Using natural stone in a shower can create a luxurious and timeless look, but is it the right choice? Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons:
Pros:
- Aesthetic Appeal: Natural stone, like marble, granite, or travertine, has unique patterns and colors that can enhance the beauty of your shower, creating a high-end, sophisticated look.
- Value: Natural stone can add value to your home due to its upscale appearance and perceived quality.
- Variety: There’s a wide range of natural stones available, each with its own texture and color, allowing for customization and unique designs.
- Heat Retention: Stones like granite and marble retain heat well, which can make your shower feel warmer and more comfortable, especially in colder climates.
Cons:
- Maintenance: Natural stone requires regular sealing to protect against stains and moisture damage. This maintenance can be more involved compared to synthetic materials.
- Cost: Natural stone tends to be more expensive than many other materials, both in terms of the initial purchase and installation costs.
- Porosity: Some stones, such as travertine or limestone, are more porous and can absorb water, leading to potential issues with mold or mildew if not properly sealed and maintained.
- Slip Resistance: Certain stones can be slippery when wet, which could be a safety concern. Textured or honed finishes can help improve traction, but they might not be as smooth or visually appealing as polished surfaces.
- Installation Complexity: Installing natural stone can be more complex and labor-intensive than other materials, often requiring a professional with experience working with stone.
- Stain Sensitivity: Some stones, like marble, are prone to staining from acidic substances like citrus or certain cleaning products, so you need to be cautious with what you use in the shower.
Our Take: A More Sustainable Alternative
In our opinion, the cons outweigh the pros when it comes to putting natural stone in wet areas. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have a gorgeous space with a luxurious stone feel. There are plenty of beautiful materials that mimic the appearance of marble, but without all the downsides. Instead of going with marble or quartzite, we recommend porcelain or quartz. Both porcelain and quartz have much higher durability, while still looking gorgeous. Take a look at these beautiful showers!
Porcelain & Quartz
Due to its durability, stain & slip resistance, temperature tolerance, and variety of styles, porcelain is one of the most popular and practical choices for showers. This beautiful shower remodel uses “Sterlina” by Emser Tile and features “Aldino” quartz benches.
Porcelain
This stunning shower is entirely porcelain called “Parkview” by Emser Tile.
Full Quartz
If tile isn’t your taste, you can elevate your shower with full quartz walls. This quartz shower wall is installed in a vignette in our showroom!
You can browse the exquisite styles from some of our most trusted trade partners. Central Surfaces is our go-to supplier for quartz, and Emser is our favorite for tile. Take a look at all the amazing options, and while you are dreaming about your new bathroom remodel, let us help you put it into motion!
Our designers are an incredible asset to helping our clients decide which materials are best for any project. Schedule a consultation today to see which stone is the right option for your space.