Last Updated on February 12, 2023 by
Would you mind sharing the pros and cons of pebble shower floors with me? Sandstone tiles have been the norm for practical bathroom floors for many years. They are available in a wide variety of colors, affordable, and easy to clean.
However, they have slowly fallen out of style like every other trend in interior design.
Pebble floors are another popular option for a unique shower floor. They’re made from a natural material that’s both resilient and attractive to nature lovers. This guide is all about pebble shower floor pros and cons in detail.
Pebble shower floor
A pebble shower floor adds a touch of natural elegance to any bathroom. Unlike traditional tiled shower floors, the pebble shower floor is made of smooth, round stones that have been carefully selected and arranged to create a seamless, non-slip surface. The stones come in various colors and textures, allowing for a customized look. In addition to its aesthetic appeal, a pebble shower floor also has practical benefits.
The stones are naturally slip-resistant, providing a safer and more stable surface for showering. And because the pebbles are naturally porous, water drains away quickly and efficiently, reducing the risk of mold and mildew. Whether you’re looking to add a touch of luxury to your bathroom or want a practical and attractive shower floor, a pebble shower floor is a great choice.
Pebble shower floors have long been popular with homeowners who enjoy creative interior design. Some consider the shower a sacred space, and a plain white plastic base won’t do. It is possible to spice up your shower in many ways, including installing a pebble shower floor.
Pebble shower floor pros and cons
Hopefully, you can decide if this is a good option for your bathroom from this information.
Pebble Shower Floor pros
Before we look at the pros of using pebbles for your shower floor, let’s learn what this material is.
Pebbles are smooth, round stones found on beaches and in rivers. The material is natural, can be sourced easily in large quantities, and will last forever.
Read more:A Detailed Guide About Half Tiled Bathroom With Advantages And Disadvantages
In addition to being environmentally friendly by using Mother Nature’s natural resources, this building material has many other advantages:
· Excellent finish
Natural pebble stone provides a natural finish to your bathroom that resembles a natural river. The natural feel can be a good choice if you love the simplicity and the natural feel of your home.
· Simple to install
Would you like to do it yourself? You will have no trouble solving the pebble shower floor problem. Collecting all the pebbles from a riverbank would take some time if you collected them yourself. Next, fix the pebbles on the floor, which requires patience but isn’t too challenging.
· Low-cost
Except for the pebbles, other supplies such as grout, sealer, and tools are also needed. You do not have to invest heavily in heavy and expensive tooling, such as tile cutters. Therefore, the cost of fixing the floor will be lower.
· Slip-resistant
Floor coverings and water do not mix well. However, some flooring types are more slippery than others. A pebble floor will provide a firm footing and prevent injuries. This is especially important for children and the elderly.
· Efficacy
It is very healthy to walk barefoot on pebbles. There are various reflex genic points on the soles of your feet that are stimulated by this therapy. You don’t have to travel to do that – you can enjoy a foot massage every time you take a shower.
Would pebble floors be comfortable to walk on? Your feet may be more sensitive than others. Those who enjoy walking barefoot on pebbles outdoors will appreciate this type of floor.
· Sturdy.
Floors made of pebbles are not easily damaged or scratched. You probably won’t ever have to replace this type of floor. Occasionally, minor repairs, such as reapplying sealant, may need to be made.
Pebble shower floor cons
Try not to be overly enthusiastic. If you are planning to install pebble shower floors, you need to be aware of the following drawbacks:
· Constant maintenance
Pebble shower floor cleaning is not as fast and easy as cleaning a tiled floor. The floor will need to be cleaned dry after each shower to maintain its durability. Scrubbing your floor too hard can result in the grout coming off and requiring frequent repairs.
If you don’t finish the pebble floor to perfection, you may experience water seeping through. Water seeping through can rot or erode the floor beneath. Standing water can also serve as a breeding ground for bacteria and mold.
· Can cause foot pain
Your feet will hurt if you do not avoid sharp pebbles on your floor. While showering, you may need to wear footwear to prevent discomfort. If your feet are sensitive, you better choose a pebble shower floor.
· Retention of water
Water can collect between individual pebbles due to the uneven floor. Mold can also grow there due to the accumulation of dirt. The inclination of the floor and the arrangement of stones must be carefully considered when making your pebble floor.
· Incompatible with hard water
If you do not clean your pebble floor regularly, hard water will form a chalky film. That brings us back to the need to dry the floor after every shower – not the most pleasant task.
Do you know how to install pebble shower floors?
Considering the pros and cons, installing a pebble shower floor is not difficult, but it requires some care and attention. Compared to installing a tile floor, this job will take a little longer and will include the following steps:
1. Assessing the subfloor
The floor where you will install the pebbles should be thick, waterproof, and have a slightly steeper gradient than average. Keeping these aspects in mind is imperative to avoid water leaking under the pebbles.
2. Putting down the floor.
Clean the floor entirely and let it dry completely. Minor dents are recommended on the old floor so that the new one adheres to the foundation.
3. Apply thin-set.
Thinset is an adhesive made from cement, water, and fine sand. This mixture will hold the pebbles in place when the pebbles are attached to the foundation.
4. Apply the pebbles.
Begin at the edge that is farthest from the shower door or entrance. Pebbles should look natural when they interlock with each other. If you want, you can practice arranging them before you fix them.
5. To fill in the gaps between the pebbles.
Put small pebbles (optional) and Thinset on the floor and let it dry for 24 hours.
6. Grout application
Add grout to water until a slightly thickened paste is formed. Spread the grout evenly over the floor. The excess grout should be cleaned off with a wet cloth after 20 minutes. The cloth should be cleaned multiple times to prevent reapplying cleaned grout on the floor. The cloth should be left to dry for 24 hours.
7. Applying sealant
The pebble floor needs to have one final coat of sealer applied and allowed to dry for 24 hours. The floor will also need to be resealed every six months.
