There is no such thing as a must and it drives me batty when designers/realtors/architects/etc say you have to do something because the Jones did it.

If you don't want the expense of a marble slab, don't get one. If you want linen looking floor tiles, go for it. Do what makes you happy because you're the one that is going to be using that bathroom everyday.

In our master bath, we did bamboo hardwood and it looks amazing, better than any of the tile floors our neighbors have.

I agree. Waterworks is a high end showroom, so if they're showing it, they must not think it looks "cheap". If you think the marble tiles look okay, save the money. Also, if you stain or damage one, you could replace it.

Use floor tile that you like. Unless you're planning to sell soon, don't worry about it. I can't imagine it could make or break a sale. You can also buy porcelain tile that is practically indistinguishable from natural stone but is much cheaper. Besides, whoever buys your home might prefer wood floors, terrazzo, terra cotta, or concrete. In five years, the "must have" look will be different, anyway.

As to what people will most notice, it is probably what is closest to eye level. So I think the tile in the glass shower will be more important than the tub deck.

"architect who is usually not insistent and has been very sensitive to our tight budget says that my whirlpool tub deck really should be a solid slab and not marble tile."

"I thought it looked nice, but people keep telling me that in my neighb. marble deck in master is a must. "

If you're in an upper end real estate market, selling to the 'forever home' crowd as opposed to the 'move up' market, I think most prospective buyers would definitely notice the difference between a marble tile tub deck and a marble slab deck -- I know I would. Now some of those who notice won't care too much, but if I saw marble tile where it should have been a slab deck, I'd take a mental deduction $$$ off the sales price and mutter about the "cheaped-out" decision. If I was on the fence about the house, this might even be enough to tip me over the fence in favor of the house that did have a slab deck. Seriously. To some folks, it's that important. (Like a commercial-style range in the kitchen.)

"Waterworks is a high end showroom, so if they're showing it, they must not think it looks "cheap". "

I disagree with this. In a showroom, tubs are changed out every few months, so having a custom-cut slab done each time isn't economically feasible.

"If you don't want the expense of a marble slab, don't get one.... Do what makes you happy because you're the one that is going to be using that bathroom everyday."

This sentiment makes perfect sense. If YOU don't care about the difference, go ahead and get the tiles because it's what YOU like. But if resale in the upper-end market is high on your list, realize that sometimes, paybacks are hell. The money you save up front might come off the sales price in multiples.

"Also wondering do I really need to do stone on floor. I have seen so many nice contemp. baths with those rectified linen-looking floor tiles that look beautiful to me and must be a lot less costly than marble/limestone?">

For your floor, there are some really nice porcelains that are, IMO, even better than natural stone. Again, for the top end, I wouldn't go with an imitation travertine (real travertine's cheaper than a good fake anyway) -- but not all porcelains should be ruled out simply because they're not natural stone.

Um, did anyone else read this thread and these responses a fwe days ago? But then the responses disappeared and suddenly they're back again?

I sure hope there's some bug here and it's not that I am losing my mind!

staceyneil - you are not losing your mind - the OP posted the same message a couple of days ago.

Stacyneil - Sorry, I thought I was losing my mind because could swear that I had in fact posted this question and then I didn't see it - but thought maybe I didn;t hit "submit." Maybe I just dind't have my glasses on and missed it. I apologize if I posted this twice and thank you for current opinions; it's always helpful.