A tile shower floor shall slope to the drain at how many inches per foot?

The correct specification for the slope of a tile shower floor is 1/4 inch per foot. This slope is crucial as it ensures proper drainage, preventing water from pooling on the shower floor, which can lead to slips, falls, and mold growth.

A slope of 1/4 inch per foot strikes the right balance; it is steep enough to facilitate effective water flow towards the drain without being overly steep, which could make the surface uncomfortable and less safe for users. Building codes and plumbing standards typically establish this measurement to ensure functionality and safety in bathroom design.

In contrast, other options such as 1/2 inch or 1 inch would create a significantly steeper incline, which might not only be difficult to walk on but could also lead to rapid drainage that might not allow for proper water distribution across the surface, potentially leading to splashes or overspills. A slope of 3/8 inch, while slightly more than the standard, does not align with the commonly accepted norm for optimal drainage in tile showers. Thus, the specification of 1/4 inch per foot is the widely recommended standard.