zero entry shower & two separate floor tiles: how can it be done?

3 years ago

Hi All,

We are doing our renovation project in which two bathrooms were framed out for zero entry showers. My husband and I did not really want zero entry showers since we hope to get two separate floor tiles (one for the shower and one for the main floor).) However, there was a miscommunication with the contractor. Now that the space is already framed out, our contractor said our best bet is to pick two tiles that are the same brand/style but in different sizes. We have not had good luck finding something along these lines that we like. The contractor said that if we choose tiles that are not the same (aside from size), we need to pick two options that are the exact same depth. Then, maybe we can put a metal strip where the shower door will go. This feels stressful to get right. Is there anything else we can do?

Thanks for any ideas!

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Creative Tile Eastern CT

3 years ago

last modified: 3 years ago

Tile setter cuts the larger tiles down to the size needed for shower. Done Easy. Perfect match. Problem solved. Would have been my first suggestion. Pocket some extra $$ for labor:)

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Comments (12)

PRO
Ripped Jeans Construction
3 years ago
There are ways to adjust the installation to accommodate different tile thicknesses. Is the prep completely finished? It might help us to understand what's going on if you post pictures of what's there currently.
newenglandsara2 thanked Ripped Jeans Construction
latifolia
3 years ago
Zero entry showers have become very popular, especially for aging in place. Long-term the "mistake" will probably work to your advantage.

I understand you had separate tiles in your mind, but why not consider a single tile. A unified look could make your bathroom appear larger. Of course it needs to be non-slip, but that is easily achieved with smaller tiles (more grout lines).

Go to a good tile shop (not big box) and ask for their advice.
newenglandsara2 thanked latifolia
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"...I suggest you contact a local professional tile setter and get their evaluation...." - Creative Tile Eastern CT That is a step in the right direction. I would hire them for a day. Get them to remove the glass panel and the tile on top of the curb. Then we can check thigs out. You might be able to repair the curb and save the shower. It will take some skill to do so but if the only penatrations are from the glass install it might be saveable. I would demo the curb carefully and inspect how the curb was built. If you find that it was covered with Denshield or CBU and screwed through the liner then the chances are that was done from the side as well. If you find that the curb was done with diamond expand lath and mortar you might just save this after all. The drain shows that it is a typicall shower build using a liner and then mortar bed. This means you have hopefully between an inch and quarter to two inchs of mortar beteween the tile and the liner. So you can chisel out a little of the thinset residue and the reset the tile with new glass tile thin-set. Laticrete makes a good one.
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newenglandsara2
Original Author
3 years ago
Ripped Jeans Construction, thank you for your response (and I like the name of your business!) :) I don't have photos of the site, but at this point the space is just framed. Nothing else is in: no insulation, plumbing, insulation, etc. One of the issues is that we have not picked out tile yet, so we would not be able to say that the shower tile will be X depth, and the floor tile will be Y depth. We could try to pick tile out really quickly, but this is where things are at right now. I hope that helps a bit!
newenglandsara2
Original Author
3 years ago
latifolia, thanks for your perspective! I agree that there are advantages to this type of shower, but we are very grout-phobic. :) The idea of small tiles throughout our entire bathroom makes me super nervous in terms of maintenance and grout issues. I was really hoping to use very large tile in the main part of the bathroom and a small tile in the shower only. In some cases, using a big tile in the shower itself is not an option due to the type of drain.
calidesign
3 years ago
Maybe something like this would work. The zero entry showers are great if done properly.
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PRO
Beth H. :
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
what do you mean it's already framed out? do you have any pictures?

If you want a curb on your shower, and GC admits to making an error, then have them redo it the way you want. A curb-less (zero entry) requires some expert tile setting and needs to be done very well, or water will escape from the shower area. I don't know what level your tile person is. you'll need to post details here for that issue.

As for the tile thickness, most tile is a standard 3/8" thickness, so picking diff tiles shouldn't matter much. where they differ in heights are cement tiles, handmade tiles (like Zellige) and some other custom tiles.

since you don't like grout, what about using the super large tiles in the shower? Tilebar has some that are 48", 60" and I think larger. I believe they also come in a smaller size for outside on the floor. Or, you could pick a diff tile altogether.

example, these are 24X48

60X120

30x60

https://www.tilebar.com/collection/tile-mosaic-collections/tilebarxl.html

I love this wood look tile. it's 24x48. Kenridge Ribbon. looks great w/black

comes in a gray too. they paired it here w/12x24 tiles on the other wall. there are so many diff ways to do a shower w/this tile.

If you look at their other larger format tiles, they come in a 24" and 30", often w/matching mosaic pieces.

check out these. 16x48!

they look like large planks. you can't even see the grout lines.

https://www.tilebar.com/klondike-yukon-blanco-matte-ceramic-wall-tile.html

this is a porcelain 24x24 on the walls w/minimal grout lines. the floor tiles are from another line, but match up perfectly.

Here's a smaller size zero entry done w/Portmore tiles on the wall. You could easily do these on the floor, and pick a larger size white tile for the walls. These come in 7 colors

https://www.tilebar.com/bathroom-styles

If you give me an idea of how you want it to look, and how large an area it is (how about posting some pictures or an inspiration photo?) I could recommend something for you

https://www.tilebar.com/lookbook-shower

Take a look at these shower pics and see if you like anything

(got carried away w/all the pics!)
SJ McCarthy
3 years ago
A master tile setter should be able to do this without an issue. BUT.....you need the MASTER TILE setter. Not some 'guy' the GC has chosen as 'tile guy of the day'. When you say there was 'miscommunication' and then say the GC needs you to pick a tile in the same thickness. Tile setters mix and match tiles and thicknesses all the time...without issue. Don't fall for it. S/he just wants to see how much you will swallow.

I'm sorry but you GC is not using the right person for this situation. I can GUARANTEE IT. Get a discount on the 'miscommunication' issue and then offer it BACK to the builder for him to HIRE a proper tile pro.

Put this suggestion in WRITING (email) and get a response. In writing. My spidy senses are tingling on this one.
newenglandsara2
Original Author
3 years ago
Calidesign, Beth and Shasta, thanks SO much for sharing these images! You gave me a ton of ideas to consider. SJ, I appreciate your thoughts. Our GC is supposed to have a good tile guy, but maybe the GC himself is not an expert in zero-entry showers. I am going to find out more about his concerns. Thank you!
newenglandsara2
Original Author
3 years ago
Beth, those really big tiles are so cool, but I assume they need some serious expertise to install!
PRO
Beth H. :
3 years ago
yes. they would be like installing solid wall panels. two expert tile installers should be able to handle it. the important thing would be to have 100% coverage on the backs of those. no spot method w/the mortar!
newenglandsara2 thanked Beth H. :
newenglandsara2
Original Author
3 years ago
Creative Tile Eastern MA thank you so much for this idea and for the photos!