Hello forum,
Here’s the situation:
We want to install wood-effect tiles in our bathroom (about 10m² (108 sq ft)). Specifically, the Etic Pallissandro tiles (dark brown).
We were also planning to use them in our walk-in shower (100 x 140 cm (39 x 55 inches)).
At the time, we agreed with our sanitary supplier on a centered, round drain. We didn’t think much of it, just assumed “yes, that works, let’s move on to the important stuff.” After all, it’s just a drain.
Our tiler recently told us that with long, narrow tiles—as is usually the case with wood-effect tiles—he would advise against a centered, round drain, because you end up with a lot of ugly (especially diagonal) grout lines to achieve the slope. It looks bad and is costly.
He said: either mosaic tiles, 5 x 5 cm (2 x 2 inches) (which don’t require diagonal grout lines), or large-format tiles (which only need about four grout lines and look better overall).
Or, of course, we could choose a linear shower drain installed at the end of the shower floor. This way, the entire shower floor can be sloped properly, even with wood-effect tiles, without diagonal grout lines.
Inquiry with the sanitary supplier revealed: a 600 EUR surcharge if we switch from the centered drain to the linear drain. Unbelievable!
Since we don’t find that reasonable, we want to stick with the centered drain.
Our tile dealer says the only large-format tiles available (100 x 100 cm (39 x 39 inches)) are cement-effect, which doesn’t go well with the wood look (we tried it, really doesn’t match).
We were also advised against mosaics because they have even more grout lines, which are harder to clean and where dirt accumulates.
The last alternative would be a shallow ceramic shower tray again, but that will probably be even more expensive.
Do you see any other options, or what would you do?
Is mosaic really that bad when it comes to maintenance?
Here’s the situation:
We want to install wood-effect tiles in our bathroom (about 10m² (108 sq ft)). Specifically, the Etic Pallissandro tiles (dark brown).
We were also planning to use them in our walk-in shower (100 x 140 cm (39 x 55 inches)).
At the time, we agreed with our sanitary supplier on a centered, round drain. We didn’t think much of it, just assumed “yes, that works, let’s move on to the important stuff.” After all, it’s just a drain.
Our tiler recently told us that with long, narrow tiles—as is usually the case with wood-effect tiles—he would advise against a centered, round drain, because you end up with a lot of ugly (especially diagonal) grout lines to achieve the slope. It looks bad and is costly.
He said: either mosaic tiles, 5 x 5 cm (2 x 2 inches) (which don’t require diagonal grout lines), or large-format tiles (which only need about four grout lines and look better overall).
Or, of course, we could choose a linear shower drain installed at the end of the shower floor. This way, the entire shower floor can be sloped properly, even with wood-effect tiles, without diagonal grout lines.
Inquiry with the sanitary supplier revealed: a 600 EUR surcharge if we switch from the centered drain to the linear drain. Unbelievable!
Since we don’t find that reasonable, we want to stick with the centered drain.
Our tile dealer says the only large-format tiles available (100 x 100 cm (39 x 39 inches)) are cement-effect, which doesn’t go well with the wood look (we tried it, really doesn’t match).
We were also advised against mosaics because they have even more grout lines, which are harder to clean and where dirt accumulates.
The last alternative would be a shallow ceramic shower tray again, but that will probably be even more expensive.
Do you see any other options, or what would you do?
Is mosaic really that bad when it comes to maintenance?
N
nordanney27 Aug 2018 13:57sco0ter schrieb:
The tiler cuts mosaic tiles from all the leftover pieces, including wall tiles, which there will certainly be, in 5x5cm (2x2 inch) sizes and then installs them Using leftover mosaic might work for small areas, but on a large surface, it will look poor because you’ll have hundreds of cut edges. It’s a completely different quality compared to purchased mosaic tiles.
Otus11 schrieb:
For 100 x 140 cm (39 x 55 inch), there is only one well-known manufacturer:
Bette floor.
Including plumbing and built-in carrier easily around 1,500... Do you think it will be that expensive? Both the toilet and the carrier seem to be in a normal price range (probably together still under €1,000).
For me, that would definitely be a good alternative, especially since there are plenty of different colors to choose from.
nordanney schrieb:
Using mosaic made from leftovers might work for small areas, but on a larger surface it will look bad because you end up with hundreds of cut edges. It’s a completely different quality compared to purchased mosaic.I asked two tile suppliers about mosaic: both said they would custom make it by selecting a few tiles and cutting them into smaller pieces.
Isn’t it the same quality whether they cut it or the tiler does it?
So, regarding the mosaic made from leftovers, you really should ask for the full price, and honestly, I don’t find that very appealing.
Otherwise, ask about a linear drain and check with the tiler for a discount due to the simpler installation.
In general, I do like mosaic tiles – I have them myself – but I chose them to match the floor tiles exactly. We also have very soft water here, so a simple rinse is sufficient. I find that mosaic tiles provide extra grip for your feet. I’ve definitely showered in hotels with large tiles where I was much more cautious than in my own shower.
Otherwise, ask about a linear drain and check with the tiler for a discount due to the simpler installation.
In general, I do like mosaic tiles – I have them myself – but I chose them to match the floor tiles exactly. We also have very soft water here, so a simple rinse is sufficient. I find that mosaic tiles provide extra grip for your feet. I’ve definitely showered in hotels with large tiles where I was much more cautious than in my own shower.
At that time, we also wanted a "standard" drain in the center. We never even got to the question of tiles because the plumber simply installed a linear drain. Supposedly it was a mistake, but we were told to be happy since there was no extra charge due to the incorrect delivery. Now I get frustrated almost every day with that darn thing. It clogs all the time and is a nightmare to clean. In my opinion, the drain is far too small.
In the guest bathroom, we have a shower with a regular drain with mosaic tiles, and it works perfectly. Without the mosaic, though, it really wouldn’t have worked—it would have looked quite poor. That’s why we specifically searched for and found tiles that matched the mosaic. 🙂
In the guest bathroom, we have a shower with a regular drain with mosaic tiles, and it works perfectly. Without the mosaic, though, it really wouldn’t have worked—it would have looked quite poor. That’s why we specifically searched for and found tiles that matched the mosaic. 🙂
sco0ter schrieb:
Does the tiler cut mosaic tiles from all the leftover tiles, including wall tiles that will probably be available, into 5x5cm (2x2 inches) pieces and then install those?Sharp edges look poor and can be somewhat hazardous.
Bookstar schrieb:
Definitely a linear drain. A 600 (24 inches) surcharge is nonsense; it can be done more cheaply.We paid about the same (around 450 before 5 years).
What a pain, I agree with @kaho674... you constantly have to lift the drain cover to remove hair. Happens at least every third shower 🙁
Maybe this helps:
- For mosaic tiles (many grout lines), you can use a dispersion-based grout -> This allows for significantly easier cleaning compared to cement-based grout.
- Mosaic tiles cut by tile suppliers have the same quality as purchased mosaic sheets – however, purchased mosaic usually comes on 30x30 cm (12x12 inch) sheets, which makes installation much easier. Loose tiles are a huge puzzle and especially require a patient tiler. If the tiler is in a hurry, the result will look bad.
- Linear drain -> €600 (about $650) extra charge: It’s a bit of a premium option, but definitely not overpriced. The drain system alone quickly costs between €250-400 (about $270-430) without extras. On top of that, there are more complex waterproofing measures, redesign of the drainage, and possibly additional contractor fees due to this special request.
- A point drain in the center is indeed something you have to get used to, as you are constantly standing in kind of a small depression.
- Point drains are also available near the edge, but not from all manufacturers. This might be an option. I could ask for the manufacturer’s name if needed.
- For mosaic tiles (many grout lines), you can use a dispersion-based grout -> This allows for significantly easier cleaning compared to cement-based grout.
- Mosaic tiles cut by tile suppliers have the same quality as purchased mosaic sheets – however, purchased mosaic usually comes on 30x30 cm (12x12 inch) sheets, which makes installation much easier. Loose tiles are a huge puzzle and especially require a patient tiler. If the tiler is in a hurry, the result will look bad.
- Linear drain -> €600 (about $650) extra charge: It’s a bit of a premium option, but definitely not overpriced. The drain system alone quickly costs between €250-400 (about $270-430) without extras. On top of that, there are more complex waterproofing measures, redesign of the drainage, and possibly additional contractor fees due to this special request.
- A point drain in the center is indeed something you have to get used to, as you are constantly standing in kind of a small depression.
- Point drains are also available near the edge, but not from all manufacturers. This might be an option. I could ask for the manufacturer’s name if needed.
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