Pebble tile shower floors or river rocks can be the best luxurious flooring materials for your bathroom. Elegant design, durability, waterproofing ability, and natural outlook make these flooring tiles fan favorites. Despite this, there are a few major pebble tile shower floor problems that you must be aware of. If the pebble floor or River rock tiles are not installed properly, it can hurt your feet.
The most common pebble tile shower floor problems are – high maintenance, not being friendly with hard water, limited lifespan, discoloration, etc.
So, are river rock shower floors worth installing or not? And the answer is, YES, as long as they are installed properly. However, the experts don’t casually say River rock shower floors are one of the best bathroom flooring materials. Shower room tiles should have a greater waterproofing ability, available in various shapes, sizes, and designs, and pebble shower floors perfectly fit such requirements.
In this article, we talk about pebble floor tiles’ benefits, disadvantages, and the right installation guide so that you don’t hurt yourself later. So keep reading this guide to know more about pebble tile shower floor problems.
10 Most Common Pebble Tile Shower Floor Problems
Many people have claimed about river rock shower floor problems. For example, pebble floors are hard to maintain, water-resistant (Not 100%), and need experts for installation. However, if you treat your river rock floor well and maintain them with solid hands, the problem may not be a headache.
Below are the common issues with pebble tiles or river rock shower floors.
#1 Needs for Lots of grouts
Grouts is a sticky glue used to join and seal tile gaps. It helps prevent the wiggling or moving of shower tiles in extended use. So grout is a normal thing that is used while installing tiles.
However, the problem is that pebble tiles or river rock shower floors take 2.5X more grout than regular tiles. As a result, it increases the installation cost and may cause numerous issues in the future.
For example, due to their overexposed nature, floors can start moving over time and let the water come inside the gaps. Additionally, the improper installation of grouts can also develop several underlying problems in pebble tiles.
If you or your plumber lack experience with these tile seals, the installation would be a tough task.
#2 Higher maintenance
Another pebble tile shower floor problem is it’s higher maintenance. River rock shower floors are known for their uneven surface. It means the pebble tiles design follows curves and rough surfaces over them. These patterns tend to build soap, hair, and mold over time. Hence, cleaning pebble shower floor is slightly hard than washing the normal types of floor.
Additionally, shower stones tend to move for long-term use and allow water to pass through the joints. The grouts and sealer may come out if not repaired timely and maintained in shape. That’s why Experts suggest regrouting and resealing the tiles once every week.
#3 Limited Lifespan
One of the river rock shower floor problems is its limited lifespan. As mentioned, River rock shower floors are more exposed to grouts and seals. That’s why they tend to wear and tear faster. Additionally, the tiles are highly influenced by pedal pressure, chemical use(like fabuloso works on laminate floors), water, and hard scrubbing.
Hence, the longevity of these tiles may reduce if not repaired and maintained regularly.
So, if you plan to choose tiles that last longer in minimum maintenance, river rock shower floors are not for you. But if you love these elegant tiles, don’t be discouraged. Just make sure you store grouts and seals regularly.
#4 Need an expert to install
This is one of the major reasons why people usually skip pebble tile shower floors. Inspecting the ground quality of your bathroom before installing pebble tiles is essential. Additionally, you need professional plumbers to perform complex DIY projects on the river rock shower floor.
You should ensure that there is no leakage or hard water source around the bathroom. Pebble tiles are very sensitive to this kind of environment. Lastly, installing a bed of mortar under the shower pan is recommended before placing the stone tiles.
#5 Problems in the drainage system
A poor drainage system is another pebble tile shower floor problem. As we know, pebble tiles are exposed to grouts and hardly stay in the joints for years. So they tend to loose over time due to pressure and exposure to detergent.
In this situation, water gets collected in joints and gaps of pebble tiles. In the future, this event can cause mildew. Additionally, the excess water does not pass through the drainage pipe as they keep stored.
The problem may not be obvious in cold weather, but people in hotter and more humid areas know the situation. You start scrubbing wherever the floor develops a white fungal coating on them. Ultimately, the process will make your floor more slippery on nude feet.
To avoid any damage, you have to clean the surface regularly or need to change tile.
#6 Not Friendly With Hard water
Hard water means that the liquid contains a large number of minerals. Hard water may offer moderate health benefits, but it’s not very friendly with pebble tiles.
High mineral water tends to build white powdery mold on the surface. Pebble tiles already have water retaining issues, so that additional build can leave more white deposits on your floor.
As a result, you need additional work to clean and maintain the tiles. You likely have to wash the floor regularly with non-toxic cleaning agents like vinegar. The problem is actually big and may consume a lot of your time.
#7 Tend to Discolor
River rock shower floors are known for their aesthetic design and elegant appearance. But many complain that their pebble tiles become discolored over time.
Sometimes our hard cleaning agent or scrubbing process can damage the upper surface. Additionally, there are chances of getting white deposits due on these tiles.
#8 Not Completely waterproof
It’s a hard truth that the grouts and pebbles are not 100% waterproof. Reality says the tiles are overexposed to grouts and seals. As a result, the continued pressure of your feet creates micro gaps under the tiles and joints. In the end, water finds space to enter your floor in the future.
That’s why it is essential to inspect rock flooring professionals. You should always ensure the gasp and seals are correctly joined to each other when in use.
#9 Not suitable For Bare Feet
The sharp curvy design gives pebble tiles an aesthetic look. But there is a big difference between floor visuals and how it feels on the feet. Some people have very soft skin, which can hurt your foot on the surface.
Additionally, the placement and joints of these tiles are essential. The casual approach to the installation can dislocate the tiles and cause painful walking on nude feet.
#10 Tend to Be Slippery
Grouts and seals play a vital role to make your River rock shower floor slippery or well grip. Too much filling or a thick layer of grouts can make the surface uncomfortable to walk on. Additionally, there are water retaining problems with these tiles. So it’s recommended not to walk barefoot on these shower floors.
Pebble shower floor pros & cons
You may be discouraged after hearing many negative comments on the River rock shower floor. But, don’t be negative. Installing pebble tiles shower floors have several benefits as well. For example, they are more affordable compared to normal floors. Gives an elegant and luxurious design.
Pebble tiles shower floor benefits
- Pebble tiles inexpensive than other shower tiles.
- Rock shower tiles are not quickly worn or scratched after a long time of use.
- Pebble tiles are readily available in various shapes, sizes, and designs.
- Gives a comfortness while showering.
- River rock shower floor is known for their elegant and aesthetic appearance in bathrooms
Pebble tiles shower floor problems
- Installation is a headache if you are not a professional.
- It is vital to keep the tiles sealed and well-shaped for longer use.
- Grout consumption is twice as in pebble tiles than in others.
- Higher maintenance costs.
- The surface became slippery if not clean or maintained timely
- Get easily influenced by hard water minerals
So, are pebble tile shower floors good?
When used correctly, the river rock shower floor is one of the best flooring materials. Various types, designs, and patterns are available for these pebble tiles. If you maintain the floor on time, the tiles can last approx 10-20 years. River rock shower floor has good style and delightful visuals in your bathroom. The durability and water resistance are sufficient for most bathrooms.
How do you take care of a river rock shower floor?
Now you know maintenance is vital to prevent common River rock shower floor problems. Cleaning and layering the grouts are critical factors for pebble flooring in bathrooms. Potent cleaning agents and hard scrubbing can damage your tiles, so be careful. So how should you take care of a river rock shower floor? Check out below.
- Your rock shower tiles may be marble, granite, or quartz, but cleaning is essential. So start washing at least once every week.
- Try to use a stone-safe cleaner and avoid applying strong cleaning chemicals.
- After each shower, ensure no shampoo or soap content leaves on the rock floors.
- Always dry the tiles after every shower, so use a microfiber cloth to remove excess compounds from the floor.
- Always use a toothbrush or soft nylon brush to clean exposed grouts and seals from your tiles. Perform the act once a week or when needed.
- Try to seal your tiles every six months. It is important for your rock shower surface.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
Is river rock good for shower floor?
River rock shower floor is one of the best flooring materials for the bathroom. It gives you an elegant design and a natural outlook on your space. However, it needs expert installation and requires regular maintenance.
Do you have to seal the river rock shower floor?
Yes, timely sealing and grouting of the rock tiles is essential. It helps to prevent wear and scratch on your shower floor.
How often should you seal a river rock shower floor?
Sealing the stone tiles at least once every six or twelve months is recommended.
Why is my pebble shower floor turning white?
Pebble shower flooring turns white if your surrounding has High humidity and extreme minerals in the water. To avoid white molds, you need to clean pebble floors regularly.
Does river rock hold moisture?
Yes, river rock retains heat and moisture over time. It is recommended to install these tiles in low-humidity areas.
Conclusion
So that’s all for the River rock shower floor and its common problems. We hope you get all the required answers for the topic. Remember, maintenance is constant and needs timely cleaning for these tiles.
They may tend to get damaged over time, but it’s not obvious if you’re aware of the challenges.
Now if you ask, Are they worth considering? It depends. If you want a set and leave flooring tiles, the pebble is not for you. These tiles are designed to add elegant and natural visuals to your shower room. The water-resisting ability may not be perfect but it’s enough with timely fixing.
