Marble mosaic shower floor?

6 years ago

I see TONS of photos of people using real marble mosaics on shower floors. I have particularly fallen in love with this one. I am hoping to recreate something similar to this in my new build. We have a 4X6 tile redi shower base installed. Does REAL marble moasic such as this one from lowes hold up on a shower floor. I am going to use a gray grout because I have done white before and it was a NIGHTMARE to keep clean... even cleaning it seemed to turn it yellow. Any thoughts welcome! Thanks

(mosaic marble from lowes Link)

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PRO

Renovation and Construction Services

6 years ago

Mary,

Marble can be done, there is just more maintenance associated with it and you need to be aware of what type of cleaners, etc to use with it. Just google marble care and maintenance PDF and you'll find plenty of resources for care. If you are using it on the floor I would recommend a honed finish (for added traction) and sealing the tile (Aqua Mix Sealer's Choice Gold) before grouting so the grout doesn't stain the marble. There is generally a significant up charge but I would recommend Custom Fusion Pro grout. It's stain proof, never needs sealing, no efflorescence and is crack resistant. Also has Microban antimicrobial protection. It's a pain to install correctly but its worth it all the way in my eyes especially given your history with staining.

I agree with Tundra that you need a skilled crew to pull it off correctly. There are many porcelain and ceramic tiles out there that look like marble. If you are dead set on marble be sure to qualify the crew but I would steer you away from REAL marble and find a tile that you are happy with that looks like marble.

And instead of getting a bullnose or pencil tile for the edges I would recommend a Schluter edging. I love the way the Jolly profile looks but it helps to protect edges, gives a clean modern look and is easy to clean.

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Comments (9)

Mary McAdams
Original Author
6 years ago
Sounds like I’m off to a terrible start
PRO
Mint tile Minneapolis
6 years ago
Youre not, you are asking smart informed questions and thats the absolute best start.
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mjammjam
6 years ago
Can anyone recommend a porcelain tile that looks like this marble? I, too, have the same question, and my kitchen designer told me to use real marble. My husband does not want the hassle of worrying about staining the floor.
ILoveRed
6 years ago
Same question. I love the marble look. But I don't think I will risk it.

Porcelain recommendations?
PRO
Renovation and Construction Services
6 years ago
I would recommend going to a local tile supply store and they should be able to guide you in the right direction. I have a members only business I work with called ProSource that has a whole showroom of different types of tile. Some tile manufacturers have like 20 different pricing tiers depending on the amount of tile you buy. Being a member allows me to have the larger buying power (theirs), wider selection, and thus a lower price point than if I went to the manufacturer direct and opened an account. They also sell at a wholesale price (My discounted price) or list price. I always pass my wholesale price to the clients - It's the right thing to do!

Most of the porcelain tile mimics an actual marble or is very similar so if you find a marble you like then that will give you a better direction to find a manufacturer that can come close. Here is a link to just a google search that shows the wide array of tile that you can get.

https://tilebar.com/collection/porcelain-tile/shop-by-look-porcelain/marble-look-porcelain-tile.html

Mjammjam - I'm not sure of the type of marble that was listed in the original picture. Save it and go to a local supply store and see if they can find something that looks-alike. Best of luck in your endeavor!

And food for thought - Not all tile is made equally. Their is a multitude of different rankings for hardness and durability given the area of application. One is called a PEI (Porcelain Enamel Institute) rating but there are other factors pending what type of tile you go with (Slip resistance, Moh's hardness, abrasion resistance, and frost resistance, breaking strength, water absorption, shade variation, etc.). You can go to The Home Depot and get a good looking floor tile but its PEI rating is like a 2, whereas I can go to a different manufacturer with the same look and gets a much higher PEI rating (around a 4). It cost a bit more but the tile is suited for the application and is more durable in the long run. Well worth the additional $ in my eyes. A good tile salesman will help you find the best tile for your application but it's good to be educated going in! :)
PRO
Mint tile Minneapolis
6 years ago
Nice breakdown @ Reno ACS.
Becky H
6 years ago
I’m was looking at this same tile for an accent in the inset in our hall bathroom.
User
6 years ago
Marble absords water and therefore waterstains regardless of sealing. Porcelain is the prefered choice. Find a coordinating stone piece for your curb to step up the quality.

Marble mosaic shower floor?

Renovation and Construction Services

Comments (9)

Mary McAdams
Original Author

Mint tile Minneapolis

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mjammjam

ILoveRed

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Mint tile Minneapolis

Becky H

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Marble mosaic shower floor?

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Mary McAdamsOriginal Author

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Mary McAdams
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