The pebble shower floor has long been popular with homeowners who prefer to get creative with interior design ideas. The shower is a sacred space for many of us, and a plain white plastic floor just won’t cut it for some. Thankfully, there are many ways to spice up your shower, including the pebble shower floor.

Let’s look at some pros and cons of a pebble shower floor, as well as some ideas you might like to experiment with in your bathroom.


Benefits of Pebble Shower Floor Design

One of the best things about using a pebble shower floor design is the fact that they are so easy to install. While the process might seem complicated, all you need are a few basic tools and the patience to complete the process.

Another major benefit of installing a pebble shower floor is how it feels on your feet. You might expect a shower floor made from pebbles and stones to be bumpy or even painful on the feet, but this is not the case.

For starters, the pebbles used are sanded down to feel completely smooth to the touch. Some homeowners even prefer the feel of pebbles to that of laminate flooring or tile floors. They are also set into the floor low enough that all you feel are the tops of them, rather than stepping on a bumpy surface.

The surfaces of the stones are very resistant to slipping as well, despite being smooth to the touch. This benefits anyone who wants to prevent injuries from slipping and falling in the shower, especially the elderly.

Of course, you cannot talk about the benefits of a pebble shower floor without mentioning how incredibly beautiful they are. It is hard to imagine a more beautiful shower floor than one filled with stones and pebbles.

A well-done pebble shower floor has a very natural look and can make you feel like you are taking a shower under a waterfall in the great outdoors.


Pebble Shower Floor Design Ideas

Explore some of our favorite pebble shower floor ideas in the dropdown sections below:

If you want to give your pebble shower floor an urban vibe, consider a design that mimics cobblestone pathways found in cities.

It pairs well with marble for an urban twist on your pebble shower floor.

The Magnolia Modern trend pairs various sizes and colors of pebbles against a light floor for high contrast.

Magnolia Modern features pebbles of differing sizes and colors set into light-colored flooring. It pairs especially well with glass-door showers and well-lit bathrooms. Natural wood cabinets are a nice complement, too.

Pebble shower floors are not always limited to just the flooring. You can also set stones and pebbles into the walls. Take this shower with light brown pebbles, for instance. Including a wall of pebbles can totally change the dynamic of your shower.

Try putting pebbles in the floor as well as in a vertical pattern going up the wall behind your showerhead. The single strip of pebbles adds character to the shower walls without overpowering the surrounding material.

A contemporary design for fans of the modern aesthetic. Oval stones are preferred here, as well as plenty of natural light and some nice, neutral colors in the space. Walk-in showers work best with this design.

Small white pebbles with multi-colored surrounding tile can turn a shower with less square footage into an interesting experience that feels bigger than it is.

This wooden shower bench perfectly complements the neutral-colored pebble floor and brings life to an otherwise tame color scheme.

Dark pebbles set into a travertine floor in a corner shower. Combining white walls, glass doors, or both with dark-colored pebbles makes for a beautiful corner shower contrast.

River rock shower floor with beautiful brick walls. Setting river rock stones into the floor of your corner shower with beige brick walls creates a calm, serene shower environment.

A walk-in shower with a pebble floor. This variation on the walk-in shower is perfect for slender showers and complements a nearby tile mosaic wall quite well.

Opt for natural shades of brown and orange on your walls, mimicking traditional Asian design, along with a natural bench built into the wall for an Asian-inspired pebble shower floor.


So, Is a Pebble Shower Floor Right for You?

A pebble shower floor can be a great way to add natural beauty and a custom look to your bathroom. The pebble floor offers a nice contrast to sleek surfaces like glass, metal, and tile. It also has a soothing feel underfoot that some homeowners prefer over hard tile.

The installation process does require some tiling experience, so a DIY pebble floor is not for everyone. You’ll also need to commit to careful maintenance to prevent dirt and grime from accumulating in crevices. 

Today’s Homeowner Tips

I recommend professional installation if you want flawless results. Overall, a pebble shower floor makes sense if you’re willing to put in the effort to properly maintain it. The natural look and therapeutic feel underfoot make it a worthwhile upgrade for many homeowners. 

Get Free Estimates from Bathroom Remodeling Experts
Typical Price Range: $2,000 – $18,000

FAQs About Pebble Shower Floors

How much does a pebble shower floor cost?

A DIY pebble shower floor costs $3 to $7 per square foot for materials. However, hiring a pro to install it typically costs $10 to $20 per square foot. Most showers are between 25 and 36 square feet, so the total cost of a pebble shower floor ranges from $750 to $1,500 DIY or $2,500 to $5,000 hired out.


What maintenance is required for a pebble shower floor?

You must routinely sweep pebbles to prevent dirt buildup. Monthly cleanings with an enzymatic tile cleaner keep soap scum and mildew at bay. I also recommend resealing the pebbles every one to two years, maintaining water resistance. Avoid harsh chemicals that can discolor stones.


How long does a pebble shower floor last?

With proper installation and maintenance, a pebble shower floor lasts 10 to 15 years before needing renovations. Improper sealing and cleaning shorten life span. Keeping pebbles sealed and preventing grime buildup is key to durability.


Can you install radiant heating under a pebble shower floor?

Yes, you can install electric radiant heating mats or hydronic piping under most pebble shower floors. This lets you enjoy a radiant, heated floor during your morning showers alongside the beauty of pebble flooring. An electrician or plumber should handle the radiant heat system installation.


Are pebble shower floors slippery?

Pebble floors are textured to provide grip underfoot, especially when properly sealed. However, soap scum buildup can make them slippery. Routinely cleaning pebbles prevents slippery conditions. I also recommend adding adhesive anti-slip mats to provide extra traction.


Editorial Contributors
avatar for Jonathon Jachura

Jonathon Jachura

Contributor

Jonathon Jachura is a two-time homeowner with hands-on experience with HVAC, gutters, plumbing, lawn care, pest control, and other aspects of owning a home. He is passionate about home maintenance and finding the best services. His main goal is to educate others with crisp, concise descriptions that any homeowner can use. Jon uses his strong technical background to create engaging, easy-to-read, and informative guides. He does most of his home and lawn projects himself but hires professional companies for the “big things.” He knows what goes into finding the best service providers and contractors. Jon studied mechanical engineering at Purdue University in Indiana and worked in the HVAC industry for 12 years. Between his various home improvement projects, he enjoys the outdoors, a good cup of coffee, and spending time with his family.

Learn More

photo of Amy DeYoung

Amy DeYoung

Contributor

Amy DeYoung has a passion for educating and motivating homeowners to improve their lives through home improvement projects and preventative measures. She is a content writer and editor specializing in pest control, moving, window, and lawn/gardening content for Today’s Homeowner. Amy utilizes her own experience within the pest control and real estate industry to educate readers. She studied business, communications, and writing at Arizona State University.

Learn More