Birchpoint - Larger tile was from; http://www.flooranddecoroutlets.com/calacatta-porcelain-tile-12in-x-24in.html This web picture looks a lot more beige than my tiles which are more white. You can order a sample. The Floor tile is from Arizona tile: http://www.arizonatile.com/Assets/ProductImages/M/Misingi_Suber_464x464.jpg I think the combination of the taupe floor tile and the porcelain marble tile is the most stunning part of the bathroom. Though some might argue that we should have used mosaic in the bottom of the shower floor but I chose "form over function" for this. With the grab bars which I definitely use because I don't have good balance, I haven't fallen. There is a spray you can purchase on Amazon for tile or other possibly slippery surfaces that can be used if you want to be sure it is less slippery. My tile guy recommended it if i needed more traction. Maybe when I get a bit older, I will apply it for more safety. The size of the shower is one of the best parts of the remodel. 5ft X 5ft is the official size that allows one to say their shower fits the ADA standard. We didn't size ours for that reason but it turns out, it really is the perfect size for us. I love how when you are showering, all sides can be reached without moving too far yet there is still a nice feeling of spaciousness. Some of the pictures I posted in another thread may give you a better idea of the bathroom. Here Also, as I have mentioned in several other threads on GW, not having a shower door has turned out to be so wonderful and enhances the shower experience greatly. We had our contractor build the walls so we could add a shower door if we decided we wanted one but as it turns out, that is the VERY LAST THING we would ever want. To anyone who is in doubt, I say "try it, you will probably like it". Here is a link that might be useful: Hall bath

Who's installing? I installed my own porcelain 12x24 and it was very difficult for me. I have the dreaded lipage. If you are going to have a pro install, make sure they know what they are in for. I had lots of help from some old GW posters. Couldn't have done it without their help. But I would never recommend laying anything larger than 12x12 for novice tilers, after my experience. Now as far as color. I just say what ever you like. Things tend to be very light these days. But the picture you show is beautiful. I couldn't get the link to open so I don't know the material, thinking it might be marble due to your comment about concrete. If it is marble, it does absorb water. and many people have had nightmares with shower pans, tiled with marble. But those issues seem to be a poorly built base. Then the water doesn't drain under the tiles, to the drain, and causes constant wet look, and staining, especially light marble. I would recommend porcelain for all parts of the shower. I also would recommend to have a solid surface base that is pre slopped if you are DIYing it. I used a 3x5' Kohler cast iron base and have been very happy with it. I don't have to worry about the function of the drainage. I went with the cast iron, cause I was DIYing my shower and I didn't want to tackle the shower base slope construction. If I had a fail, it would be on me and I'd have to take it out.

Monin Martin, it was either mapei maximizer or stonetech....I can't remember which one. This was used in placement of water and the grout in my shower has not had any mold/mildew issues. I do dry the shower down after each use as well. Of course, you won't have the moisture issue, but spills and such can be a problem in the kitchen. Whoever installs your tile should have knowledge of this. It is a bit pricey, but in my opinion, especially since I have white marble, I am limited on cleaning product options. I used Miracle Seal on my marble tile and that is a great product as well. They have different ones depending on the materials. Mine was for stone and was an "impregnator". I think the name had 511 in it. Good luck to you!

The cost is not unreasonable, and actually sounds low for installation of that material. . The price of the panels is minor compared to the installation materials and labor. The cost of STANDARD tile is also minor compared to labor and materials for a properly built shower. It IS more expensive to install GPTP (Gauged Porcelain Tile Panels) as qualified contractors must be properly trained and have the equipment. The industry (both professional trade organizations and manufacturers) have training programs (usually 2-5 day programs) for contractors to get proper training and certification in GPTP installation. Hopefully your contractor is aware of the installation requirements. They are not installaed by one person, but by a team of installers. To give you (and others who responded here) a bit of perspective about the training required: "Due to the extremely large modules that Gauged Porcelain Tile/Gauged Porcelain Tile Panels are available in, installation of this product is significantly different from the installation of standard large format porcelain tile, requiring special installation tools and techniques. The unique installation procedures and workmanship considerations, are as outlined in ANSI A108.19 American National Standard Specifications for "Interior Installation of Gauged Porcelain Tile and Gauged Porcelain Tile Panels/Slabs by the Thin-Bed Method bonded with Modified Dry-Set Cement Mortar or Improved Modified Dry-Set Cement Mortar”. Some key issues addressed by ANSI A108.19 include: Contractor Qualifications Jobsite and Material Handling Requirements Substrate Flatness and General Requirements Floor and Wall Installation procedures for ANSI A137.3 Table 4 gauged products Wall Installation Procedures for ANSI A137.3 Table 5 gauged products Mortar, and Mortar Application Unique coverage criteria and evaluation procedures Lippage criteria and use of lippage control systems Special floor setting provisions that involve embedding by walking Movement Joints " You can assume that a properly credentialed installation team is not concerned about the cost of one slab breaking and I would not suggest that you try to negotiate pricing by offering to "eat it if they break it". In addition, the contractor (if qualified) will be responsible for transport of the slabs as they require specific equipment and handling procedures. You do NOT want to attempt this yourself as it can be quite dangerous. Doubtful a supplier would even allow it. I hope this provides a little perspective on GTPT installation for consideration in shower pricing. Good luck with your project.