Ceramic Tile

• Ceramic tile adheres to properly prepared concrete shower floors. Before applying ceramic tile, homeowners should inspect the concrete floor to ensure structural stability and quality; floor surfaces should be even and free of large cracks and holes. Additionally, if a concrete shower floor shows evidence of seepage, homeowners should address drainage issues before installing tile. Tile setters typically attach ceramic tile to concrete shower floors with a bed of thin-set mortar. Importantly, tiles and grout exposed to water must receive proper sealing.
  
  

Natural Stone Tile

• Like ceramic tiles, tile setters often attach natural stone tiles to concrete shower floors in a bed of mortar. Natural stone tiles are considerably more expensive than ceramic tiles and generally considered more attractive. Many natural stone tiles feature complex patterns and color combinations. Common varieties of natural stone used in showers include travertine, marble and granite. Importantly, natural stone stains and discolors unless properly sealed with waterproofing compounds.
  
  

Decorative Concrete Finishes

• Decorative concrete finishes include concrete paint, stain, etching and stamping. Like wood paints and stains, concrete paints form an impermeable surface layer on concrete, and concrete stains penetrate the concrete floor's surface. Both paints and stains are available in a nearly endless variety of colors. The term "etching" generally refers to cutting or routing a hardened concrete surface to create decorative patterns. Etched patterns include faux tile and stone shapes. Alternatively, homeowners can resurface an existing concrete shower flower and apply stamps during the curing process. Essentially rubber pads lain across wet concrete, concrete stamps create patterns and shapes similar to etching.
  
  

Prefabricated Shower Pans

• Usually molded plastic or fiberglass, prefabricated shower pans are relatively inexpensive and easy to install. Manufacturers mold slopes and drain openings into the plastic or fiberglass form. However, commercially available shower pans are only available in predetermined, standard dimensions. To attach prefabricated shower pans to concrete floors, builders use construction adhesive or specially designed track-and-fastener systems.