I wondered if we did a hex tile in black in the shower would it work?

As far as the technical aspect is concerned, there BETTER not be a problem-- I just did an entire shower in hex tile!! As for the more subjective question about using black hex as a shower floor, I don't see why not. It would certainly be different! Usually black hex is used only as an accent, and to use it as a field tile, would certainly set your bathroom apart from the crowd!! But the only person who can give the correct answer to that question is you. You're the one who's got to live with it, and if you like it, then it'll work!

Thanks for responding Bill, but I kind of meant the opposite of what you responded to, meaning, is MARBLE mosaic not as good a choice in a shower as hex tile?

I am trying to not blow the budget and while I loved the look of the nero marquina my concerns are due to price & durability.

I think the impact of using the nero marquina on the bathroom floor will be great, but the shower is fairly small (about 3 foot sq.) so maybe I can get away with using a lesser expensive option there and in the 5x9 closet.

(Then again, if there's a way I can use the nero marquina as just an accent, maybe as a 4x4 border around the room, with the black hex or mosaic in the center/shower/closet? Or a white hex in the center/shower/closet?

I am rambling.

Basically, I don't want to do the closet in the nero marquina because of cost, that's the bottom line. If I do choose to use it in 4x4 diamond or running bond on the floor, mosaic running bond in the shower, what (cheaper option!) do I choose for the closet?

I would stick with the carpet if you are worried about cost personally. You're going to hop out of the shower and not even dry off before going into the closet? In our last house we had a carpeted closet inside the bathroom and it wasn't a problem - never went in there until we were ready to put clothes on and dry.

Agreed carpet might be cheapest, but that is not my only concern. We also have wood throughout the house, so carpet is not typical.

I am fine with using tile in there, I just want it to look nice with my marble but not cost a fortune.

is MARBLE mosaic not as good a choice in a shower as hex tile?

No, it's not, for the simple reason that marble can absorb water, while the hex tile, being porcelain, won't. It makes for a much more maintenence free shower floor.

Thank you Bill, that is exactly what I was concerned with.

I do prefer to be low maintenance when it comes to that stuff, so porcelain will def. be a better choice for me.

I stopped in at my local tile store and found a porcelain tile, Leonardo Shape, in Nero. It looks a lot like a matte black slate. I really like the texture of it, and the price is much more affordable too. I think maybe that, in a 12x24 running bond pattern for the floors and closet, with the white hex for the shower might be a good choice.

WHITE hex in the shower I can show you:

Thanks for the pics Bill.

Spoke to my GC. NOW his concern about hex tile is that it is too thin for a shower floor. Obviously this is not a problem for you Bill! He also told me the 12x24 would be more prone to cracking because the floor may not be perfectly level.

Tile store assures me the hex in either 1 or 2 inches is porcelain and tougher than ceramic. I think I am leaning towards doing the entire floor in the 2 inch hex tiles with the matte glaze, in white.

I love the porcelain/slate look but I am afraid it might seem too dark. Gotta show the husband. I can't make up my darn mind.

I'm sorry, but most shower pans are done with ceramic mosaics-- usually square (either 1x1 or 2x2), but none the less, ceramic mosaics-- the same thickness as the hex.

Tile store assures me the hex in either 1 or 2 inches is porcelain and tougher than ceramic.

I agree that it's tougher than conventional ceramic (porcelain is also a type of ceramic. :-) )