Best Shower Flooring Options

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When choosing the best shower flooring for your home, consider budget, durability, surface type and maintenance ease. Popular materials include tiles, wood, pebble and acrylic. Look at the aesthetic, cost, and pros and cons of each to find the one that best meets your needs.

On This Page:

1. How to Choose the Best Shower Floor Options
2. Best Material for Shower Floors
   1. Porcelain Tile
   2. Travertine Tile
   3. Glass Tile
   4. Ceramic Tile
   5. Granite Tile
   6. Slate Tile
   7. Wood
   8. Pebble
   9. Acrylic
   10. Fiberglass
   11. Enameled Cast Iron
3. Shower Flooring Materials Compared
4. DIY vs. Hiring a Pro for the Best Shower Floor
5. FAQs

How to Choose the Best Shower Floor Options

Your bathroom should be functional, clean and relaxing. Choosing the right design and material for your shower floor can add to the ambiance of the space. You can select a design that’s level with the rest of the bathroom flooring or one with a separate raised shower pan. Regardless of the design and layout you choose, consider the following:

• Cost: Be clear on your budget. Material and installation costs vary considerably.
• Existing Flooring: Are you considering shower floor replacement options or the installation of a new footing?
• Aesthetics: Choose a material that matches or complements the wider style and theme of the bathroom.
• Maintenance: Ease of daily cleaning. Frequency of resealing and reconditioning.
• Durability: Resistance to scratches and water damage.
• Safety: Slip-resistance and hardness.

Best Material for Shower Floors

Use our guide to the benefits and drawbacks of some of the most popular shower flooring options to make an informed choice.

Material Cost	Average Cost
Porcelain Tile Costs	$3 – $10 per square foot
Travertine Tile Cost	$5 – $30 per square foot
Glass Tile Cost	$5 – $15 per square foot
Ceramic Tile Cost	$0.50 – $7 per square foot
Granite Tile Cost	$10 – $50 per square foot
Slate Tile Cost	$5 – $15 per square foot
Pebble Tile Cost	$30 – $40 per square foot
Wood Shower Floor Cost	$3 – $7 per square foot
Acrylic Shower Floor Cost	$189 per 36”x48” base
Fiberglass Shower Floor Cost	$134.99 per 36”x48” base
Enameled Cast Iron Shower Floor Cost	$1041 per 36”x48” base

Porcelain Tile

© Eben Barber – stock.adobe.com

Porcelain comes in a variety of colors and can even mimic wood. It’s one of the most popular tile choices for wet areas.

Pros:

• Reasonably priced
• Good grip with small tiles
• Durable and impervious to water

Cons:

Large tiles mean fewer grout lines – slippery unless textured

Not suitable for DIY installation

Cannot use oil-based cleaners or products that contain bleach or ammonia

Travertine Tile

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Travertine has a natural, rustic, distinctive weathered look and works well in modern or traditional spaces.

Pros:

• Naturally non-slip if tumbled
• Exceptionally durable
• UV resistant: Will not fade

Cons:

• Not suitable for DIY
• Requires regular sealing to keep moisture out
• Comparatively costly

Glass Tile

© Ruslan Gilmanshin – stock.adobe.com

Glass tile is available in an endless choice of colors, styles and sizes so homeowners can create a unique aesthetic in the bathroom.

Pros:

• Doesn’t stain
• Wipes clean easily
• Small mosaic and tumbled glass tiles provide texture and traction

Cons:

• Costly due to lengthy installation process
• Dangerously slippery larger tiles
• At risk of scratches and breakage

Ceramic Tile

© alex83m – stock.adobe.com

Ceramic tiles are a popular, budget-friendly tiling option for the shower room.

Pros:

• Low-cost
• Array of colors and pattern choices
• Easy to clean

Cons:

• Glaze can crack, in which case the tile needs resealing
• Not as strong or durable as porcelain
• If glaze cracks, tiles quickly absorb moisture

Granite Tile

© nd700 – stock.adobe.com

Granite is a natural and elegant flooring option that’s non-porous and ideal for high-end bathrooms.

Pros:

• Outstandingly hardwearing
• Impervious to water
• Non-slip if textured or tumbled

Cons:

• Heavy: you must check whether the base can withstand the weight of the tiles
• Not suitable for DIY
• Susceptible to damage from acid, ammonia, and oil-based products

Slate Tile

© Kostiantyn – stock.adobe.com

Slate tiles are natural and each is unique. When used in floor-to-ceiling installations, they create an earthy but contemporary look.

Pros:

• Textured and non-slip
• Doesn’t stain or succumb to water damage is dense and high-quality
• Easy to clean and maintain

Cons:

• Colors limited to shades of gray
• Thick, quality slate is expensive
• Lower end slate is porous and requires sealing to resist moisture damage

Wood

© Ivaylo – stock.adobe.com

Wood creates a warm, unusual look that’s perfect for contemporary spaces.

Pros:

• Eco-friendly if sustainably sourced
• Slats installed above the shower base, providing excellent drainage
• Provides good traction

Cons:

• High maintenance
• Requires regular resealing to prevent warping, moisture damage, discoloration and mold
• Limits access to the shower drain, making cleaning difficult

Pebble

© beachfront – stock.adobe.com

Pebbles give a refreshing spa-like vibe to your shower. They work in ultra-modern and rustic bathrooms.

Pros:

• Naturally slip-resistant
• Flat-surface options are comfortable to walk on
• Each floor is unique because of natural variations in color, size and placement

Cons:

• Rounded options are uncomfortable to stand on
• High maintenance: Lots of grout to clean
• May develop a chalky white film in hard water areas

Acrylic

© Quinn – stock.adobe.com

Acrylic has a clean, plain look. It’s inexpensive, easy to maintain and a good choice for basic but functional bathrooms. Acrylic shower bases won’t elevate your bathroom in the same way as floor-to-ceiling travertine tile. But they are cost-effective, leak-proof shower bases that are easy to install.

Pros:

• Basic and affordable
• No grout lines so less prone to mold, mildew and bacteria buildup
• Installation is fast and easy

Cons:

• Can scratch or crack
• Inferior appearance unless carefully matched with the walls
• Water can leak from the shower pan if not installed correctly

Fiberglass

Fiberglass is a cheap, functional choice for a prefabricated shower base. These aren’t particularly attractive, but they’re easy to install and generally require less labor and materials because there’s no grouting or placing of individual tiles.

Pros:

• Inexpensive
• Plain, clean look
• Quick and simple installation

Cons:

• Can scratch or crack
• Limited color and style choices
• Cannot apply tile because the fiberglass flexes, causing grout and tiles to crack

Enameled Cast Iron

Enameled cast iron is distinctive and elegant, and it won’t crack or discolor. Coated cast iron is slippery, so a safe shower base of this type needs to have a texture to provide grip.

Pros:

• Extremely durable
• Easy to clean
• Retains heat

Cons:

• Slippery without adequate texture
• Limited colors and finishes available
• If the enamel incurs damage, repairs are costly, and water may cause the iron to rust

Shower Flooring Materials Compared

Whichever type of shower flooring you go with, make sure it’s easy to clean, provides good traction, and withstands repeated and prolonged exposure to water.

Best Material for Non-Slip Shower Flooring

Pebbles look amazing and offer excellent grip. When installed properly, it also provides a slight foot massage.

Slate is another excellent choice that’s naturally non-slip, thanks to its slightly rough texture.

Best Green Shower Floor Options

Wood mat flooring makes a stylish addition to your bathroom. And, when made of sustainably sourced material, they’re the best eco-friendly shower flooring.

These wooden mats are made of slats to allow the water to drain. This type of flooring is an insert that sits above your shower drain. If sealed properly, these mats are water-resistant. They are also naturally non-slip.

Best Budget-Friendly Shower Floor

Acrylic and fiberglass are the cheapest options. They’re not the prettiest, but they are functional, reasonably durable and easy to clean.

Most Durable Shower Floor

Enameled cast iron is exceptionally durable. As long as the enamel coating is thick and high-quality, it won’t rust or tarnish. Granite, slate and porcelain are also outstandingly hardwearing.

Easiest to Clean Shower Floor Option

Acrylic and fiberglass shower pans are among the easiest options to clean.

While you should avoid using harsh abrasive cleaners, so you don’t risk damaging the enamel coating, cast iron shower pans are easy to clean. There are no grout lines to clean or seal either, so this type of base doesn’t harbor grime, mold or bacteria.

DIY vs. Hiring a Professional

Don’t take on a shower floor yourself. One failed seam or improperly installed component, and you’ll be paying for water damage repairs. Hiring a licensed and insured bathroom tile contractor near you might cost a little more upfront, but it’s worth the long-term savings and peace of mind.

FAQs

What’s the best size tile for a shower floor?

The best size tiles depend somewhat on the type of tile. Smaller tiles provide better grip because of the extra grout lines. Additionally, small ones allow the installer to contour the base to drain the water properly. Tiles should be between one and six inches per square for the best results.

Can you use marble for a shower floor?

While it might fit your design, marble scratches and chips easily. It’s also incredibly slick when wet, making it a poor flooring choice. If you must use it, try tiny, polished tiles that allow more grout lines. The polish helps resist scratching.

What’s the best stone for shower floors?

Slate tiles are a great choice of stone for shower flooring. Slate, when sealed properly and well-maintained, is durable, provides natural traction and resists water damage. Large tiles mean less grout to clean.

What’s the best wood for shower floors?

Bamboo is the best wood for shower flooring. Although it’s not technically wood, bamboo looks and behaves similarly. It’s more sustainable than wood because it matures rapidly. Additionally, it resists moisture damage and is less prone to warping. If you want natural wood, choose teak, as it performs well as a shower mat. You can also consider wood-look tiles.

Can you use cement board for a shower floor?

Do not use cement boards for floors as they will crack under any load. They are best only for use on shower walls. Always use weight-bearing materials, like cement, for floors.

Are acrylic showers any good?

Acrylic showers, while not the most aesthetically pleasing, are waterproof and easy to clean. For budget-conscious installations, it’s a great choice.

Are pebble shower floors slippery?

Pebbles aren’t usually slippery when regularly cleaned. Due to the texture and high amount of grout, you’ll have plenty of grip.

Should I tile my shower ceiling?

It is up to you whether you want to tile your shower ceiling. It’s not necessary but often completes the shower design aesthetic.

What kind of concrete do you use for a shower floor?

For a concrete shower, use a mortar mixed with Portland cement, which naturally resists water. Look for products designed for shower pans, bedding mixes or floor mud.

Find out how to build a tiled shower pan.

Is porcelain tile good for shower floors?

Porcelain makes an excellent shower floor, although you’ll want to get small tiles for better grip.

Can you use ceramic tile for shower flooring?

Ceramic tile isn’t recommended for shower flooring because it has a higher water absorption rate than porcelain.

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