Master Bath Flooring dilemma

11 years ago

I am having trouble deciding on a floor tile for my master bath. I LOVE the look of Carrara mosaic but am worried about the maintenance and don't want the grout to look dingy after some time, esp in the shower. I also like the look of dark charcoal slate but would likely do a porcelain that looks like real slate vs actual slate. We are planning a large curb less shower and would like to use the same tile on the entire floor but in our price range, I am only seeing the slate look porcelain in 12x24 size ( too slippery in shower?) or 12x12 ( dated size?) Any input on the pros and cons would be appreciated. The walls will be mindful grey from SW which is a warm lighter grey. White trim and white vanity with Carrara top. Stressing about using marble for vanity top as I have read so many conflicting opinions. Thanks!!!

Featured Answer

PRO

Brickwood Builders, Inc.

11 years ago

I think you need to rethink using a large format tile in the shower. Even with a curbless shower, there has to be a slope to the drain and large format tiles do not conform to a slope. A mosaic in something 3" or less is best for a shower floor.

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Comments (20)

sacapuntaslapioz
11 years ago
grout can be sealed. go for the look you love.
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User
11 years ago
You have a beautiful space planned! Super penetrating seal on the marble top can help prevent staining. You can still use large format tile on the shower walls, but Deborah is completely right about the sloping floor of the shower. Colored grout is a great way to get around having white grout turn dingy. Some of the large format rectangular tiles, as the brown in your photo, look very nice in porcelain and there are grays available. I have even seen them installed vertically in a shower, as a continuation of the floor.
ccort thanked User
sacapuntaslapioz
11 years ago
I recommend the pebbles for the shower. they have traction, they can be slopped beautifully and they feel amazing. like a mini-massage. they come in any combination of colors. I have them and I love them.

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ccort thanked sacapuntaslapioz
PRO
Johanne Blansche Designs
11 years ago
i just did a floor for a master bath using a marble hexagonal mosaic tile and the client loved it. Having the extra grout lines that come with a mosaic actually makes it less slippery in a bathroom space. I posted a photo of the bathroom on my site if you want to see it. The tile we used is called oriental white and I can best describe it as a toned down carrera.
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ccort
Original Author
11 years ago
That's is what I was afraid of with the large tiles. Pebbles are a good idea. Is it possible to do the large format tiles in the bathroom and transition to a smaller tile in the shower with a curbless design or would that look strange. We have hard water. Will marble hold up to that even if sealed?
ccort
Original Author
11 years ago
Also, does anyone have any input on a window in the shower? We took out a large 80's garden tub and will be using that space for the new shower. There is a large window that will need to be replaced with something waterproof. Contractor recommended glass block or making the window smaller and putting in a higher transom window which would require some change to the exterior of the house. We have a Tudor with hardi plank around that window. Are there any good options other than glass block?
sacapuntaslapioz
11 years ago
ccort, absolutely not. you can do any tiles in the bathroom floor, another in the shower/tub wall and pebbles in the shower floor. just make sure the tiles belong together. For example, large carrera tiles in the bathroom floor, carrera subway tiles in the shower walls and in the backsplash and light grey/white pebbles in the shower floor or small hexagonal or mastic carrera tiles in the shower. it looks beautiful and layered and all goes together. Make sure your vanity is in the same cool tones and your paint too.

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Judy Mishkin
11 years ago
i'll post these pics i just did for another question. our small tiles are very secure underfoot. and our high operating window means no covering needed. shower picture doesnt show the 30" wide glass panel subsequently installed to the right of the vanity.
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Johanne Blansche Designs
11 years ago
Whatever you decide for the bathroom window I think still has to match the exterior of your home and I don't think that glass block will do that at all. I like the transom idea more. Could you not do a more traditional window with a vinyl interior and aluminum exterior?
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ccort
Original Author
11 years ago
I have reservations about the glass block looking out of place from the outside too. I was hesitant to have to change the exterior around the window because it sounds like so much more work but maybe that us because I don't know what all that entails. A traditional window would be nice if I could be sure it wouldn't leak or have water issues. Thank you for all of the advice! The contractor is coming back tomorrow to make some final decisions before moving plumbing and I feel very unprepared as I am all over the place all of a sudden with tile choices.
ccort
Original Author
11 years ago
If I decide to go with the Carrara mosaic, polished or honed for long term durability?
PRO
Johanne Blansche Designs
11 years ago
It doesn't really make a difference, polished tens to be a little more formal. The one in the photo I told you about was honed. Go with the type you prefer. I really don't like the glass block idea and i think in the long run you wouldn't be happy with it.
ccort
Original Author
11 years ago
Johanne Blansche, thank you for all of your input. I decided on the 2 inch Hampton hex tile for the entire floor. I feel so relieved at having made a decision. I couldn't find your picture that you posted but I bet the honed looks beautiful as well. I will talk to the contractor tomorrow and brainstorm a different window option other than glass block. What color of grout did you use for the hex mosaic. I am leaning toward grey but like the look of the white too. Thanks!
PRO
Johanne Blansche Designs
11 years ago
Hi ccort to see the photo just go to my site and look at the project called Morrow Master Bath and there will be a photo of the bathtub and you will get a nice idea of the floor.I think you will really like it.We used a white grout for the floor, that is probably the most classic look and will make your tiles look nice and crisp as well.Hope this helps and do keep us up to date with the window.
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Nancy Walton
11 years ago
If you have hard water don't go with the slate-colored tiles, as it will show white water spots due to the hard water.
kathleen MK
11 years ago
If you are worried about marble vanity top there are some engineer stone tops that have the marble look but are less porous. You can trim out the window with stone or tile to keep it water proof or add a shower type curtain. A stone windowsill and textured glass should be all you need.
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sacapuntaslapioz
11 years ago
excellent suggestions from Katheen regarding the window.
PRO
Brickwood Builders, Inc.
11 years ago
A window in a shower area should be all vinyl in order not to have water problems. There should be no wooden components to the window. Then durock should be installed around it and waterproofed. Then tile or stone should be applied around it.
ccort thanked Brickwood Builders, Inc.
Nancy Walton
11 years ago
I put acrylic block windows in a recent bathroom remodel, they custom make it to your opening, the "mortar" between the blocks is all vinyl, as is the frame.
ccort thanked Nancy Walton