Penny tile for shower curb?

8 years ago

I love the look of this shower floor and particularly the curb, but wheh I talked to my contractor he said he would not recommend penny tile for the curb due to possible issues with waterproofing. he recommends a large solid slab for the curb top. Is this correct, that penny tile on the curb is not a good idea?

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PRO

Steel Roots Home Decor

8 years ago

He is correct. If you notice in this picture none of the penny tile needed to be cut. That is remarkable. I also feel that it does not give the eye a transition from the floor to the shower. A solid slab would do this. I am a designer, and I love to come up with beautiful ideas. My husband does most of the implementation. Sometimes he looks at me and says, "Is this supposed to be in a magazine or is it supposed to be in a house?" Listen to your contractor. He knows what will cost you more down the road.

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Comments (8)

PRO
JAN MOYER
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
It's a very very bad idea. Frankly, the photo is ridiculously busy combination of tiles , and a disaster waiting to happen. A solid marble or quartz curb , please
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PRO
Ellsworth Design Build
8 years ago
Firstly, please make sure he knows how to do proper waterproofing. The waterproofing system does not rely on the tile at all. That said, penny tiles always look terrible at transitions and curbs are entirely transitions. Subway tile would be better, corian or quartz would be best.
PRO
JAN MOYER
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Tile for frequently wet surfaces is a VERTICAL application for a reason. Waterproofing below the curb is the least of the issue. Water/moisture will remain caught in grout lines on a curb.............hello mold and grunge. Just a bad idea. More of a bad/worse idea with any penny or mosaic, as it just adds more grout! Niches, bench tops, curbs.......solid please.
PRO
Annie Santulli Designs
8 years ago
Your contractor is right!
PRO
Linda
8 years ago
I like white Corian shower curbs. It's easy to work with as I can cut it to size and contour the edges with ordinary carbide tools; quartz looks nice but isn't as easy.
felizlady
8 years ago
I like the look of a slab on the curb and small tile for the shower floor (the more grout, the less slippery). My tile installer uses a chemical waterproofing on all the grout. It's stinky until completely dry, but it works well.
shiningautumn8
Original Author
8 years ago
Thank you all. I am glad to hear the contractor gave me good and proper advice. I really love the look of the penny-tiled curb but waterproofing and practicality is more important. I will just use the penny tile for the shower floor and do a slab for the curb.