skip to main content

Will penny rounds tile make a good shower base?

16 years ago

Since I can't seem to find an all in one shower pan that I like that will be up to code I'm back to considering tile. (And if anyone wants more info on what I've looked at that is not up to California code I'd be happy to share).

So, does anyone have experience of using penny round tiles in the shower as a floor? Seems I will end up with a little more grout than using other tile shapes. Is that a problem? They are quite delicate little tiles.

Any input of any kind? I think they look really nice but just wondered if this is a good option for shower floor.

If you wonderful tile experts are reading, please let me know your opinions.

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (5)

bill_vincent
16 years ago
I've only installed one shower floor in penny tile, but it made for a nice shower pan, and I don't see any problems with using them, if you like the look.
Jean Popowitz
16 years ago
I went on a house tour last fall and many of the redone bathrooms used the penny tile. Very pretty!
Related Discussions
Grout Color for White Penny Round Mosaic Tile?
Q
Comments (10)
We have googled pics and a pale gray maybe one shade darker than white is our favorite. Anything too much darker than that is more contrasty than we are looking for. The grout color is very prominent with round tiles. I am concerned that white is too much maintenance, but medium gray is too dark. Perhaps we should provide our own grout.
...See More
Penny round tile with incorrect grout
Q
Comments (22)
Tell your installer he owes everyone here for tryin to help him out of a jam!! LOL Well, everyone but me. He did an excellent job installing the tile, too. Penny rounds aren't all that easy to keep from seeing sheet lines, etc. Seriously, if you want to change the color, a grout colorant is the best way to go. Not only will it change the color to what you want, but it'll also make it much easier to keep clean, being that it's a one part epoxy coating that won't allow the dirt to get into the pores of the grout. For all intents and purposes, it'll permanently seal the grout.
...See More
Can you use mother of pearl penny round as floor tile?
Q
Comments (4)
The tile is beautiful, but I personally would be a quite weary of using it as a floor tile. I'm not a professional or a designer by any means, but I believe there's usually a rating provided to tell you how "hardy" the tile is so you know if it will stand up to a lot of weight and traffic. I didn't see that on the site for this particular style. I've always thought mother of pearl can be quite delicate as well, so I'm a little on the fence of using it for the floor. I wonder what the professionals on here will say though. I've heard from some that the tile from floor and decor is on the less durable side hence why the prices are relatively inexpensive and that they don't carry stock of any one style for long so be sure to get plenty just in case of future needs.
...See More
2x2 tile vs penny rounds for shower floor
Q
Comments (6)
how is the shower pan constructed, is It concrete? if not you may not be able to use tiles smaller that 2in. penny rounds have a high failure rate of being installed properly, tiles that small also require a Square space or else you can have unsightly reveals around the perimeter. Id look at "Can we install pennys" and how square is the space ill install them in. That may make your decision for you.
...See More
tartanhabit
Original Author
16 years ago
Thanks for the posts.
dms1973
16 years ago
Where can I find penny round tiles? I'd be interested in this but so far the only ones I've found have been the very expensive American Restoration Tile. Any suggestions?

Steve
tartanhabit
Original Author
16 years ago
I've seen them at a couple of local tile shops here in the Bay Area. One company that makes them is a German company called Jasba. (They have a really interesting colour pallette). I've posted a link below - click around a bit to see more colours as the webpage is a weird layout.

The other company I don't know the name of but I think it may be the same company that makes a lot of those 'dot and octagon' old fashioned tiles. I think. Sorry can't be more specific about that source. I've been quoted around $8 per sq. ft.

Here is a link that might be useful: Jasba's penny rounds

Related Stories

MOST POPULAR 5 Remodels That Make Good Resale Value Sense — and 5 That Don’t

By Matt Clawson

Find out which projects offer the best return on your investment dollars

DIY PROJECTS Make a Marble Lamp Base With Tile

By Sarah Dorsey

Get a lamp base that looks high end but costs only around $20, using basic tools and easy-to-find materials

MATERIALS 6 Spot-on Places to Use Penny Tiles

By Karen Egly-Thompson

You’ll flip for these coin-shaped wall and floor tiles in bright colors, subtle neutrals and even clear glass

BATHROOM DESIGN What to Use for the Shower Floor

By Debbie Snider

Feeling Good Underfoot: Shower Tiles, Mosaics, Teak Slats and Pebbles

TILE Source List: 20 Tiles That Make a Statement

By Annie Thornton

Learn about the tiles that make these popular rooms stand out

REMODELING GUIDES Top 10 Tips for Choosing Shower Tile

By By Any Design Ltd.

Slip resistance, curves and even the mineral content of your water all affect which tile is best for your shower

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING 13 New Ways to Make a Splash With a Hot Tub

By Amber Hopman

Check out the modern options and custom features that are making outdoor spa tubs hot again

REMODELING GUIDES Old is New: Cement Tile Makes a Comeback

Get Ideas for Using Colorful Moorish-Inspired Tile at Home

KITCHEN DESIGN Countertop and Backsplash: Making the Perfect Match

By Jennifer Ott Design

Zero in on a kitchen combo you'll love with these strategies and great countertop-backsplash mixes for inspiration

BATHROOM DESIGN How to Build a Better Shower Curb

By By Any Design Ltd.

Work with your contractors and installers to ensure a safe, stylish curb that keeps the water where it belongs

Sponsored

12 Reviews

Pittsburgh's Custom Kitchen & Bath Designs for Everyday Living

More Discussions

Medicine cabinet says "recessed mount." Can it be flush-mounted?

3

What are these countertop spots?

6

Bathroom countertop material

2

Master Bath Remodel

4

remodeling basement bathroom.

0