Cracke tile in steam shower?

16 years ago

I am remodeling my master bath (15.5 x 7.5) and need help in several areas. I want to put in a steam shower & love the look of crackle tile. Some tile places say it is fine as long as you seal the tile (is this a pain to maintain), others have said not to use in steam shower. Thoughts? Anyone have a steam unit they can recommend ? I am also trying to decide on my shower heads. I prefer to have a hand held on bar (for cleaning and I am 5') & my husband wants a showerhead that is strong (no rain head). I am going for the BainUltra tub so I think body jets in shower would be nice too since the tub won't have any jets..Is this over kill? If we want to shower together, how can I have 2 showerheads on at same time?

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Comments (7)

bill_vincent
16 years ago
As far as the crackle tile is concerned, it's just like using natural stone in a steam shower. So long as you're aware of the added upkeep, and you're willing to deal with it, then go for it.
annkathryn
16 years ago
I have a Mr. Steam unit that I bought online. You'll need to calculate the size of the unit based on the cubic feet of your steam shower.

I don't have body jets, but have 2 shower heads, one a handheld and the other a regular shower head. DH and I shower at the same time and have no problems with water pressure. Both shower heads are on separate valves.

Here is a link that might be useful: master bath pics
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pirula
16 years ago
We had decided to use crackle tile and learned we had to seal it. In the end I fell in love with a non crackle and used that. We have a Roma Steam system, and it's terrific.

Whatever you choose, highly recommend the Kerdi waterproofing stuff for a steam shower.

Ivette
bill_vincent
16 years ago
Whatever you choose, highly recommend the Kerdi waterproofing stuff for a steam shower.

I'll second that. I won't do a steam shower any more without it.
dlm99
Original Author
16 years ago
Thanks to all for the suggestions. I am actually rethinking the crackle tile. I don't think I want to deal with the maintainence. Do you still recommend the Kerdi if I am not using crackle tile or natural stone? What does that do? annkathryn...thanks so much for the pictures.Your bath is simply gorgeous! I want to know if you miss having the body jets? I may forgo them & do exactly what you did (one hand held & one shower head). Since I am going with the BainUltra Amma tub I want to have some jets for hubby's bad neck & shoulder. I am thinking that I may be able to accomplish this with a really good showerhead w/multi settings. Thoughts? Looking for antique brass finish which has proven to not be very easy.
If I go with the same shower layout as you, do I need any special controls? I am wondering about all the things they suggest you need(thermostatic mixers, diverters, volume controls, etc.) and what is truly necessary. I am trying to keep it simple (not too many controls we don't know what to do with) and I am also trying to keep cost down a bit(kids in college/don't know how long we will be living here). Want to build a tasteful elegant master bath without spending $30-$40K.Thanks in advance for the help ~Donna
shaughnn
16 years ago
Every manufacturer of "crackle" tile that I know of expressly excludes their product from steam showers. This is because the glaze will continue to develop crazing as it ages and in the extreme environment of a steam shower the glaze will begin to "spall", or flake off.
I used to know of a manufacturer which had a mock-crazed tile that had much of the appeal of a crackle finish which was sealed under a second clear glaze. I'll try to hunt it down again and post the manufacturer here.
Shaughnn
annkathryn
16 years ago
Hi Donna,
I just realized that my master bath pics have scrolled off the bath forum, so I'll have to repost them in the gallery. Glad you were able to see them anyway.

I don't miss having body jets because I've never had them! Ignorance is bliss? The handheld shower head has multiple settings although I confess that I've never used them. I have thermostatic controls which I like, but probably not a true necessity.

I had a high-end kitchen/bathroom designer come to take a look at my bath ideas when we were in the planning phase. She said we couldn't possibly do the bath we wanted for less than $80,000. We didn't hire her, naturally, and with some frugal shopping online and a good GC, we kept the costs to about a third of her estimate.

Ann