DIY Inexpensive Pebble Floor in a Shower

Combine Tiles

• Create a combination shower floor with pebble tiles and another type of stone or ceramic. One idea is to create a center square design of pebble tiles. The amount of tiles will vary, depending on the size of your shower floor and the chosen pebble tiles. Pair the pebble tiles with another type of tile for a border. Reserve one extra tile to cut pebbles from and design corner pebble features to unify the look. Or cut the pebble tiles into strips and have them installed in between white ceramic tiles for a visually-appealing, spa-inspired design.

Ceramic and Pebbles

• If you have a budget for the entire shower, consider cutting costs on one other element to cover the cost of a pebble tile floor. For instance, you might not want to cut costs on the shower head, but you can install an inexpensive white ceramic tile on the walls of the shower stall to cover a slight splurge on the pebble floor. Add pebble accents elsewhere in the bathroom to tie the space together. For instance, use a small decorative bowl or platter to hold a small collection of larger pebbles.

Pebble Border

• Cut down the cost of the shower floor by installing a pebble border around large-scale slate or ceramic tiles. The larger the tile, the less grouting is involved, which means you can get a better installation price from your contractor. Border pebble tiles are available in a range of styles and colors and come in a thin, manicured band to ensure clean lines between the border and the main tile. One idea is to add a three-sided border, leaving the entry border free. Unify the look by adding the same type of border at eye-level in the shower stall.

Discount Pebbles

• If you are not in a hurry to get the job done, browse hardware stores, tile shops and online sources and keep your eye out for sales. Look for discontinued pebble tiles as the prices are often slashed when supplies get low. As the shower floor is a small space to cover, you might be able to find leftover quantities from commercial projects. If you are doing your entire bathroom in stone and tile, don't be afraid to ask for a discount.