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Natural stone floors, especially pebble-style tiling, are one of the least slippery options for a shower floor. Natural stone has a texture to reduce slickness, and pebble-shaped tiles add more visual and textural contrast while reducing slippage. Vinyl tiles are also designed with anti-slip texture for added safety. If you have a slippery tile, be sure to add a grippy shower mat to reduce the risk of falls.

The underlayment determines a ceramic tile’s sturdiness, and a cement board or backer board works best. Be sure to tape the joints when using these materials, and consider laying it on top of a layer of thin-set for more stability.

Yes, it’s possible to cut tile without a wet saw; instead, you can use an angle grinder, a glass cutter, a snap cutter, tile nippers, or a rotary tool with a tile-cutting blade. A manual tile cutter or snap cutter works well for the larger tiles that wet saws are typically used for, while smaller projects might just require nippers or a glass cutting wheel. If you’re working with large quantities of tile, however, power tools are best.

The lifespan of bathroom tile can be 50 years or more, depending on proper installation and regular maintenance. A well-done tile job, whether it's a new installation or a retiling project, can last for many decades. To lengthen the life of your tile, it's best to have it installed by a professional and to perform regular maintenance. This includes routine cleaning, resealing, and regrouting as needed. With proper care, you can expect your tile to last 10 years or more before needing major repairs or retiling, especially in high-traffic areas where tiles can wear out more quickly.