Exploring the Pros and Cons of Pebble Shower Floors

Pebble shower floors have grown in popularity over the past decade, combining form and function into a unique design that will bring a sense of nature into any bathroom. From high-end spas to rustic cabins, people are finding this fabulous floor cover adds texture and richness while providing increased safety compared with slippery surfaces.

This natural-looking material provides some undeniable benefits, but it also has downsides worth considering before deciding whether or not placing pebbles on your shower floor is right for you. In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of pebble shower flooring so that you can make an informed decision regarding the type of surface in your bathroom space.

A bathroom designed with pebble shower flooring.

Types of Pebble Shower Floors

Pebble shower floors are typically made of small river stones, polished glass rocks, or ceramic tiles. They are often grouted together and mixed with various colors to create a beautiful and unique pattern. Pebble flooring can provide an escape from the everyday modern materials found in bathrooms; it is an attractive natural look that won’t soon go out of style. 

The pros of buying pebble shower flooring

  • The pebbles also have increased traction compared to other surfaces, such as tile or stone, making them a safer option around wet areas like showers.
  • Another benefit of pebble flooring is easy maintenance; they only require regular sweeping and moping and do not need extensive upkeep like other decorative options. 
  • In addition, the application process for installation generally involves fewer steps than other types of floor surfaces. All you need is a primer, waterproof adhesive sealant, epoxy grout (which provides filling between each stone), test patches to check adhesion strength, spacers if desired to keep spacing even on the joints while tiling, and lastly, if needed, marble polyblend sanded caulk or expansion joint filler which completes the overall waterproof effect. The easy installation makes pebble shower flooring suitable for a DIY project at home or for professional installation by skilled workers. Pebble shower floors are cost-effective, aesthetically pleasing, and a practical investment choice!

Design Considerations of Pebble Shower Floors

When considering pebble shower floors, design is a key element to consider. For example, the size of the pebbles you select impacts the aesthetics of your bathroom while also playing a role in its functionality. Larger stones create fewer seams but can be more challenging to install due to their weight and difficulty cutting them. Smaller stones are easier to handle and allow for more intricate designs. Additionally, certain types of stone (such as river rocks) lend themselves better than others towards spinning patterns, while others look best when placed in linear lines or checkerboard grids.

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In addition to selecting one type of pebble over another or specific shapes/sizes for different effects, color schemes must be considered when designing with this material. You could choose from natural tones like sandy tans and light grays used alone. You can also mix it up by combining multiple colors for contrast alongside neutral tiles for stability. Multiple colors work well in larger spaces, such as an entire wall or floor area. Ultimately, depending on your overall design preferences/goals and whether you choose authentic stone materials versus synthetically treated ones, all these factors will play a role in what kind of effect you achieve.

Benefits of Pebble Shower Floors

When considering the pros and cons of pebble shower floors, one of the most significant advantages is their beauty. The natural appearance of these materials makes them perfect for various design styles, from high-end spas to rustic cabins. To add more character to your bathroom, consider pebble shower floors that bring color and texture into a space that can be difficult to work with.

The second benefit is that pebble flooring options increase safety compared to slippery surfaces like tile or stone. Not only are slip-proof designs available, but when compared to tiles that have become cracked or chipped over time, they remain intact as long as you provide them with proper maintenance. A cleaner shower also creates fewer worries since bacteria need something porous and uneven. Grout lines between tiles give mildew or mold a place to grow, whereas pebbles don’t accumulate mold or mildew in between them quite so quickly.

Maintenance and Cleaning Requirements

Maintenance and cleaning of pebble shower floors are relatively easy. They must be swept and mopped almost daily to avoid a build-up of dirt, debris, and other contaminants. The stones should also be sealed at installation to prevent them from absorbing water or staining over time due to moisture exposure. Properly cleaned pebble shower floors can last for decades if well looked after – however, neglecting maintenance will cause the material to degrade faster than expected. 

Creating an outdoor oasis in your bathroom

For those who would love to create an outdoor oasis indoors with their bathroom decorating project – adding pebble shower floors will do just this!

Cons of Pebble Shower Floors

One of the main disadvantages of installing a pebble shower floor is that it takes some extra care and maintenance. Pebble showers require regular cleaning to keep them looking their best, as dirt can easily get lodged between the individual stones and harden over time. The pebbles must also be occasionally sealed with a water-repellent material to ensure they remain impervious to moisture infiltration. If this isn’t done regularly, then mold or mildew might form on the floor and require more intensive deep cleansing to remove it.

Repairs can be tricky

Another downside when using pebbles for a shower floor is that if you ever need any repairs or modifications done, it can be difficult – if not impossible – due to how tightly they are fitted together. Typically, a professional stone installation company needs to handle such tasks since replacing various stones involves tedious labor. Doing so incorrectly may cause standing water or an uneven surface which could lead to accidents when stepping into the shower area. Furthermore, it takes a steady hand and a good eye to install because each piece needs to fit next door perfectly. Although, as long as you don’t rush the job, you should run into any problems.

Cost and Installation of Pebble Shower Floors

For DIYers with prior experience installing tile, taking on a project like this could result in considerable savings compared to hiring an installer. However, people needing more tiling experience should always seek professional help regardless of what material they use for their shower flooring. Getting it done safely and adequately from start to finish, especially when wet conditions increase risks when working with tools or unfamiliar skill sets. Therefore, seek professional help if you are getting in over your head.

Having everything installed correctly during the construction phase helps avoid costly mishaps down the line caused by improper installation methods. Taking the time upfront researching potential professionals and getting estimates will pay off.

Alternatives to Pebble Shower Floors

Tile

For those looking for alternatives to pebble shower floors, several other styles can provide the same visual appeal and function. One of the most popular is tile. Tile floors offer a wide variety of sizes, textures, and colors, which offer endless design options and give homeowners plenty of freedom when decorating their showers.

Concrete

Another option is concrete. Concrete flooring isn’t just for industrial spaces anymore — it’s become a popular choice in residential bathrooms because it provides an eye-catching natural look and increased safety compared with slippery tiles. Some even combine elements such as tile with a concrete overlay to create a truly unique flooring design that stands out from any other bathroom aesthetic.

Wood

Lastly, wood can also be used as an alternative to pebble shower floors to create a darker or richer tone than traditional stone designs usually provide. Wood looks great without too much upkeep required throughout its lifespan. Plus, some types are water resistant, so that they won’t need extra protection inside your showers either! Depending on the type of wood chosen, you may want additional treatments and sealants applied over time to protect it against mold growth. Overall, wood material can last longer and offers a more sustainable style solution than other kinds listed here.

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