12th May 2023
8 Shower Floor Tile Ideas For The Modern Kiwi Home
If you’ve ever gone on Pinterest or Instagram to search for shower renovation inspiration, chances are you’ve come across some stunning tile designs. While seeing so many options is nice, choosing just one design can also be pretty overwhelming.
That’s why we have created this complete guide to shower floor tiles. Our in-house designer, Moet Walker, answers some of the biggest questions people have when tiling their shower floors. Our tile experts have also curated eight gorgeous and modern shower floor tile ideas that will inspire you in your renovation project.
So let's get started.
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Basics Of Tiling Shower Floors: Tile Expert Share Helpful Advice
Shower floor tiles 101 with Tile Space consultant and in-house designer Moet Walker.
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Q: What kind of tile is best for a shower floor?
Tiles with less grout are the most popular for shower floors as they are easy to clean and maintain. Many people come to our stores wanting a tile with a little texture to make it less slippery for the elderly or children. So, we would recommend a floor tile with a matt finish with a bit of texture, like the Klif White Matt 37.5x75.
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Q: What size tile should be used on a shower floor?
There is no right or wrong answer to this. In most modern New Zealand homes, larger tiles, sized 600x600 or bigger, are more commonly used, but we also see many people going for decorative smaller tiles and mosaics to use as feature floors.
The size of the shower tile really comes down to your preferred style, budget and available space. We recommend sitting down with a Tile Consultant in person or via Zoom and getting sound advice on the best tile selection for your project. The best part? It's completely free! Book your appointment right here.
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Q: What is the best colour for the shower floor?
Lighter or mid-toned tiles with patterns are best for shower floors. You want to generally avoid plain tiles, especially plain black tiles, as you will see a lot of soap build up more regularly. A terrazzo floor tile is an excellent example of a lighter-toned tile with a pattern.
For inspiration, check out this beautiful home of Kiwi photographer Caroline Doyle who used terrazzo tile to glam up her shower floors.
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Q: What tiles should not be used on the shower floor?
We recommend not using polished tiles on shower floors. However, this is only a preference that we favour here at Tile Space. So, you can go for a polished tile for your shower floor, but just know that they create a more slippery base for your shower.
Best to give this complete beginner's guide a read first because we have talked about everything from the tile finishes to installation, sizes and more useful advice about bathroom tiles here.
Featured Guide: Bathroom Tiles - Your Beginner’s Guide
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Q: What is the easiest shower floor tile to maintain?
If you want a tile that’s easy to clean and maintain, choose large matt tiles with less grout, less texture, and a flat surface. A good example of this type of tile is our Marvel Calacatta Matt 60, which is a porcelain tile with a smooth, matt finish.
It's also available in a polished gloss if you want to match your shower floors and walls.
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Q: Does shower floor tile need to be waterproof?
Yes, shower tiles need to be waterproofed before they are installed on top -it is a requirement of New Zealand’s building code. A waterproofing membrane system like Wedi should be extended under and up the walls behind showers and bathtubs and sinks.
We have an Easy, Step-By-Step Guide To Waterproofing A Bathroom in NZ to make the process easier.
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8 Beautiful Tile Ideas For Shower Floors
Eight stunning shower tile ideas featuring a variety of tile patterns, finishes and sizes, curated by the tile connoisseurs at Tile Space - NZ's home of all things tile.
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1. Xl And Large Format Tiles For Shower Floor
Believe it or not, large-format porcelain tiles are also fantastic for small bathrooms - they create a streamlined and spacious feel!
So if you have an enclosed shower in your compact space, give the room a wow factor with bigger tile sizes. A few simple changes can make all the difference without sacrificing style.
And if you're stuck for more inspiration and advice on XL and Large Format tiles, we've got a whole bunch of insightful guides here to help you.
- The Beginner’s Guide to Extra-Large and Large Format Tiles
- Make a Statement with Extra Large Format Tiles
- How to Create Stunning Looks with Large Tiles in Your Home
- X-Large and Large Format Tile Trends for 2023
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2. Wood-Look Tiles For Shower Floors
Transform your shower into a space of natural serenity with tiles that replicates the look and feel of wood! Thanks to advances in printing technology, we can now enjoy all the beauty of biophilic design without any hassles with timber or wood look shower tile.
These textured tiles come with realistic wood grain detailing, helping to create traction while presenting the beauty of natural wood at an affordable price.
Explore our timber-look tile collection here.
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3. Decorative Shower Floor Tiles
Decorative tiles are the perfect way to make your shower stand out! You can bring personality and style into any size bathroom with a little creativity.
Our favourite decorative tile look? Dark or monochromatic wall tiles paired with patterned tiles - it's sure to give the room impact.
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4. Textured Surface Tiles
With a beautiful range of patterns and indentations, textured tiles can add a touch of rustic charm to your shower and bathroom flooring. Plus, their texture makes them slip-resistant, providing a practical solution to those slippery shower floors.
Not to mention, they also create a stunning contrast with the rest of the bathroom!
Examples include the Klif Dark Matt 37.5x75 and Waterfall Silver Matt 45x90 stone-look tiles inspired by natural limestone with realistic fossil indentations.
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5. Matching Shower Floor And Wall Tile Look
One trend that's really taking off is matching your shower walls and floor tiles to create a cohesive and polished feel. With so many gorgeous tile options available, you will surely find a combination that speaks to your personal style.
Plus, there are practical benefits to this trend too! Matching shower walls and floors make cleaning a breeze and help create the illusion of more space in your bathroom.
Explore our floor and wall tile collection here for more ideas.
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6. The Terrazzo Shower Floor Tile Look
Add a blast of personality and vintage charm to your shower with terrazzo tile! Combining beautiful shards of coloured tile and concrete, this mid-century darling adds retro flair wherever it goes.
Our favourite terrazzo tiles come from the Medley and Ecostone ranges that feature absolute stunners like the Medley Grey Pop 60,Cannaregio EV2012 Honed 40, and Medley Pink Classic 60, to name a few.
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7. Mosaic Shower Floor Tiles
Mosaic tiles offer a unique, dynamic way to spruce your shower floor. Instead of making clunky cuts to fit the drain, these mosaic pieces can be laid seamlessly, allowing you an effortless installation that creates great drainage.
Plus, with different shapes like round and hexagonal available in beautiful colours, such as our Black Matt Hexagon 95mm tile, it's easy for anyone to create customised patterns by cutting away areas on the sheets!
Explore our mosaic floor tile collection here.
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8. Marble-Look Shower Floor Tiles
Transform your shower into a spa-like oasis with marble-look shower floor tiles. The intricate veining on the tiles adds a touch of elegance to your space.
Marble-look ceramic tiles are the perfect alternative to natural marble tiles as they are affordable, low-maintenance, and durable. Imagine stepping onto a shower floor that looks like a page from a Pinterest board!
Discover the best of marble-look floor tiles here.
Invisible Light Sat120x260 6mm
Like these shower floor tile designs? For more looks, visit our bathroom tile inspiration page here.
Whether you're looking for large format tiles, decorative accents, or natural stone looks - we've got the perfect tile for your shower floor! So, go ahead and explore our extensive tile collection now. Happy shopping!
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