Old Castle Renovations Blog

Minimizing Grout … a might be Strategy in Shower Design

Recently in a bathroom design article it read that no matter how often, thoroughly, with what cleaning product or products, grout in bathrooms dulls, greys and shows its age. So one designer chose to use grey grout in a tone on tone approach to minimize the signs of use, wear and tear in the tiled shower. Another way to do battle with grout may be to minimize the amount of grouting altogether.

Trends in shower tile design seem to be showing increasingly larger sizes of individual tiles, panels of seamless granite or marble, and use of a one-piece shower base in lieu of tiled shower floors.

Rectangular tiles, in a range of colours, in materials such as glass and porcelain that are less prone to chipping, are available from 4-inch by 4-inch squares up to large format tiles in the 15-inch by 30-inch range. Ceramic and porcelain tiles are being made larger - up to 48-inches long. Large format porcelain tiles on shower walls create a simple tile pattern with few grout lines. Depending on the material and quality of these large-sized tiles, they may be heavy and more difficult to install than smaller tiles, and require qualified and experienced installers. These larger tiles need flat, well prepared walls because of their size they are less forgiving of any curves, and the edges or corners might ‘stick out’, looking even and unprofessional.

Another option is panels of a cast polymer made using 75%+ natural marble dust mixed with a liquid polyester resin, and finished with a top layer of a sanitary gel coat. Sheets of large dimensions can be fabricated to provide attractive and durable shower walls. This material is non-porous and easy to maintain with only regular cleaning. Openings for recessed shelves can be wrapped with the same material, creating perfect places for shower products. Using sheets of this material can reduce all grout lines, and instead 1-2 corner seams needing a line of caulking and a line of beading around the top of a one-piece shower tray base, and its all done.

The practical details; what are the costs and potential implications for a bathroom renovation budget. In the mid-range, good-quality stone, ceramic, high-end porcelain or glass tile cost $7 to $18 per square foot; basic marbles $10-$20; slate and travertine $40 and more. For tile installation a general rule of thumb is to add 75% to 100% of the tile cost.

Marble dust-polymer panels run $19 to $26 per square foot and are available in a range of colors with veined, solid or granite looks. Standard panels widths range from 30-inch wide to 60-inch wide; custom panel widths can be ordered. Often renovators will contract out delivery and installation to the companies to ensure top quality finishing. Timing is a bit important and planning should include working back from an installation date with a 4-6 week time frame.

Preparation of the shower area for both tile and marble polymer sheets is relatively the same; framing (including shower rough in), recessed niche within shower, drywall and cement board, and plumbing, relocating and installation of shower fixtures. Either large-size tiles or marble dust-acrylic panels can be paired with one-piece shower trays or tubs depending on your family needs. One-piece shower base that include a seat are becoming very popular for both Baby Boomers and families with small children. This functional option, paired with a hand-held shower can simplify the bathing process and provide a modern look.

Shower wall panels usually last around 15 years before needing replacement; tiles will have a longer lifespan if they are re-grouted occasionally to keep things looking clean and bright. Tiles can be mixed and matched, follow curves and be fully customized. Wall panels or super large-size tiles will eliminate or minimize grout lines providing a seamless, simple shower design.

Old Castle Renovations is expert in custom tile and shower panel installation, to provide a bathroom renovation with a professional finish. Call Old Castle Renovations for a free quote.

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