The travertine is not the best choice; look for a porcelain mosaic that works back to the other selections. Does it need to be a mosaic? if its a new bath they can pitch the shower drain to one end and you can use larger tiles. We just provided 12x24 tie for just such a project.

I agree with Skippack - and, you may be surprised that labor is the majority of this square foot cost and that even if you substitute may only be saving 1,000 or less. Looking at the overall design and layout is the only way to save real dollars.

Thanks Skippack, it is not a travertine . . . it is porcelain. I think that's why I liked this so much. It has the variation of a natural stone but is porcelain. I just saw something on Tilebar that is less expensive but still very cool.

It's $30/sq ft to install, but what does the tile by itself cost? What price range for the tile itself are you looking for?

The installation is $30 per square foot? I have no idea how it breaks down between material and labor. Crossville is one of those brands that doesn't advertise this. But in the quote, I see other baths that are quoted as 14.99 for material and labor per square foot. I've found a few things on Tilebar in their Basics line that look interesting. If anyone can comment on this tile I'd be most appreciative.

Yes I agree w live wire - substituting that tile will not result in a cost savings. You have to look at the whole design and cut back on hard surface tile square footage to see any savings. In order for us to comment further we would need to see existing conditions and the design plan in order to make any recommendations.

That tile looks like it has been cut from a larger tile and then sheet mounted. Tile like that will be more expensive than tile that is actually manufactured as a mosaic. You could save about $10-$13/sq ft ($900-$1200) by choosing a different tile.

The quote total is 9000 for the curbless shower and floor and a total upgrade cost of $2000 is indicated. I will talk to them on Monday to see where the $2000 is. They do have the ceiling tiled included which I will eliminate since I don't want or need that.

The 'total upgrade' is for the extra work it takes to put in a curbless shower. The substrate work is ++++effort. The mudding, the reinforcement (if it is on a wood substrate), the sloping, it goes on and on and on....with all the code requirements as well. The preparation is $2K. The actual work to put in the curbless shower FINISHES is $9K. They are a PITA but they are magnificent. They are a REAL upgrade to a regular shower/bath. And a 'wet room' is another upgrade. They too are PITA to deal with. The whole ROOM has to be water proofed...not just the 'shower' area. Again it is a PITA.

In the grand scheme of things an $11K upgrade for a wheel-chair access wet room is peanuts compared to the rest of the house. Imagine the cost if you had to renovate a regular bathroom at a later date....you would be looking at a $30K retrofit.

I know the cost overruns are hurting, but this particular project is not about vanity....it is about quality of life. This is NOT the project to cut costs.

The 'pretty' finishes are where you cut costs. Paint, trim, cabinets, counter tops, doors, etc can be used to cut costs...but I'm guessing they are already installed.

If this home was designed as accessible, with curbless on the plans, there should be no “upgrade” upcharge for anything. It would be in the specifications being bid, and everything would just cost more from the beginning. Since it’s a tract build, builders can charge anything they want to charge for changes to the plan. Overall, the charge to do the curbless,*if done correctly* is not actually outrageous. Its a needed change, and Crossville isn’t expensive tile. Cut somewhere else.

This home was designed as accessible with a curbless shower and is not a tract home, however finishes were allocated via allowance and I did not select tile prior to contract. The design plan is firm . . . the only wiggle room is if I'd select other tile. I will discuss with my contractor to better understand the costs as many have recommended. Thanks everyone for chiming in!

I wonder, (just thinking aloud) if the $2K is because anything is considered a change order. I know the CONCEPT was approved but the finishing items were not chosen.

As for the thick tiles, those are VERY thick. I'm guessing they require a specific form of install...very much like stone. They probably require a thick mortar bed INSTEAD OF thinset.

In my neck of the woods (expensive Canadian city) the cost to install regular porcelain tile = $12/sf. The cost to install SPECIALTY tile OR STONE = $15/sf. That means (if this were in my city) the $30/sf cost = $15/sf tiles + $15/sf labour.

The only way to make a significant dent in the cost over run is to choose a tile that is $2/sf. Even then....here's the difference:

1. $30/sf x 90sf = $2700

2. ( $2/sf + $15/sf) x 90 = $1530

Even with a $2/sf tile you will save a total of: $1,170.

That doesn't sound like a budget breaker.

Daltile Marble Attache lavish in Reverie comes in a square mosaic - It is porcelain marble look a like and also comes in a mat finish. Very reasonable.

Thank you SJ and others who have pointed out that this cost is not only the tile itself. Design Girl, I'll take a look at this tile.