Suggestions for Shower and Floor Tile

11 years ago

I have finally decided on the vanity to use for my master bath. It's the Ronbow Torino vanity in antique black with a white carrara marble counter top. I am going for a classic traditional look with touches of bling from polished chrome fixtures, chrome medicine cabinets and sconces

Because we have well water and may have rust stain issues I do not want to use classic white subway tile, even though I love the look. Instead I planned to use gray colored subway tiles to complement the vanity/countertop. It has been hard trying to find the right gray colored tile, but I think I found it. I am having a hard time finding a floor tile that also comes in 2x2 hex for the shower floor.

A few questions:

- Is gray subway tile "cheap" looking? A salesman at the tile store kinda hinted that to me. He was pushing for the classic white.
- Am I overreacting about white subway tile /silver gray grout staining from rust? The salesman said that staining shouldn't be an issue at all because the tile is ceramic and you can seal the grout. My old white ceramic tile has an orange tinge to it, but we have since put in a water softener to hopefully fix that issue, but no guarantees.
- Any suggestions for the floor/shower floor tile? I want to use porcelain tile instead of natural stone so staining won't be a big issue. I'm having a hard time since the carrara countertop will have movement in it and i need something not too busy,.

Thank you! I am hoping to put in my vanity, fixture and tile orders next week....and then the renovation fun/stress begins!

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Comments (6)

hobokenkitchen
11 years ago
I hear you on the well water - we are too and just got our water softener up and running.
Here's my take - stains are going to show up on whatever tile you get. There's really no hiding them so I say get what you love and just keep on top of the stains before they stick!
Your vanity is lovely - look forward to seeing the finished result!
TSG1104
11 years ago
I don't think grey subway will look cheap at all. I think the right shade of grey could look really great with the carrara marble top.

We used a 2" hex tile from Daltile for our powder room. We did go with a bisque/off white, but I seem to recall that it was available in a pretty good range of colors and I think they would have plenty of other tile sizes available in those same colors for the floor.
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pricklypearcactus
11 years ago
In general I absolutely do not think grey subway tile would look cheap. Was the salesman pushing for a different brand? I think it's possible that one brand of subway tile can look cheap in comparison to another.

Sorry I don't have any specific suggestions for floor tile. I would recommend getting a sample of the grey subway you like and taking it around to a variety of tile stores. Don't feel pushed to buy all of the tile from one location, as each tile store may carry different products.
claireanne
11 years ago
I recall you mentioned ordering your bath fixtures from Quality Bath. Just wanted to ask you about your experience, as I was going to call them tomorrow.

Could you send me your email addy via my member page. It looks like we're on the same wavelength, my black vanity is sitting in the garage and it looks like we'll start our job around the same time.
motherof3inct
Original Author
11 years ago
claireanne- I received my bathroom accessories without a problem. Ordered then in Weds and received the shipment the following Thurs, packaged well. I am still waiting on vanities. I sent an email to my salesperson, Jack, this morning for status. Hope all goes well. I will let you know. Good luck with your reno! Keep me posted and I will do the same!
motherof3inct
Original Author
11 years ago
My vanities were shipped today. Yippee! TIhere is a little mixup with delivery date but Jack from QualityBath has assured me that it isnt an issue. I have full confidence that everything will be taken care of. I am very excited for my 2 renovation to begin.