June 5, 2025 • 8 mins
Safety is the most crucial factor when selecting shower floor tiles, with slip resistance being non-negotiable for this constantly wet surface. We explore how smaller tiles like mosaics provide natural traction through increased grout lines while still delivering stunning aesthetics.
• Porcelain tiles offer exceptional durability and water resistance with endless design options
• Ceramic provides budget-friendly alternatives with good performance characteristics
• Natural stone delivers luxury appeal but requires regular sealing and maintenance
• Textured tiles and mosaics blend safety with style, preventing accidents
• Current trends favor bold geometric patterns, especially hexagons, and vibrant colors
• Proper installation requires clean, level surfaces and waterproof adhesives
• Regular maintenance with gentle cleaners extends tile lifespan significantly
• Material costs range widely: porcelain ($3-20/sq.ft), ceramic ($1-12/sq.ft), natural stone ($5-45/sq.ft)
Visit us at www.belktile.com or call 614-543-8334. Find us on Facebook and Twitter at Belk Tile, and on Instagram at Belk Tiles.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:01):
What kind of tile can you put on the wall or shower?
Do you have to seal tile?
How much extra tile should Ibuy for my project?
What thinset is the best for mytile application?
How hard is it to maintainnatural stone?
You have questions.
We have answers.
Welcome to the Belk TilePodcast.
(00:22):
How to style the bathroom, thebackyard, the kitchen, how to
improve your home style withtiles to make your home
absolutely beautiful?
Welcome to the Belk TilePodcast.
Here's your host, Mike Belk.
Mike Belk (00:43):
So when you're considering tiles for your
shower floor, the most importantthing hands down is slip
resistance.
I mean, think about how oftenthat floor gets wet, and well,
that's pretty much every day,right?
Abby (00:54):
Exactly.
Nobody wants to turn theirshower into a slip and slide.
Mike Belk (00:58):
Right, and that's where texture really comes into
play.
For example, mosaic tiles.
These are fantastic for slipresistance because their smaller
size increases the number ofgrout lines, adding extra
traction plus, they look amazing, don't they?
I mean, mosaics can bring somuch character to a shower and
bonus, they can fit those trickyslopes perfectly absolutely,
and if you want something beyondmosaics, textured porcelain and
(01:19):
ceramic tiles also get the jobdone while being more durable
and, frankly, easier to maintainin the long run.
But you know, safety is the keydriver here.
Let me share a quick story.
Abby (01:29):
Oh, here we go, a Mike classic.
Mike Belk (01:31):
Haha, but no, seriously.
A few years back I had thisfamily come to the showroom and
their kids kept slipping intheir shower because they'd
chosen these polished stonetiles Beautiful, but way too
slick when wet.
So we swapped them out formosaics with a matte finish and
after that they told me it was atotal game changer.
No accidents, since that's thekind of thing you want to think
(01:51):
about.
Abby (01:52):
And that's such a great example of why it's not just
about looks.
It's about finding that balancebetween style and practicality.
What about materials, though?
I feel like people often getstuck choosing between porcelain
, ceramic or natural stone.
Mike Belk (02:05):
You're right, porcelain is a top pick.
It's super durable,water-resistant and comes in
endless designs.
Ceramic is similar, just a bitsofter and usually more
budget-friendly.
Natural stone, on the otherhand, gives you that luxurious,
high-end vibe.
But and this is a big but youhave to stay on top of ceiling
and maintenance, otherwise itcan absorb water over time.
Abby (02:26):
Let's not forget ceramic, though.
It's affordable, waterproof andpretty easy to install, but not
as upscale looking.
And glass tiles they'regorgeous, but I wouldn't
recommend them for a showerfloor, unless textured, because
they can get slippery fast.
Mike Belk (02:39):
Exactly.
That's why it's all aboutasking the right questions, like
who's using the shower,families with kids, elderly
parents these factors reallydictate what's practical and
safe.
Abby (02:48):
Totally and honestly.
Sometimes safer tiles likemosaics or textured options end
up being the more stylish choiceanyway, Win-win.
Mike Belk (02:56):
Couldn't agree more Safety and design working
together.
Abby (02:59):
Building on that balance of safety and design.
You know what I really love?
It's how modern shower trendsare pushing creativity with
colors and shapes.
Showers aren't just functionalanymore.
They're becoming these amazingdesign statements.
Mike Belk (03:11):
Oh, definitely, and one trend that really stands out
is the return of bold geometricpatterns.
Hexagons, for instance, areeverywhere right now.
Abby (03:19):
Hexagons are having a moment, aren't they?
I recently worked with a clientwho wanted their bathroom to
feel fun but still sophisticated.
We ended up using these hexagonmosaic tiles in this deep,
almost electric blue, and wow,the result was stunning.
It completely transformed thespace.
Mike Belk (03:36):
That sounds incredible and I'm guessing the
grout lines in the mosaic addedthat perfect touch of texture
for safety.
Abby (03:42):
Exactly, it wasn't just about the look.
The grout added so muchtraction, which was a big win,
since they had kids using theshower too.
Mike Belk (03:49):
See, that's the beauty of mosaics they blend
form and function so well, andwith colors like electric blue.
Abby (03:54):
It's a showstopper.
Mike Belk (03:56):
Right, and I think people are starting to embrace
the idea of color more ingeneral, you know, stepping away
from neutral tones andexperimenting with bold choices
that really personalize theirspace.
Abby (04:06):
Totally, and not just color.
Texture is getting a lot moreattention too.
Matte finishes, for instance,are super popular right now.
They look sleek, but are alsopractical in terms of water
resistance and safety.
Mike Belk (04:18):
Absolutely.
And then there's the luxuryangle, like marble mosaics, they
bring that timeless elegance.
But you've got to be realisticabout maintenance.
Sealing is non-negotiable ifyou want them lasting
beautifully.
Abby (04:29):
So true, but when done right, marble really raises the
bar.
I had another client whocombined classic white marble
with gold accents.
It was one of those bathroomswhere you just stop and stare
for a minute.
Mike Belk (04:40):
That's the kind of design that leaves a lasting
impression.
And speaking of combiningelements, I always recommend
people play with differentshapes and patterns for a custom
look.
It's amazing how a small twistlike mixing hexagons with
chevrons can elevate the entirespace.
Abby (04:54):
Yes, custom designs are where the magic happens.
It's all about taking thosepersonal touches and running
with them.
Whether it's bold patterns ormixing tile materials, you can
create something that's trulyone of a kind.
Mike Belk (05:05):
And when it's done right, it not only looks great
but also stands the test of timefunctionally and stylistically.
We've touched on how greatdesign stands the test of time
when style meets function.
But let's dive into the nextstep installation and
maintenance, because even themost stunning tiles can lose
their charm if they're notinstalled properly or cared for
over time.
Abby (05:25):
Yeah, no one wants tiles popping up or grout cracking
after all that effort.
So where should someone startwith installation?
Mike Belk (05:32):
The foundation is absolutely key.
You need to make sure yourshower floor is clean, level and
dry before you even think ofplacing tiles.
Any unevenness can cause realheadaches down the line.
Abby (05:41):
And don't forget the right adhesive right.
Like you got to use somethingthat's meant for wet areas like
showers.
Mike Belk (05:47):
Exactly.
A waterproof adhesive isnon-negotiable.
And grout lines?
Oh man.
This is where so many peoplemess up.
You not only want them evenlyspaced with spacers, but also
properly sealed afterward toavoid moisture issues.
Abby (05:59):
Sealing is huge.
It's one of those steps thatdoesn't sound glamorous at all,
but it saves so much troublelater on.
No one wants moldy grout.
Mike Belk (06:07):
It's a lifesaver.
And, speaking of longevity,maintenance really isn't a
one-and-done thing.
You've got to clean regularly.
A soft brush and gentle cleanerdo wonders, especially for
keeping grout fresh and clean,Plus drying your shower floor
after use.
That's just smart practice.
Abby (06:25):
Totally.
I always tell my clientsmaintenance isn't optional if
you want to keep your tileslooking like new.
But let's talk costs real quick.
People aren't just thinkingtiles, they're thinking budgets.
Mike Belk (06:31):
Oh, absolutely, and costs can vary so much depending
on the material.
For example, porcelain tilesyou're looking at $3 to $20 per
square foot, ceramic a littlecheaper $1 to $12 per square
foot Natural stone.
That can go anywhere from $5 upto $45.
Abby (06:45):
And then there are installation costs.
Right, If you're hiring a pro,that can add up pretty quickly.
Mike Belk (06:50):
Right, but you also have to balance that with the
long-term value.
A well-installed floor withdurable tiles can save you
replacement costs down the road,plus, low-maintenance tiles
like porcelain can stretch yourdollar.
Abby (07:01):
It's all about mixing practicality with what fits your
budget and, honestly, there aregreat options at every price
point if you plan carefully.
Mike Belk (07:09):
Couldn't have said it better.
So, bottom line, put in theeffort up front and it'll pay
off.
Whether it's picking the righttile, installing it properly or
keeping it clean, it all adds upto a shower floor that'll last
and look great for years.
Abby (07:22):
And on that note, I think we've covered just about
everything people need to knowto get their shower floors
exactly right.
Mike Belk (07:28):
We have, and that's all for today.
Folks, Great talking Abby.
Abby (07:31):
You too, mike, till next time.
Speaker 1 (07:34):
You've been listening to the Belt Tile Podcast.
When it comes to creating abeautiful home using tile, this
is the podcast for products,design ideas and tips.
We hope you got some useful,practical information from this
show and we'll be back soon, butin the meantime, reach out.
The website is wwwbelktilecom.
(07:56):
Our store phone number is614-543-8334.
Find us on Facebook and Twitterat Belk Tile, and on Instagram
at Belk Tiles.
Make sure to leave a rating andreview and if you have
questions or comments, reach outand we'll talk about it on the
next show.
Till next time.
What kind of tile can you put on the wall or shower?
Do you have to seal tile?
How much extra tile should Ibuy for my project?
What thinset is the best for mytile application?
How hard is it to maintainnatural stone?
You have questions.
We have answers.
Welcome to the Belk TilePodcast.
(00:22):
How to style the bathroom, thebackyard, the kitchen, how to
improve your home style withtiles to make your home
absolutely beautiful?
Welcome to the Belk TilePodcast.
Here's your host, Mike Belk.
Mike Belk (00:43):
So when you're considering tiles for your
shower floor, the most importantthing hands down is slip
resistance.
I mean, think about how oftenthat floor gets wet, and well,
that's pretty much every day,right?
Abby (00:54):
Exactly.
Nobody wants to turn theirshower into a slip and slide.
Mike Belk (00:58):
Right, and that's where texture really comes into
play.
For example, mosaic tiles.
These are fantastic for slipresistance because their smaller
size increases the number ofgrout lines, adding extra
traction plus, they look amazing, don't they?
I mean, mosaics can bring somuch character to a shower and
bonus, they can fit those trickyslopes perfectly absolutely,
and if you want something beyondmosaics, textured porcelain and
(01:19):
ceramic tiles also get the jobdone while being more durable
and, frankly, easier to maintainin the long run.
But you know, safety is the keydriver here.
Let me share a quick story.
Abby (01:29):
Oh, here we go, a Mike classic.
Mike Belk (01:31):
Haha, but no, seriously.
A few years back I had thisfamily come to the showroom and
their kids kept slipping intheir shower because they'd
chosen these polished stonetiles Beautiful, but way too
slick when wet.
So we swapped them out formosaics with a matte finish and
after that they told me it was atotal game changer.
No accidents, since that's thekind of thing you want to think
(01:51):
about.
Abby (01:52):
And that's such a great example of why it's not just
about looks.
It's about finding that balancebetween style and practicality.
What about materials, though?
I feel like people often getstuck choosing between porcelain
, ceramic or natural stone.
Mike Belk (02:05):
You're right, porcelain is a top pick.
It's super durable,water-resistant and comes in
endless designs.
Ceramic is similar, just a bitsofter and usually more
budget-friendly.
Natural stone, on the otherhand, gives you that luxurious,
high-end vibe.
But and this is a big but youhave to stay on top of ceiling
and maintenance, otherwise itcan absorb water over time.
Abby (02:26):
Let's not forget ceramic, though.
It's affordable, waterproof andpretty easy to install, but not
as upscale looking.
And glass tiles they'regorgeous, but I wouldn't
recommend them for a showerfloor, unless textured, because
they can get slippery fast.
Mike Belk (02:39):
Exactly.
That's why it's all aboutasking the right questions, like
who's using the shower,families with kids, elderly
parents these factors reallydictate what's practical and
safe.
Abby (02:48):
Totally and honestly.
Sometimes safer tiles likemosaics or textured options end
up being the more stylish choiceanyway, Win-win.
Mike Belk (02:56):
Couldn't agree more Safety and design working
together.
Abby (02:59):
Building on that balance of safety and design.
You know what I really love?
It's how modern shower trendsare pushing creativity with
colors and shapes.
Showers aren't just functionalanymore.
They're becoming these amazingdesign statements.
Mike Belk (03:11):
Oh, definitely, and one trend that really stands out
is the return of bold geometricpatterns.
Hexagons, for instance, areeverywhere right now.
Abby (03:19):
Hexagons are having a moment, aren't they?
I recently worked with a clientwho wanted their bathroom to
feel fun but still sophisticated.
We ended up using these hexagonmosaic tiles in this deep,
almost electric blue, and wow,the result was stunning.
It completely transformed thespace.
Mike Belk (03:36):
That sounds incredible and I'm guessing the
grout lines in the mosaic addedthat perfect touch of texture
for safety.
Abby (03:42):
Exactly, it wasn't just about the look.
The grout added so muchtraction, which was a big win,
since they had kids using theshower too.
Mike Belk (03:49):
See, that's the beauty of mosaics they blend
form and function so well, andwith colors like electric blue.
Abby (03:54):
It's a showstopper.
Mike Belk (03:56):
Right, and I think people are starting to embrace
the idea of color more ingeneral, you know, stepping away
from neutral tones andexperimenting with bold choices
that really personalize theirspace.
Abby (04:06):
Totally, and not just color.
Texture is getting a lot moreattention too.
Matte finishes, for instance,are super popular right now.
They look sleek, but are alsopractical in terms of water
resistance and safety.
Mike Belk (04:18):
Absolutely.
And then there's the luxuryangle, like marble mosaics, they
bring that timeless elegance.
But you've got to be realisticabout maintenance.
Sealing is non-negotiable ifyou want them lasting
beautifully.
Abby (04:29):
So true, but when done right, marble really raises the
bar.
I had another client whocombined classic white marble
with gold accents.
It was one of those bathroomswhere you just stop and stare
for a minute.
Mike Belk (04:40):
That's the kind of design that leaves a lasting
impression.
And speaking of combiningelements, I always recommend
people play with differentshapes and patterns for a custom
look.
It's amazing how a small twistlike mixing hexagons with
chevrons can elevate the entirespace.
Abby (04:54):
Yes, custom designs are where the magic happens.
It's all about taking thosepersonal touches and running
with them.
Whether it's bold patterns ormixing tile materials, you can
create something that's trulyone of a kind.
Mike Belk (05:05):
And when it's done right, it not only looks great
but also stands the test of timefunctionally and stylistically.
We've touched on how greatdesign stands the test of time
when style meets function.
But let's dive into the nextstep installation and
maintenance, because even themost stunning tiles can lose
their charm if they're notinstalled properly or cared for
over time.
Abby (05:25):
Yeah, no one wants tiles popping up or grout cracking
after all that effort.
So where should someone startwith installation?
Mike Belk (05:32):
The foundation is absolutely key.
You need to make sure yourshower floor is clean, level and
dry before you even think ofplacing tiles.
Any unevenness can cause realheadaches down the line.
Abby (05:41):
And don't forget the right adhesive right.
Like you got to use somethingthat's meant for wet areas like
showers.
Mike Belk (05:47):
Exactly.
A waterproof adhesive isnon-negotiable.
And grout lines?
Oh man.
This is where so many peoplemess up.
You not only want them evenlyspaced with spacers, but also
properly sealed afterward toavoid moisture issues.
Abby (05:59):
Sealing is huge.
It's one of those steps thatdoesn't sound glamorous at all,
but it saves so much troublelater on.
No one wants moldy grout.
Mike Belk (06:07):
It's a lifesaver.
And, speaking of longevity,maintenance really isn't a
one-and-done thing.
You've got to clean regularly.
A soft brush and gentle cleanerdo wonders, especially for
keeping grout fresh and clean,Plus drying your shower floor
after use.
That's just smart practice.
Abby (06:25):
Totally.
I always tell my clientsmaintenance isn't optional if
you want to keep your tileslooking like new.
But let's talk costs real quick.
People aren't just thinkingtiles, they're thinking budgets.
Mike Belk (06:31):
Oh, absolutely, and costs can vary so much depending
on the material.
For example, porcelain tilesyou're looking at $3 to $20 per
square foot, ceramic a littlecheaper $1 to $12 per square
foot Natural stone.
That can go anywhere from $5 upto $45.
Abby (06:45):
And then there are installation costs.
Right, If you're hiring a pro,that can add up pretty quickly.
Mike Belk (06:50):
Right, but you also have to balance that with the
long-term value.
A well-installed floor withdurable tiles can save you
replacement costs down the road,plus, low-maintenance tiles
like porcelain can stretch yourdollar.
Abby (07:01):
It's all about mixing practicality with what fits your
budget and, honestly, there aregreat options at every price
point if you plan carefully.
Mike Belk (07:09):
Couldn't have said it better.
So, bottom line, put in theeffort up front and it'll pay
off.
Whether it's picking the righttile, installing it properly or
keeping it clean, it all adds upto a shower floor that'll last
and look great for years.
Abby (07:22):
And on that note, I think we've covered just about
everything people need to knowto get their shower floors
exactly right.
Mike Belk (07:28):
We have, and that's all for today.
Folks, Great talking Abby.
Abby (07:31):
You too, mike, till next time.
Speaker 1 (07:34):
You've been listening to the Belt Tile Podcast.
When it comes to creating abeautiful home using tile, this
is the podcast for products,design ideas and tips.
We hope you got some useful,practical information from this
show and we'll be back soon, butin the meantime, reach out.
The website is wwwbelktilecom.
(07:56):
Our store phone number is614-543-8334.
Find us on Facebook and Twitterat Belk Tile, and on Instagram
at Belk Tiles.
Make sure to leave a rating andreview and if you have
questions or comments, reach outand we'll talk about it on the
next show.
Till next time.
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