More than simply a place to sit when you shower the shower floor affects the overall design the bathroom. The flooring you select should not only be strong and comfortable, but also non-slip, but it must be able to match the design of your bathroom’s design. Whatever your needs and preferences are, there’s a shower flooring that is suitable.
Synthetic Materials Facilitate Installation
One of the easiest and least expensive shower floor options is to buy a shower base constructed of synthetic materials. They are made up of a single solid piece of material that is set in position as-is. There’s no grout joints that are susceptible to cracking and leak, making them simple to maintain.
However the other hand, they’re made in a restricted range of standard sizes and shapes. They are only suitable for showers that are built to standard and you aren’t able to move the drain if you don’t want it the place it’s located.
Chips and cracks can be fixed by a professional, however in the event that this type of floor begins to leak the floor can’t be fixed like tile floors and will need to be replaced.
The two most popular flooring materials are:
Fiberglass bases are typically the least expensive, and are frequent in bathrooms all over the world. They’re not the most durable, and can yellow or break.
Shower floors made of acrylic don’t appear like fiberglass ones when they are brand new. The main difference is that acrylic shower floors are protected by an acrylic coating which makes the floor more easy to keep clean and also helps keep from cracking, yellowing and the growth of mildew.
They retain heat better than fiberglass, and are comfortable to the touch. So you don’t have to walk on an icy shower floor early in the day. Similar to fiberglass, they’re lightweight, making them simple to put in.
Stone and Tile Create Your Own Artistic Expression
Available in a variety of shapes, colors sizes, and finishes tiles and stone permit you to let your imagination full reign. If you want a uniform style, you can use the same materials for your shower floor that you have used for your bathroom flooring.
The options are:
- Stone resin
- Tile
- Stones of natural origin
Stone Resin
After acrylic and fiberglass stone resin is by far the most well-known material used for shower flooring. Shower bases made of stone resin are constructed from a mixture of natural stone that has been crushed, as well as a resin-based adhesive. The mix is then formed, then covered with acrylic, or completed with granite, marble or other stones.
Similar to the acrylic flooring, stone resin floors are warm and comfortable to the sensation of the. Although these floors are stronger than acrylic floors but they’re also heavier, and thus difficult to install.
Tile
If you like the look of tile, ceramic or porcelain are the two primary choices. Ceramic is more affordable and more lightweight than porcelain. Porcelain is a kind that is composed of ceramic is stronger and drys quicker. Its only drawback is that it doesn’t hold the heat properly, making it very cold beneath the feet.
Large tiles need less grout joints, making it easier to keep your shower spotless. Mosaic tiles can be more difficult to maintain due to the numerous joints that connect the tiny tiles, however they provide a greater freedom in regards to color and design. They’re also more convenient to place on your shower’s slope.
If you choose to install tile, there are two options for installing it. The first is the traditional mud bed method. It involves constructing an base for a shower by spreading mortar using trowels and then placing the tiles into the mortar. This type of shower floor gives a hint of personalization to your bathroom. Alternately, you can reduce time by installing a single shower base that is sloped and waterproofed. It’s ready to be tiled.
Natural Stone
Natural stone always gives an aura of luxury unlike tile, it can be used to make your own unique style. Any natural stone is suitable for shower flooring so long as it is sealed properly. Some good options include granite, marble onyx, travertine and Sandstone.
The large, flat stones aren’t the only options. Pebbles, such as glass pebbles and river stones can add colour and variety in your bathroom. Be conscious that floors made of pebbles require lots of grout, and, if the floor can be uneven, the floors could be uncomfortable to stand on.
Cast Iron Cast Iron: it’s a Time-Honored Classic
A popular choice for a long time shower floor can give your bathroom an antique look which is why it’s a great match to rustic or rustic farmhouse style. Cast iron is less expensive than tiles and is so sturdy that you’ll likely decide to renovate your bathroom before the floor of your shower wears out.
Although it’s simple to maintain, proper care is necessary due to the fact that the enamel’s surface may become damaged or worn out when you clean it too harshly. If the surface has been damaged and the iron beneath will start to become rusty. The primary drawback with the floors is that they’re cold which may cause surprise the first time you step foot on.
Wood is a versatile material with a unique personality.
It’s likely not the first material you’d think of to use for flooring in your shower however, wood slats inside the shower can help to improve the overall look of your bathroom. The design and the type of wood you choose the floor will provide the ambience of a luxurious spa or the cozy feel of rustic cabin.
In these styles wooden slats rest on top of the standard shower floor, allowing water to drip through the slats to the pan of the shower. In this way, you don’t even notice the drain. There’s less splashingand you can eliminate the shower door to conserve space, or to create a more airy and spacious feel. Although wood slats may not be as long-lasting as other flooring options for showers but they’re simple to fix.
The best woods to use in showers are those from moist tropical climates. On the higher end, you have the option of Ipe, teak, or massaranduba however cedar, mahogany, and redwood are great choices for budget-conscious homeowners.
With the many shower flooring choices available, it may take time to narrow your options down to one that meets your needs in terms of the durability, maintenance requirements and appearance. Instead of going straight to a warehouse visit a few special stores first. The sales personnel at these shops are aware of the subtle distinctions between various flooring options and can assist you in making an informed decision.
Resources
Apartment Therapy DIY Bathroom Renovation How to Make a Shower Pan that is Custom-Tiled
DIY Network How to lay a Pebble-Tile Floor
