A New Tile Shower in Flourtown, PA
A Bathroom that Feels Modern Yet Tied to the Home’s History
When a Flourtown homeowner asked CT Tile & Remodeling to replace an old bathtub with a freestanding tiled shower—while saving the original hardwood floor—we knew the result needed to be beautiful and careful to respect the house’s character.
This featured project combined hand-finished zellige tile on the walls, penny tiles on the shower floor, and a sliding glass door for an open, elegant look. To make the shower more functional, we also added corner shelves for storage without interrupting the clean lines of the tile. The update was a partial bathroom remodel completed in six days, and included tricky plumbing work typical of an 1800’s home.
Why Zellige + Penny Tiles Work So Well Together
Zellige’s subtle, hand-glazed texture gives shower walls depth and warmth—perfect for a space that needs to feel calm and timeless. Penny tiles on the floor add traction and a classic, tailored look that reads beautifully alongside hardwood flooring. Together with built-in corner shelves for soaps and shampoos, the combination is practical (durable, waterproof when installed correctly) and visually striking—especially when paired with clean, frameless glass doors that let the tile do the talking.
The Process: From Bathtub to Modern Tiled Shower
Replacing a small tub with a spacious tiled shower in an older home involves more than picking pretty tile. For this Flourtown remodel we focused on:
✔ Careful demo and preservation. The original hardwood outside the shower was preserved and protected throughout the project.
✔ Plumbing solutions for older homes. Because the house’s plumbing and crooked walls posed challenges, we prioritized water-tight solutions and smart routing so the new shower would perform for decades to come.
✔ Waterproofing and substrate prep. Proper waterproofing and substrate preparation are non-negotiable for longevity.
✔ Smart storage. Built-in corner shelves provide functional storage while blending seamlessly with the shower’s design.
✔ Fast, focused timeline. The project was completed in just six days without cutting corners on quality.
Before (small bathtub)
During (shower floor - penny tiles)
During (setting shower wall tiles)
Challenges We Solved
Older homes are full of character—and hidden headaches. On this job, the crooked walls and dated plumbing required on-the-spot problem solving: shimming and leveling where needed, custom tile cuts to make patterns flow, and plumbing work that respected the home’s structure. By integrating corner shelving directly into the tilework, we maximized function without sacrificing aesthetics. The result: a shower that looks custom-made for the house, not just a standard remodel.
The Results (and why they matter)
Our client summed it up: “Catalin was so friendly and easy to work with, always had open lines of communication, and obviously knows his stuff! Him and his partner showed up promptly every day, worked hard consistently, and finished on time. They transformed our 1800's bathroom which is notoriously hard because all the walls are crooked. He gave suggestions and advice when needed. His Flourtown showroom is very nice also. 10/10 would recommend. Thank you CT Tile!”
That kind of feedback matters because homeowners hiring a tile contractor aren’t just hiring skill—they’re hiring reliability, communication, and respect for their home.
Quick Tips for Homeowners Considering a Tub-to-Shower Swap In and Around Flourtown, PA
Keep original flooring? Make sure your contractor protects and plans for this from day one!
Ask about waterproofing membranes and substrate prep—these are worth the investment for long-term reliability.
Choose shower-floor tiles with enough texture for traction (penny tiles are a smart choice).
If the house is old, expect plumbing surprises; hire an expert that’s familiar with old homes and routing plumbing.
See It In Person (+ get a free estimate)
Want to see the exact tile, grout, waterproofing materials, and sliding glass doors used in this project? Visit our Flourtown showroom or request a free estimate—our team will talk through options, timelines, and a clear plan for your space.
