles are great options for bathrooms. If this is your shower strategy, you may want to think twice about a low-profile shower pan. If youre lived through a leaking tile shower floor pan you know its a nightmare on Elm Street. You wont be able to send your custom pan back if you (or your contractor) messes up the dimensions. The only positive about grout joints is when theyre someone elses grout joints and THEY have to maintain them. Low profile grout free shower pans have smaller thresholds (usually 1 to 2 tall). Make sure you dont miss out on the latest news in radiant heating by subscribing to our blog. There are a wide variety of natural stone options from granite to marble and even limestone. You can choose to go with stones and pebbles ranging in size. Visit our Price My Project tool. The most popular choice for bathrooms is tile. And as long as its sealed properly, it delivers excellent protection against water. Mike Foti is the President of Innovate Building Solutions a nationwide supplier and regional (Cleveland and Columbus) remodeling contractors. Its utterly unavoidable, and your bathroom must be able to stand up to that barrage of fluid. Before you choose, youll want to consider ease of maintenance, durability, and cost. Some of our product lines include glass counters, floors, backsplashes, glass blocks and grout free shower and tub wall panels. 13 Shower Replacement Kit Problems You Can Avoid, 15 Biggest Blunders People Make When Choosing Shower Accessories, The Comprehensive Guide on How to Buy a Glass Shower Door (and not screw up), 10 Smart Design Factors You Need to Know to NOT Screw Up Buying a Walk in Shower Pan, 17 Sure-Fire Ideas to Save Money on a Custom Shower Remodel, 11 Frequently Asked Questions about Tub to Shower Conversions to Save You Time, Money & Aggravation, 10 Common DIY Shower Remodeling Mistakes (and practical strategies to avoid them), designer options in grout free shower pans, glass reinforced plastic pan with a colored top surface, become a shower wall panels and shower pan dealer.