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?
So, we spoke again with the plumber and also with the tiler.
From what I understand, the 600 EUR is just the additional cost (!) for the materials compared to a centrally located point drain solution.
Allegedly due to accessories, cover, more piping, hair strainer, more stainless steel...
I believe it is a channel drain by "Tece."
I still don’t quite see the justification for it; it’s more than a month’s basic rent...
At the same time, I asked the tiler to prepare quotes for 1. mosaic tiles, 2. large-format tiles on the shower floor (each with a central drain), and 3. wood-look planks (then with a channel drain), where he has less cutting to do.
I’m curious what comes out of it. He already said the last option is the cheapest and also his recommendation.
From what I understand, the 600 EUR is just the additional cost (!) for the materials compared to a centrally located point drain solution.
Allegedly due to accessories, cover, more piping, hair strainer, more stainless steel...
I believe it is a channel drain by "Tece."
I still don’t quite see the justification for it; it’s more than a month’s basic rent...
At the same time, I asked the tiler to prepare quotes for 1. mosaic tiles, 2. large-format tiles on the shower floor (each with a central drain), and 3. wood-look planks (then with a channel drain), where he has less cutting to do.
I’m curious what comes out of it. He already said the last option is the cheapest and also his recommendation.