Shower pans do not look tacky there are lower cost and better quality examples. Kohler cast iron pans are probably the best out there and are the best solution.
Designers push these tiled pans and by one search on here you will see the daily complaints about tile pan issues. A simple solid pan elevates just about all of these issues. Easier to clean and no grout to fail or get dirty.
Tiled pans require maintenance and will be the first part of your bath renovation to fail.
How do you cut down any porcelain tile into smaller tiles for a shower pan installation? Can you explain how this process is done Sabrina? Your a pro so explain who and how they are simply cutting down ceramic or porcelain tile into 2x2 squares? How are you dressing all the edges?
Even if it was stone which could be done but do you know what the cost would be with the associated waste? You might want to look at modern pans of better quality before you say they are tacky.
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Colored concrete shower base?
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