Shower floors require a bigger eye for detail rather than any other place in your house. The process of selecting the correct floor material for your bathroom is very different from any other space in your home, and this is even more true for the shower.

This is where practical problems and functionality are far more important than aesthetics and price. Your shower floor should be adequate to help you create a style and atmosphere that you will enjoy for years, because if you choose the wrong material, it could be a big problem and a complete waste of money.

Marble

Ancient Greece comes to our minds when we hear the word marble, and it is because it is its origin. It was one of the most important constructive and decorative elements as it is demonstrated in its colossal structures and sculptures.

Marble is the result of the crystallization of a limestone and comes from the word -marmaros- which means bright stone. As a curious fact, we would highlight that it was used to build numerous architectural buildings, including the Temple of Artemis, which consists of 127 columns of this material. The Taj Mahal in Agra, India, is another fantastic example of construction with marble.

With its natural elegance and soft swirls of cream and gray, marble can turn any bathroom into a luxury retreat. This timeless natural stone is a favorite choice for bathrooms and other living spaces for anyone who can afford it. Marble floors are very versatile and come in a variety of styles and shapes.

However, as beautiful as it may seem, marble is not always ideal for the shower floor. It is a delicate porous stone, prone to damage, that requires special care. It is easily scratched and stained. A marble floor, continuously exposed to soap, water and oils in a shower, can produce film residues on the surface.

To protect the stone and maintain its appearance, you must commit to spend time and money on a regular basis. You may have to seal it several times a year and you can only clean it with products that are considered safe for it. Matt marble will be more resistant to scratches compared to polished marble.

Another problem with marble is that it can be quite cold and slippery for bare feet. If you love stone and are willing to take care of it, consider textured varieties that are more resistant to sliding and keep them warm with radiant heat. A well-maintained marble floor will significantly increase the resale value of your home.

Mosaic tiles

With mosaic tiles, you could turn your shower floor into a work of art. These small pieces of glass, tiles or natural stones are visually attractive and can produce any design or image you have in mind. They are quite durable, they need low maintenance and they are resistant to chemicals. They last a long time and are easy to install.

The main drawback of mosaics is that they can be very slippery when wet. That's why a non-slip sealer is a must to avoid accidents and injuries.

Travertine tile

This natural stone is a favorite choice for many owners due to its range of colors, style options and functionality. Designer tiles made of travertine could have a polished, chiseled or dropped finish. The veins and travertine swirls of color range from creams and grays to browns and golds. It is naturally anti-slip and lasts a long time.

However, like a naturally porous stone, travertine has similar problems to marble, including propensity to damage and staining. You need to seal it every year or two. You should also be careful with what you use to clean it and the soaps and shampoos you use in the shower.

When choosing between a marble tile imitation or natural marble stone itself, there are several factors involved. Keep in mind that marble coming from a natural stone can present different shades, which also makes it beautiful, this is due to the fact that when cutting the stone, different shades and tonalities emerge.

On the other hand, tiles are made with raw materials such as silicates and clays of different types which makes the process more controlled and great imitations can be created.

If we talk about the finishes, in marble we could highlight natural and polished. There are also different applications such as aging, bush hammered or flamed. In tiles we can have some option over the previously mentioned.

Finally, another of the important factors when choosing the right material for our reform would be the cost of each of these materials. As marble stone carries more artisanal work this would be more expensive than a marble imitation tile.

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