Comparing Tile Shower Designs vs. Innovative Alternatives

Tile has long been the default material when it comes to bathroom remodels, especially in the shower. With a wide variety of patterns, colors, and layouts, traditional tile offers flexibility and aesthetic appeal that’s hard to beat. Until now! 

Better alternatives like KOHLER_® LuxStone_® offer a smarter solution to common tile drawbacks. In this article, we’ll compare tile shower designs with modern options like LuxStone to help you decide what best fits your space and lifestyle preferences.

The Appeal of Traditional Tile Shower Designs

Tile is one of the most versatile materials in interior design. It allows for complete customization, whether you’re going for timeless subway tile or a more adventurous mosaic arrangement. 

Popular Walk-In Shower Tile Ideas:

• Large-format tiles for a sleek, modern look
• Vertical tile orientation to elongate smaller spaces
• Contrasting grout lines for bold visual impact
• Mosaic accents for texture and focal points

Tile lets you express creativity, which is one reason it continues to be a go-to choice. But it’s not without its challenges.

Common Drawbacks of Shower Tile

While tile looks beautiful initially, it comes with long-term upkeep that many homeowners find frustrating.

Challenges of Tile Shower Installations:

• Grout Maintenance: Grout can become discolored, mold-prone, or even cracked over time.
• Installation Time: Tile installation can take several days or weeks, depending on the complexity.
• Durability Concerns: Tiles can chip or loosen, especially in high-use showers.
• Water Resistance: If improperly installed, water can seep behind tiles, leading to mold or structural issues.

For those prioritizing ease of maintenance and long-term reliability, the shine of tile may wear off quickly.

LuxStone: A Smarter Alternative to Traditional Tile

KOHLER LuxStone offers a modern upgrade for those looking to move beyond traditional tile shower designs. Though it replicates the beauty of tile, it avoids common drawbacks like grout maintenance, fragile materials, and extended installation times.

How LuxStone Stands Out:

• Tile-Inspired Patterns: Designs like Calacatta Crema or White Brick offer the look of tile without the upkeep.
• No Grout Lines: LuxStone walls are grout-free, making cleaning simple and eliminating mold growth.
• Durable Composition: Made from crushed stone and other natural materials, LuxStone is built to last.
• Fast Installation: LuxStone can be installed by KOHLER professionals in as little as a day.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Here’s how tile and LuxStone stack up across key categories:

Shower Base: Tile-Ready vs. Low-Threshold Options

The base of your shower plays a critical role in water containment, safety, and overall design flow. While tile-ready shower pans offer flexibility for fully customized tile floors, they come with certain trade-offs.

Tile-ready pans require precise tile placement and waterproofing to avoid long-term issues like leaks or grout deterioration. The result can be visually stunning, but maintenance is key, especially when grout lines are involved on horizontal surfaces that take daily wear.

On the other hand, Kohler’s low-threshold shower bases offer a ready-to-install alternative that blends form and function. 

These bases feature a:

• Sleek, low-profile entry
• Built-in textured flooring for slip resistance
• Raised perimeter to contain water 

If you’re aiming for a fully tiled floor and don’t mind the upkeep, a tile-ready pan still holds aesthetic appeal. But for a stable, quicker, and lower-maintenance option, Kohler’s low-threshold shower base may better align with your daily needs.

When to Choose Tile

Tile is still a great fit for those who:

• Want complete customization from layout to color to grout shade
• Enjoy the DIY aspect of shower remodeling
• Are willing to commit to routine upkeep and regrouting
• Prefer a handcrafted aesthetic

When to Consider LuxStone

LuxStone is ideal for those who:

• Want a polished, modern look without ongoing maintenance
• Have limited time for a lengthy renovation
• Need a more durable and water-resistant option
• Are remodeling with lasting quality and functionality in mind 

Plus, LuxStone can be paired with other KOHLER products like the low-threshold Walk-In Bath or frameless glass shower doors for a cohesive and upscale shower system.

The Right Shower Starts with the Right Material

There’s no single right answer when choosing between tile and modern alternatives. It depends on your preferences, your time, and how much maintenance you’re willing to take on.

If you love experimenting with layout and material combinations, tile shower designs offer endless freedom. But if you want the elegance of tile without the scrubbing, sealing, and installation delays, LuxStone is a smart upgrade worth exploring.

Ready to start designing your new shower? Take Kohler’s Shower Style Quiz or schedule a free consultation to see how LuxStone can help bring your shower goals to life.