If you are remodeling your bathroom or building a new one, deciding on the right materials is very important.
If your vision is to have a bathroom that is not just functional but also aesthetically pleasing and durable, natural stone is a very good choice.
When it comes to shower walls, the choice of material can dramatically influence the look and feel of the space.
In this article, I will be giving all the tips on choosing the best stone for shower walls. I will cover :
- Why Stone for Shower Walls?
- Key Factors to Consider
- Types of Stones for Shower Walls
- Pros & Cons of different stone shower walls
- Maintenance and Durability of different stones
- Shower wall Material alternative to Stone
- FAQs
The best stone for shower walls is quartzite.
Quartzite is one of the hardest natural stone material and is available in variety of colors.
It requires minimal maintenance. If sealed regularly, it lasts really long.
This Post is about the best stone for shower walls.
Why Stone for Shower Walls?
- Natural stones have always held a place of importance in interior design, particularly in bathroom design.
- Natural materials are available in a wide variety of colors.
- The unique patterns, hues, and textures of natural stone materials bring an element of the outdoors inside, creating a calming, spa-like environment.
- You can find the right material for almost any design preference and budget.
- One of the added benefit for using natural stone slabs on bathroom walls is that there are very minimal grout lines.
- This also means there is less cleaning efforts needed.
Key Factors to Consider:
When choosing the best stone for your shower walls, there are a few important factors to consider.
Durability and Maintenance
Stones vary in hardness and porosity, which can affect their durability and maintenance requirements.
Some stones may require regular sealing to prevent water damage and staining.
Cost
The cost of stone can vary significantly depending on the type, so consider your budget.
Keep in mind that while some options might be more affordable upfront, they may require more maintenance in the long run, adding to the overall cost.
Aesthetics
The look and feel of the stone are also crucial. You’ll want a stone that matches the style and color scheme of your bathroom.
Water Resistance
Given that shower walls are regularly exposed to water, the stone you choose needs to be water-resistant to prevent damage over time.
Types of Stones for Shower Walls
Natural Stones
Natural stones are a popular choice for bathroom showers.
Natural stone options have a unique beauty that brings a touch of elegance and luxury to any bathroom.
Marble Natural stone shower :
Marble is known for its luxurious appearance and unique veining patterns.
It’s a popular choice for high-end bathrooms.
Pros of using Marble:
- Marble is one of the best material if aesthetics is a high priority for you.
- The marble slabs are available in a lot of white color varieties.
- You can find Marble with cool whites and grey veining.
- There are marbles that are warm whites with warm golds as well.
- There is even black marble which is very popular called Nero Marquina.
- Marble showcases the elegance of natural stone.
If you are considering a unique pattern, marble should be your first choice for vertical slabs that are available in a book mach pattern. Every book match pattern gives a unique look.
Cons of Marble:
- Marble slabs can be expensive.
- The high grade of white marble can cost upto $150/SF just for the material itself.
- Marble is a porous stone. Marble being a natural stone needs sealing.
- Marble is also a soft material that means liquids can seep in easily.
- To ensure your walls are not ruined with moisture damage, you need to seal the marble periodically.
Quartzite Shower Walls:
Quartzite is a natural stone that is a popular material for kitchen counters. You can use quartzite for shower walls.
Pros of using Quartzite
- Quartzite is a very hard natural stone.
- It is available in a large variety of colors options.
- On one hand you can find quartzite with white and light colors with minimal veining.
- On the other hand, quartzite colors range from dark green, reds, blues and black with very dramatic veining.
You can read my article on : Most Popular quartzite countertops
- Since shower walls will be a very wet area with soap scum, sealing of quartzite will be required.
- However as compared to marble, you are good with sealing once a year unless its a very high traffic bathroom.
- Quartzite is a low maintenance option in natural stones.
- To clean and maintain quartzite, all you need is to clean on a regular basis with warm water and microfiber towel.
- Use a mild soap with low PH or my recommendation is to use stone cleaners.
Learn everything you need to know about maintaining Quartzite here.
Cons of using Quartzite:
- Quartzite can be very expensive as well. They range from $65-$200 per square foot.
- You do need to seal them to maintain.
Granite Shower walls :
Granite is one of the hardest materials on the planet, second only to diamond.
Pros of Using Granite:
- Granite is a very hard natural stone.
- Its durability, heat resistance, a lot of options of colors and patterns make it an excellent choice for shower walls.
- The only difference I see between granite and quartzite is that granite has the speckled appearance.
- Quartzites have vein patterns which are similar patterns like that in the marble.
- Granites are much cheaper than quartzite and marbles.
Cons of Using Granite:
- Granite is a porous natural stone.
- It does require sealing once a year.
- As a general rule, If proper care is not taken, hard water deposits can fade the color.
- I always recommend using industry standard granite gold sealer for best results.
Slate Shower Walls :
- Slate offers a more rustic look and is highly durable and water-resistant, making it a good choice for shower walls.
- Slate also requires sealing to maintain the natural stone look. Slate is relatively cheaper than quartzites and marbles.
- Slate is not available in a lot of color options. Mostly slate is available in earthy tones.
Engineered Stones
Engineered stones are man-made alternatives to natural stone, offering a more consistent look.
Quartz Shower Walls
Quartz is a popular engineered stone. Quartz is a non porous material.
Pros of Using Quartz
- Quartz is known for its durability and low maintenance requirements.
- It’s available in a range of colors and patterns that mimic natural stones.
- Because of its non-porous surface, its also a great option for wet environment.
- Quartz does not require higher maintenance like natural stone options.
- quartz shower wall panels can stand the test of time with minimal maintenance. No sealing is required for quartz bathroom walls.
- For regular maintenance make sure you don’t use any acidic cleaners.
Cons of Using Quartz
- Quartz is a hard surface however, its not available in as variety of options as natural stone.
- Since quartz slabs are man made, they are consistent but not unique.
- Yes, you can get quartz with natural stone look however, it’s not the same.
- Quartz is also a little bit more expensive than granite.
Solid Surface Shower walls
Solid Surface is another engineered stone that combines natural mineral and acrylic or polyester resins.
It is durable, easy to maintain, and can be molded into various shapes, adding flexibility to your bathroom design.
It has the same disadvantage as quartz. Solid surfaces are not available in as pretty variety options as natural stone.
PRO TIP for Shower floor tile:
Before, I talk about other alternative options for shower walls, It’s important to think about other areas in the bathroom like shower floor and bathroom floor.
I always recommend co-ordinating marble tiles, slate tile, granite tiles or quartz tile for shower floor.
The most important reason being that the surface you are standing on should always have a good grip as there will be water everywhere on the shower floor.
By using smaller tiles, you will use grout that will provide the grip and minimize slipping.
Shower wall Material alternative to Stone
Ceramic and Porcelain tiles are two very good alternatives for shower walls.
These tiles are made from clay under intense heat and are very durable.
It’s amazing how much the building manufacturing industry has progressed and come up with man made options.
Porcelain tiles are available in unlimited options.
These tiles are available as large as 48″ x 48 ” to minimize grout lines. The factories have come up with porcelain slabs that look exactly like marble or quartzite stone.
These slabs can measure up to 105″ x 65″.
Porcelain slab shower walls require minimal to no maintenance.
Porcelain is a non porous man made material and it’s extremely durable.
The large format porcelain slabs are also available as book matched slabs. They are perfect even for shower surrounds.
Ceramic wall tile is also a very suitable material for shower walls.
At the end of the day, porcelain may sound promising, I am still a natural stone lover. There is nothing as unique and beautiful as having a one of kind shower wall in your bathroom.
Depending on how you feel, you should decide which option will work best for your shower walls.
FAQs
Can any type of stone be used for shower walls?
Not all stones are suitable for wet environments. Some, like soapstone and limestone, are softer and more porous, making them less ideal for shower use. Always consult with a stone professional before making a decision.
How often should stone shower walls be sealed?
The frequency of sealing will depend on the type of stone and the amount of use the shower gets.
Generally, sealing should be done at least once a year, but in some cases, it might be necessary to do it more often.
Can I install stone shower walls myself?
While it’s possible to install stone shower walls yourself, it’s often a job best left to professionals.
Stone can be heavy and difficult to work with, and improper installation can lead to problems down the line.
What’s the best way to clean stone shower walls?
Use a mild, non-acidic cleaner and a soft cloth or sponge. Avoid using abrasive tools or cleaners, as these can scratch or damage the stone.
Are stone shower walls worth the cost?
While stone shower walls can be more expensive upfront, they can also add significant value to your home and last for decades with proper care. They can be a worthwhile investment for many homeowners.
Disclaimer :
The information in this post is for general informational purposes only. The author
and publisher are not responsible for any damage, injury, or loss that may occur from using the
information provided. Readers should follow safety guidelines and take necessary precautions
as listed by installation countertop professionals.
This Post was about best stone for shower walls.
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