Pebble shower floors are getting trendy with their adorable natural design, that feels like spa in your bathroom. The pebble texture and designs are surely eye-catching, it’s no wonder you would eager to install it in your bathrooms.

But, people often ask pebble shower floor pros ans cons. Are they really worth it? What are the problems with pebble floors? What are the best alternatives of pebble floors?

Like any other flooring tiles in the world, these pebble shower floors too comes with their own set of pros and cons. So, before you get swept in the trend, it is important that you know what you are getting yourself into.

In this post, we will explore all about pebble showers, their pros and cons, the benefits, and the downsides, and some great alternatives that require less maintanence. Through end of this post, you will have enough idea if you should really install pebble floors in your bathroom or not.

What are pebble shower floors?

Pebble shower floors are a type of flooring made from river rocks stones that can be found near the beach. It’s like bringing a part of nature into your bathroom and stepping onto a surface that feels like a riverbed, giving a natural feel under your foot.

It’s like a spa for your senses as you step on those pebbles, a gentle massage that your feet receive while bathing and also keeping it slip-resistant.

This pebble floors is made from either real pebbles or factory-manufactured pebbles, that come in different colors and shapes. These stones are then arranged randomly and set in grout to create that textured, natural look. It’s like having a mini-spa experience right in the comfort of your home.

You can enhance your daily shower experience with these into something more special. 

But wait, having pebble shower floors isn’t always nature, good vibes, and feeling better. There are some serious downsides as well that we are going to discuss in the later section of this post.

Pros of pebble tile shower floors

There are several benefits that you expect from pebble tiles. The core benefits are the aesthetic design, affordibility, and slip-resistant texture. With a lot of customization options, you can find various types of shower floors in the market. Moreover, they are quite easy to install and don’t really need expert.

Let’s look at each pros one-by-one:

Pebble tiles are aesthetically pleasing

The natural design created by these pebbles is unique and aesthetically pleasing to look and feel at. Their unique colors and river rock shapes can transform your bathroom into a spa-like place.

They are available in different sizes, colors, and shapes, that can suit any bathroom effortlessly. The soft round shape of these pebbles looks really visually pleasing, adding a natural touch to your bathroom.

Their versatility is unmatchable as they can adjust to any theme in your bathroom, whether it’s modern, traditional, or minimalist, they will blend with the theme beautifully.

Pebble tiles are affordable

This pebble flooring is not just aesthetically pleasing but also pocket-friendly. Their installation cost is much lower in comparison to other tile installation processes.

For example, the installation cost of these pebble tile flooring is $10 – $20 per square foot, depending on the size and requirements of your bathroom.

For those who want to DIY, the installation cost would be around $3 to $7 per square foot for the materials.

Pebble shower floors are slip-resistant

Apart from their natural beauty and aaffordibility, these pebble shower flooring are also slip-resistant. The round shape of pebbles creates a texture on the bathroom flooring, making it slip-resistant in moisture-prone areas.

This textured surface is more than just for aesthetics, it provides a therapeutic footing for your feet while you shower. This pebble flooring is the perfect choice to bring comfort and safety to your bathroom.

The pebble flooring is great for providing gentle massage to your feet while also enhancing their blood circulation.

Pebble tiles are durable

The best thing about these pebble flooring is that they are quite sturdy and durable. This quality makes this flooring ideal for busy homeowners.

They can easily withstand daily wear and tear without losing their aesthetic appeal. They are also low-maintenance which makes them a great option for those who don’t have much time for cleaning.

You just have to wipe it down with a cloth and that’s it, you are good to go.

Customization Options

Aside from their beautiful appearance, comfort, and affordability, the pebble flooring can be customized according to your needs and aesthetic preferences.

These pebble floorings are very versatile with their customization options to match any bathroom style with ease. They are available in various shapes, colors, and styles which allows homeowners to choose what best reflects their personality and lifestyle.

From natural, earthy tones to vibrant hues, and even mixed-color pebbles, there are lots of styles and color options to choose from. 

As for the shapes, you can find them in smooth round shapes, flat shapes, or irregular shapes, depending on what type of look want for your bathroom.

Easy to Install

Not only is this pebble flooring naturally charming and offers lots of options for customization, but they are also easy to install. The installation process is quite simple, and straightforward, especially if you have worked with tile installation previously.

The best thing is that you don’t have to worry about creating that perfect alignment like in regular tiles.

Cons of Pebble Tile Shower Floors

After the reading the benefits of using pebble tiles, you might get eager to install them as soon as possible. But, hold on!

While, pebble tiles are good, natural, and budget friendly, however, there are numerious cons that homeowners has felt over time with their shower floors. The core issues with pebble floors are their higher maintenance, water drainage, requirement of extra grout to seal them, and color discoloration.

Let’s look at each of the demerits:

Pebble tiles need higher maintenance

Pbble flooring surely adds charm to your bathroom, making it appear more visually appealing, but they require extra maintenance compared to other flooring options.

You need to clean them frequently to avoid the accumulation of soap scum and dirt building in those grout lines. If not done regularly, this can lead to discoloration and build-up of grime over time.

These pebbles might not be that porous but some of them are permeable to some extent which is why these pebble flooring needs frequent sealing to keep them looking fresh and maintain their natural appeal.

So, if you want to maintain the beauty of your pebble flooring then you should be ready to give extra care and regular maintenance to it.

Pebble tiles have a water drainage issue

While the pebble flooring brings a great, natural touch to your showers, creating that spa-like feel whenever you stand on them, however, the irregular shapes can cause major water drainage issye.

This uneven surface of the pebble flooring can cause water to trap in those small gaps, which then leads to water to accumulate on between the grouts, creating musky white stains and mold. We saw the same problems with smartcore vinyl flooring.

It is one of the most important drawback that every homeowner should look into before installing them in their bathroom.

This retaining of water can cause mold and mildew to grow inside your bathroom which then affects the practicality of the shower.

Pebble tiles need extra grout

In comparison to other tiles, pebble flooring requires extra grout to ensure that all gaps are filled properly to ccreate stable and durable surface.

The extra grout is a necessary part as it not only enhances the overall look of the pebble flooring but also holds them securely in place. Those grout lines can stain, discolor, or even grow mold if not grouted properly. 

So while installing these pebble tiles, make sure to use extra grout to maintain the durability and aesthetic appeal of the bathroom flooring.

Pebble Tiles Fade Color easily

Another drawback of these pebble flooring is the discoloraton over time. This can happen when the natural stone in these pebbles is continuously exposed to moisture, cleaning products, and everyday wear and tear, leading to their color fading over time.

This is more evident if your pebbles are light in color, they may appear dull and faded if not cared for properly. Elements like hard water and harsh chemicals in cleaning agents can affect the natural shine of these stones, losing their natural touch.

So keep in mind while going for the pebble flooring. Frequent sealing and proper maintenance can go in the long run but color fading is something that will happen with time after being exposed to chemicals and hard water.

Pebble tiles are not good for sensitive feet

These pebble tiles are most popular for their unique texture and natural appearance as it provides a spa-like feel in your bathroom.

However, for people with sensitive feet, pebble shower tiles might not be a great option as it can be uncomfortable for them. Their irregular shape and uneven surface can be painful, making the shower experience worse.

Pebble tiles are complex to install

It is true that these pebble tiles are easy to install but the installation is quite complex. Since these pebbles are irregular in shape and size, you need to work with precision and patience while installing them.

Unlike regular tiles, these pebble flooring needs to be properly arranged to maintain an even surface and prevent any gaps between them. 

Moreover, you have to keep in mind you will need extra grout. If the grout is not applied properly, you may have to face issues like water drainage or mold growing in those areas.

How to maintain pebble tile shower floors?

Don’t stop dream of pebble shower floors by reading these cons. The overall aesthetic, design, and natural style can be all worth it in the end if you know how to maintain them properly.

Below I have discussed how you can take care of your pebble flooring to make sure it stays durable and visually appealing for coming years:

Regular Cleaning

When it comes to cleaning the pebble flooring, make sure to clean it weekly or right after use. Use a ph-neutral cleaning agent to clean the soap scum and prevent build-up in the grout lines. For cleaning the pebble flooring, you can use a mild detergent with an alkaline base.

This way you can ensure that your pebble flooring stays beautiful and doesn’t fade out from the use of harsh cleaning products. You can use a scrub to clean the area between the grout lines, and make sure to scrub it gently to avoid damaging the grout layer.

Regular Grout Sealing

Apart from cleaning, these pebble flooring also require regular grout sealing so that they stay in place. Sealing the grout is an essential part and has to be done every 6 to 12 months to provide protection from water damage, staining, and mildew.

So make sure to apply the sealant and grout regularly to keep your pebble flooring nice and fresh.

Make sure to check the grouting from time to time, and look for cracks to ensure the grouting stays watertight and intact.. 

Preventing Mold and Mildew 

The best way to prevent the growth of mold and mildew in the pebble flooring is by giving it proper care and moisture control.

To keep the mold and white musky stains away from pebble shower floors, use grout sealant. It acts as a waterproof barrier to keep the water from seeping into the cracks.

To ensure your pebble flooring lasts longer, you can reapply the sealant after 6 and 12 months.

Next, use an exhaust fan inside your bathroom or keep the windows open during and after showers. This way you can keep the moisture away from trapping inside the bathroom.

Pebble tile shower floor pros and cons – a side-by-side comparison

So, you have got enough idea of pros anc cons of these pebble floors, let’s compare them side-by-side for easy understanding.

Best Alternatives to Pebble Tiles Shower Floors

When it comes to shower flooring, pebble flooring is definitely a popular choice due to its unique appearance and texture. However, if you’re someone who can not regularly maintain the floors, then these tiles are not good for you.

But, don’t let your dream die. There are several alternatives that are quite better than traditional shower flooring. Let’s have a look at each of them:

Natural Stone

Natural stones like slate, marble, or river rock tiles, are great alternatives to pebble flooring. These natural stones add a sophisticated and luxurious touch to your bathroom.

Not only do they look stunning but they are also highly durable and versatile. These natural stones come in a variety of colors, shapes, and patterns to match any bathroom style seamlessly.

Ceramic Tiles

Another alternative for pebble flooring is the ceramic tiles which offer both style and versatility for your shower floors.

They are available in so many styles, colors, and sizes, that you will surely find something that matches the vibe of your bathroom effortlessly.

The best thing about these ceramic tiles is that they are non-porous which means they resist water and reduce the chances of mold and mildew growing inside the bathroom.

heir smooth surface makes cleaning and walking much easier than pebble flooring. Plus, these ceramic tiles are more affordable and easy to maintain, making them a perfect choice for you if you are looking for budget-friendly but less hassle options. 

Vinyl tiles

Vinyl tiles are another great alternative for pebble flooring as they are not only easy on your pocket but also offer great durability for your bathroom flooring.

They are available in various styles, designs, and colors, making them a versatile choice while staying within the budget.

Moreover, they are easy to maintain and clean. They are resistant to moisture, making them an ideal option for the shower flooring.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we can say that these pebble shower flooring offers a unique blend of natural beauty and functionality in your bathroom, giving it a spa-like feel. However, you shouldn’t ignore pebble tile shower floor pros and cons.

Pebble flooring is a fantastic way to bring a natural touch to your bathroom, they are also slip-resistant and feel great under your feet because of its irregular texture. However, this pebble flooring does come with its own set of challenges that one should be aware of if they are thinking of installing them.

While they bring amazing style and comfort to your bathroom, it might not be the same case for everyone. These pebble flooring can be a problem when it comes to regularly maintanence. Problems like water drainage, discoloration, and the need for extra grouting during installation can be challenging.

So, if you are up for high maintenance and ready to put some effort into ensuring your pebble flooring stays as good as new, then pebble flooring can be a great addition to your bathroom.

I hope by having a clear understanding of the pebble shower floor, you can make more informed decisions that fit best with your aesthetic preferences and needs. After all, it’s all about creating a space that gives you comfort and feels just right whenever you use it.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)

Smartcore Flooring has made a name for itself in the flooring industry, thanks to its innovative and user-friendly techniques.

However, just like any other brand, Smartcore vinyl flooring has its own sets of flaws too. There are some problems with satcore vinyl flooring that people has faced commonly, such as color fading, scratches, plank lock system, peeling, and cracking.

Hey every, I am peter, and in this post I am going to talk about some most common issues with smartcore flooring. We will also look into some real-life customer reviews and complaints, various pros and cons of smartcore, if it’s really worth it or not.

Is SmartCore a Good Brand?

Not every brand is perfect, they all have their own downsides, same goes for the SmartCore vinyl flooring brand as well. 

SmartCore has been here for quite some time now, but has recently got popularity due to their budget friend flooring options that doesn’t compromise with style. Due to its unique designs and user-friendly installation process, it started gaining more recognition as time went by.

However, even though it’s a well known brand, people have faced issues after buying the Smartcore vinyl flooring. You need to be extra caring with their products and have to regularly maintain.

Overall speaking, yes, smartcore is a good brand, however, their are other brands in comparison that offers far better featires, pricing, and support that you can choose from.

10 Common Problems with Smartcore Vinyl Flooring

Smartcore vinyl flooring has amazing features and comes in various styles, colors, and designs, all at an affordable price. However, people have reported various problems with smartcore flooring, such as peeling, cracking, color fading, etc.

In this section, we are going to look at 10 common problems with smartcore vinyl flooring that you should know before getting them installed in your home:

1. Installation Challenges

Although SmartCore vinyl flooring was designed for user-friendly installation, still, many people faced some challenges during the installation process.

The most common issues were, planks not fitting together, some complaining that the planks were uneven or unstable, improper finish, or planks were not staying in place.

How to fix or avoid?

To avoid any installation or plank problem, make sure you prepare the subfloor and ensure that it is perfectly labeled for the installation process. If you have doubt, hire an expert who has expertise in working with such vinyl flooring.

2. Durability Concerns

Despite SmartCore vinyl flooring saying that its planks are durable and long-lasting, people in reviews say otherwise. SmartCore vinyl flooring is prone to scratches, in high-foot traffic areas, or if there are pets, these planks will end up having scratches and dents within a few months after installation. 

As time goes by, these scratches and dents will make your vinyl floor dull and lose its charm.

How to avoid and fix?

To avoid having such problem, it’s best to not walk while wearing shoes or pointed heels as it could easily scratch the surface. Color fading or discoloration is something that happens with time or when the planks are exposed to sunlight. Hence, install the vinyl planks inside the house that doesn’t have direct contact with the sunlight.

3. Moisture Resistance

SmartCore vinyl flooring does advertise that their flooring is water resistant and even has a waterproof warranty. But some people have complained of mold or mildew growing from beneath the planks.

The vinyl flooring is waterproof but doesn’t have a moisture barrier. Most vinyl flooring brands use underlayment(a moisture barrier) in their vinyl planks but, SmartCore vinyl floor doesn’t seem to have any moisture barrier.

How to avoid this problem?

In areas like the kitchen and bathroom, make sure that your subflooring is ready for the installation of planks. To prevent moisture from seeping in, use underlayment to fill all kinds of cracks, and also create a leveled subfloor.  This moisture barrier can help prevent mold and mildew from growing and ensures your floor remains beautiful and shiny.

4. Discoloration and Stain

Another common problem with SmartCore vinyl flooring is the discoloration and staining of the planks. This can happen if you have rubbed-backed furniture, floor rugs, furniture with heating vents, or furniture with wheels.

Staining is another problem that happens with the SmartCore vinyl flooring. It’s hard to get rid of oil and grease stains from the their vinyl floor, making things more complex. Either you act quickly and remove the stain as soon as it falls on the floor or use cleaning agents or baking soda, to remove the stain.

How to avoid?

To prevent this from happening, either you move the furniture around frequently or don’t place it on vinyl flooring. Discoloration can also happen after being exposed to direct sunlight, so make sure you have window coverings.

5. Peeling and Cracking

Peeling and cracking is another biggest problem people have to deal with their smartcore vinyl floor planks. Despite SmartCore vinyl having protective layers, they still end up bending, chipping, or peeling after some time.

The protective layer can also weaken after getting scratched, which makes the flooring vulnerable to damage. This can happen due to adhesive coating wearing out, dragging heavy items, or high moisture levels in the room or subfloor.

How to avoid?

This kind of problem can happen with any vinyl flooring brand over time. To fix this, you can use heat to soften the adhesive layer, peel the old layer, and then apply a new layer of adhesive underneath the planks. 

6. Temperature Tolerance

The temperature tolerance plays an important role before, during, and, after the installation process of vinyl flooring. Vinyl flooring is vulnerable to temperature tolerance and can withstand heat between 65°F and 80°F. And when the flooring is exposed to extreme temperatures outside this range, it can expand, peel, curl, or even crack.

Such problems has been seen with SmartCore flooring.

How to avoid?

To maintain the appearance and durability of the vinyl flooring, it’s important to avoid drastic temperature changes, so try to maintain the temperature inside the home, to keep them safe from getting damaged.

7. Dents

Dents in vinyl flooring are quite common since they are much softer than hardwood so they end up getting dented easily. This pretty much happens due to sudden changes in temperature, or when exposed to heavy pressure.

SmartCore vinyl flooring is not any different when flooring gets exposed to excessive weight or impact, it can get dented with heavy furniture, high foot traffic, or sharp objects.

How to avoid?

To prevent this from happening, use flooring pads or protective feet, to distribute the weight of heavy items evenly and also to make it easier to drag them across the floor.

8. Warranty Issue

SmartCore vinyl flooring does offer a Lifetime Limited Residential Wear Warranty and the terms and conditions include a lifetime warranty for residential use and a short-term warranty for commercial use.

This warranty typically covers defects in manufacturing and materials, such as discoloration, wear and tear.

However, warranty issues can arise if you are claiming after the warranty period is over, the flooring got damaged with improper care and maintenance, or if installation is done without following the manufacturer’s guidelines.

If you are having problems with the warranty issues then contact the retailer to file a claim. Make sure you have all the documents ready along with the proof of purchase.

9. Off-Gassing

SmartCore vinyl flooring tends to emit harmful chemicals even though they have low levels of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs).

Off-gassing occurs when the flooring emits these VOCs after the installation is being done. This is mostly strong in the first two weeks but sometimes it can last for months. Exposure to VOCs can cause headaches, dizziness, and other respiratory problems.

Some vinyl flooring contains chemicals like phthalates which can cause skin irritation and other serious respiratory issues. Most flooring companies don’t use this chemical in their flooring items to make them safe.

10. Bad Locking

Bad locking is another common problem faced by people with SmartCore Vinyl Flooring. SmartCore flooring uses a Drop-and-lock system for their vinyl planks which gives users ease of installation. However, as easy as this sounds, it create an issue of bad locking system.

This happens mostly when the installation is not done properly or has a faulty locking system, which then makes the planks not click together, leading to gaps or uneven flooring.

How to fix?

To avoid facing this problem, first make sure the subfloor is leveled and smooth, and also make sure to read the instructions carefully before installation. You might need to use a bit of strength and pressure to fit them all together.

SmartCore Vinyl Flooring Customer Reviews and Feedback

SmartCore Vinyl Flooring has mixed reviews and feedback from its customers.

Some customers are having a great experience with SmartCore floorings, appreciating its smoothness, durability, ease of installation and maintenance.

However, on the other side, few customers has complained saying that they were dissatisfied with the SmartCore vinyl flooring, easy dents, not durable, not scratch-resistant, and has a faulty locking mechanism, which makes the installation process really difficult.

Although SmartCore did claim their vinyl flooring to be water-resistant, durable, cracks, and scratch-resistant, they don’t live up to it. It’s quite normal for vinyl flooring to have discoloration and scratches over time but people in reviews has started having these problems within a few months after the installation.

SmartCore Vinyl Flooring Pros and Cons

Pros

SmartCore vinyl flooring has several benefits that make it a popular choice for people. So, here are the pros to help you get an idea of what you can expect:

• It is waterproof as it has multiple protective layers which makes it ideal for areas prone to moisture.
• Comes in various styles, patterns, and colors.
• They are affordable as they cost $4 per square foot. 
• Easy to maintain.
• Great for low-traffic areas.

Cons

Just like any other vinyl flooring, SmartCore has its own disadvantages. Here are the cons of SmartCore Vinyl flooring that you should consider before buying:

• Many people have needed help with the installation process which then leads to gaps or cracks because of improper fitting. 
• While it’s durable, the vinyl flooring dents easily under heavy pressure or impact from sharp objects.
• It’s not scratch-resistant for a long time which then leads to discoloration.
• You need to prepare the subfloor and place a protective underlayment before the installation.

Is SmartCore Vinyl Worth Buying?

SmartCore vinyl flooring can be worth buying but it depends on your needs and preferences. If you are looking for a durable, stylish, and affordable option, then you can give it a try. SmartCore vinyl flooring comes in various styles, colors, and patterns, giving you lots of options to choose from.

Moreover, if you are tight on budget and need something stylish, SmartCore vinyl flooring could be a great option. With proper care and maintenance, this flooring can last for years. Additionally, SmartCore flooring has low-maintenance, is durable, and waterproof.

However, if you can spend some extra bucks, and looking for something durable, you can go for other brands.

Alternatives To SmartCore Vinyl Flooring

If you are looking for some alternatives to SmartCore flooring, then we have several options available that offer similar benefits along with some unique features. These alternatives solve most of the concerns that people have regarding SmardCore Vinyl Flooring.

You can go through them one by one and see if they are suitable according to your needs and requirements. Here are the alternatives that you can try:

• COREtec
• LifeProof
• Mohawk 
• Style Selections
• Canopy

Conclusion

SmartCore is a good investment if you are tight on budget as you get waterproof, durable, and stylish vinyl flooring. There are some common probelsm with smartcore vinyl flooring that you should know before making a purchase from them.

Just like any other brand, smartcore has its own flaws too. People shared their experience with the SmartCore vinyl flooring, some had great experience while others didn’t.

Although it’s supposed to be water-resistant, scratch-proof, and durable, many people complained their flooring didn’t last long. 

Demand for pebble shower floor tiles has remained unchanged over the last decade. Unique, natural design, and DIY are the primary reason why someone would like to install it in bathroom.

Moreover, people love aesthetic looks of pebble shower tiles. They are quite easy to install and budget-friendly, due to which you may think of installing pebble tiles in your bathroom.

But, wait a minute!

Before you install them in your bathroom, make sure you know common pebble tile shower floor problems, their pros and cons, and if they are really safe to install.

For example, drainage problems, requirement of extra grouts to fill the gaps, uneven slippery surface, and regular maintenance are the few common problems with pebble shower floors.

This post highlights the key problems with pebble shower floors, their pros and cons, and if you should consider installing them in your bathroom.

By the end of this article, you’ll have enough idea to decide whether you should install pebble tiles in your bathroom or not.

10 Most common pebble tile shower floor problems

Pebble tile shower floor is a convenient and budget-friendly option for a unique and aesthetically appealing bathroom. They comes with number of aesthetic designs to give your bathroom a natural look.

You can choose the various pebble colors to install, they are non-slippery and comes in various shape and sizes. Additionally, the natural feeling that you get under your feet is unexplainable. With such style, you’ll always find an excuse to install them in your bathroom.

However, as mentioned in the beginning of this post, things are not that beautiful. It is necessary to to look at various problems associated with pebble shower floors before installing them.

Here’s the list of problems pebble tiles floor which are worth noting:

1. Drainage problem

Unfortunately, this is one of most common problem with pebble floors.

Pebble tiles have uneven surface, creating larger than normal gaps and crevices between the pebbles. As a result, tiny particles like hair, soap, and debris can easily accumulate between the gaps. Due to this, water doesn’t drain properly.

Moreover, If you do not clear the clogs from the tiles, a slight fungal coating will start developing around the surface and leave thin white marks on the floor.

The problem may not be obvious on winter days, however, this could be a vital concern if you live in a hotter or more humid area.

The mold and fungus developed on the pebble tiles make the floor slippy which could lead to injuries and may become hard for elders to walk on.

How to fix drainage issue:

It is recommended to install the pebble tiles properly in slots. Additionally, keep scrubbing the frequently to avoid drainage and mold issues.

Moreover, avoid buying highly raised pebble tiles and use enough grouts between tiles so that the gaps between them could be minimized.

Alternatively, you can go with sliced or flangled style pebble tiles so that water can not accumulate between gaps and crevices.

2. Need expert floor inspection

One of the unfortunate reality is the pebble and grout are not 100% waterproof. This keeps the grout wet all the time.

Due to constant body weight, it would create mini gaps between the two-adjacent tiles and the grouts. Due to this, water may accumulate on these gaps and damage the grout fillings.

As a result, the tile can wiggle and come off from the layout.

Hence, pebble tile floors always need professional inspection to make sure pebble tiles can easily fit and won’t make any gaps later. Professional flooring experts can reduce the necessary mistakes while installing it, however it can increase the unnecessary maintenance cost.

3. Not good for hard water

Have you noticed white, powdery build-up on your bathroom or kitchen faucet handles? If so, you’re probably living in a hard water area.

Indeed, pebble tiles surfaces are reactive to hard water. It’s because the hard water contains high amounts of minerals that leave white deposits on the tiles and cause a murky white color on the floor.

This white murky color would completely ruin the natural appeal of your bathroom.

In such cases, you need to extra care of your pebble tiles and your bathroom floors. For example, you need to regularly clean and brush up the tiles using some chemicals, like vinegar or rubbing alcohol.

Regular cleaning with vinegar is indeed a time-consuming process and maybe a headache for many homeowners.

4. Need high and regular maintenance

As per the previous discussion, we understood that the Pebble tile shower floor needs higher maintenance. However, the maintenance is not as easy as spraying the floor with a cleaner, wiping, and rinsing it.

Believe me, maintaining a pebble tile shower floor isn’t that easy.

You need to get into the depth and use additional chemicals to clean the pebble tiles in your bathroom.

This is because, the floor develops crevices and gaps that stick with hair, soap, and other unwanted debris. This clog may develop white murky deposits needing a robust cleaning solution like vinegar or rubbing alcohol.

Additionally, the pebble tiles need more grout that comes off over time. As a result, they tend to leave residue and discoloration problems.

All this explanation means that the pebble tiles need extra care and a higher level of maintenance on a regular basis.

5. Extra grout needed

This is indeed another pebble tile shower floor problem that you need a high volume of grout than a normal tile. Pebble tiles floors need approximately 2.5X more grout than normal floor tiles.

Although, there is nothing wrong with using extra grout, however, it can create some bigger problem for a normal homeowner.

For example, extra grout means extra cost. Hence, the cost of installation will be higher on pebble tiles floor compared to normal tiled floors.

The second thing is selecting the right brand of grout becomes crucial. Moreover, these grouts tend to wiggle due to constant water and pressure.

As a result, improper application of grout can lead to various challenges like water leakage, gap, holes, and other issues.

6. Not best for feet

The biggest USP of pebble floor tiles is do-it-yourself(DIY) installation. Indeed it is true that anyone can adjust the pattern of these tiles with minimum knowledge.

Further, the feeling of putting feet on pebble tiles is unexplainable. It gives you a natural feeling of standing on the beach.

However, if you don’t have experience installing tile floors, the wrong placement of pebble tiles could make the floor unpleasant and painful to your feet.

Improper placement can lead to wiggling or uneven floors in the future. As a result, the comfort and aesthetic presence may disappear from your bathroom floor.

Additionally, some people are uncomfortable walking on pebble floors due to sensitive skin. That’s why an expert inspection and correct installation is crucial for the pebble tile shower floor.

7. Not durable

While regular tiles are durable and can be re-finished easily, pebble floors, on the other hand don’t last long. After a certain period of time, you’ll have to replace the pebbles with new ones.

It’s because the pebble floor has high exposure to grout and sealer. That’s why they tend to wear and tear much faster than others.

The cleaning materials, hair, dust, and other elements also tend to be stuck in exposed joints. As a result, discoloration, water leakage, and the uneven surface become regular, reducing longevity.

We recommended keeping grouts and sealers around the border of the pebbles, however, still, after a certain period of time it will eventually come off.

8. Can fade colors

Discoloration problems in the Pebble tile shower floor may depend on various factors. Still, many users experience faded color problems on their stone showers’ floors.

The condition mainly occurs due to water leakage underneath the grouts and tiles. Over time, the liquid stuck inside the gaps and became murky white.

On the other hand, cleaning chemicals and harsh scrubbing can also reduce the longevity of pebble tiles. So using a mild cleaning solution is vital to keep grout and sealing healthy.

9. Pebble tiles are hard to clean

As mentioned, cleaning the pebble tile shower floor differs from regular tiles. Pebble tiles are not as easy as just using a normal cleaner, wiping the floor, and letting it dry.

You need something additional to keep your pebble tiles neat and clean.

For example, while regular tiles can be cleaned just by scrubbing with normal water, however, pebble tiles are not that easy. You need to use some extra cleaning agents, like, vinegar or rubbing alcohol to clean the floors.

While you’ll be using extra chemicals over the floor to clean the tiles, at the same time, you also have to keep in mind that more aggressive cleaning agents can reduce the longevity of pebble floors.

10. Too slippery

Pebble tiles tend to become slippery for many reasons. Firstly it’s exposed grouts that became wet over time to water content and improper adjustment.

Secondly, the tiles tend to collect clogs in the gaps. As a result, white deposits start gathering on the floor and become slippery.

So, Is pebble tile good for the shower floor?

So, now, let’s get to the point, Is pebble tile suitable for the shower floor? Should you invest in installing pebble floors in your bathroom? Are pebble tiles shower floor problems so serious?

It actually depends.

Installing pebble tiles in the shower is entirely a personal preference. Pebble tiles have both, pros and cons.

However, there are a few things we are going to talk here that will help you conclude whether you should install pebble tiles in your bathroom or not.

This shower floor needs 2.5X grouts than regular tiles. So the extra pressure can lead to an uneven surface on your floor. Additionally, the tiles need higher maintenance due to exposed grouts and sealer.

There is always a risk of drainage problems and white deposits on the tiles. All these challenges can reduce the average lifespan of your shower floor.

So pebbles may not suit you if you need low-maintenance but highly durable shower tiles.

However, no one can deny the aesthetic presence of a Pebble tile shower floor. The Pebble is perfect for anyone looking for a budget-friendly, convenient, and naturally appealing bathroom.

Unique and textured pebbles are available in various shapes, designs, and colors. So users can pick and customize their bathroom interior accordingly.

Lastly, pebbles are different from rock floors; these stones are designed in a rounded shape and offer maximum comfort to feet. 

Pebble tile shower floor pros and cons

So far, we talked various problems with pebble tile shower floor. And, by the time, I think, you may have concluded whether to install it or not.

Here is quick revisions, in the form of pros and cons:

Pros

• Pebble shower tiles add a natural and aesthetic outlook to your bathroom.
• The texture of the tiles may offer good slip resistance in the initial days.
• Pebble tiles are made from natural stones, making them a perfect eco-friendly choice for shower floor installation.
• Due to its natural characteristics, the tiles can be durable and withstand regular water content. 

Cons

• Pebble tiles need more attention to cleaning and maintenance.
• Grout issue is common with this shower floor installation.
• Over time, the floor became uneven if not monitored.

FAQs on Pebble tile shower floor problems

Conclusion

Above is a detailed guide about common Pebble tile shower floor problems that you must know before installing into bathroom.

We hope you get a complete idea about the advantages and disadvantages of these tiles.

If concluded, pebble tile is famous for its affordability and natural presence on bathroom floors. These tiles offer many customizable options to install.

The floor requires higher maintenance and grout sealer than regular tiles. People who live near humidity and hard water areas find this flooring a headache.

Higher maintenance may increase the cost of cleaning after certain period of time. Moreover, they the pebbles tend to wiggle after long time and may completely come off the layout.

However, with proper care and expert inspection, pebble tiles or river rock floors can still be a successful flooring idea.