Pebble Shower Floor Pros and Cons – Should You Install?

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)