What is the Best Stone for Shower Walls?

Why Should You Use Stone For Shower Walls?

Longevity and Durability

One important reason to choose the best stone for shower walls is that it lasts a long time. Stone is very strong and won’t crack or bend from daily use like some other materials might. Stone is a great choice if you want something that will last and hold up against wear and tear.

Appearance

There’s no better way to make your bathroom look beautiful than with stone. Since each piece is unique, it give’s you a look that fake materials can’t match. Stone can add to any bathroom style and make it truly your own, whether you like the classy look of marble or the warm, rustic feel of slate.

Maintenance and water resistance

When properly sealed, the best stone for shower walls doesn’t let water in at all, so it’s great for showers. Although some types of stone may need more upkeep, if you take the right steps, they can look great for years. Choosing the right stone for your shower walls is important if you want something that will last and look good for a long time.

7 Popular Stones You Should Have In Your  Shower Walls

Marble for shower walls

Marron Emperador Marble Bathroom Shower Wall

Marble has a smooth surface and beautiful veins that make it look classy, making it a standard choice for high end bathroom shower walls. However, marble is porous and can stain easily if it isn’t covered properly so it needs to be maintained regularly. In order to keep its delicate beauty, marble works best as an accent wall or in low traffic parts of your shower.

Key Features of Marble:

• Marble is celebrated for its beautiful veining design and pattern, which make each slab unique.
• Available in a wide spectrum of shades, making it adaptable to any design preference.

Pro Tip: Clean the marble for shower walls with a PH neutral cleaner. Don’t use cleaners that are acidic or rough on the stone, it can damage it. Immediately clean up spills to keep them from staining.

For more details in marble, read these: Marble Finishes, A Complete Guide to types, Care and Application

Granite for shower walls

Beige granite bathroom shower wall

Granite is often used and a best stone for shower walls since it doesn’t scratch easily. It is non porous as marble, and it’s great for a bathroom that gets a lot of use. This natural stone can be more costly and challenging to install but its exceptional strength makes it a versatile choice that complements any bathroom design.

Key Features of Granite:

• With proper sealing, granite is easy to clean and maintain, requiring periodic sealing to retain its water resistance properties.
• Granite also comes in a lot of different colours, it can go with any bathroom style.

Pro Tip: Use warm water and light soap to clean. Do not use vinegar or strong chemicals on the stone since it can remove the sealant and damage it.

Travertine for shower walls

Brown travertine bathroom shower wall

Travertine is a great material and also the best stone for shower walls since it is both beautiful and useful. It has a soft, unique feel that can make your bathroom look classy. Besides being strong, travertine can also handle water well, especially if it is protected properly. Being able to keep cool makes it soft to walk on.

Key Features of Travertine:

• Available in warm hues like beige, tan and cream and can add warmth and comfort to bathroom designs.
• It can be used in various finishes, from polished to tumbled, allowing many design options.

Pro tip: Apply a cleaner made especially for travertine. Citrus based cleaner, like vinegar can damage the stone surface. Protecting against spots and damage requires regular sealing.

Slate for shower walls

Slate Stone Wall

Slate is one of the best stones for shower walls since it can last a long time and can be used in modern and rustic styles. It doesn’t naturally slip, it’s a safe choice for bathroom for bathroom walls that lower the risk of fall and slips. You can change the look of the slate to match your bathroom’s decor since it comes in many colours, from dark greys to bright greens and purples.

Key Features of Slate:

• Slate’s natural split finish gives it a rough, non-slip surface that works well in wet places. That’s why it is one the best stones for shower walls.
• Slate comes in shades of grey, green, brown and black, and it gives the bathroom an earthy and classy look.

Pro tip: Wet a cloth and use light soap to clean it. To protect the slate surface, stay away from rough tools and harsh chemicals. To stop water damage, make sure the seals are installed correctly.

Quartzite for shower walls

Patagonia Green Quartzite bathroom

Quartzite is very hard and durable so it is also the best stone for shower walls. On the mohs scale, it’s a 7 which is a lot harder than marble. Even though granite is tough, it is still porous and needs to be sealed every 10 years. It is easy to clean with light cleansers after it’s been sealed. If you want a bright bathroom, quartzite is a best stone for shower walls since it comes in mostly light colours.

Key Features of Quartzite:

• In comparison to marble, quartzite has a lower porosity, which grants its more resistance to water and stains.

Pro tip: When cleaning quartzite, don’t use rough tools or strong chemicals that could scratch or damage the surface. Regular upkeep is important.

Limestone for shower walls

Limestone Mosaic Bathroom Tiles

Like other stone materials, limestone is also the best stone for shower walls since it doesn’t easily get damaged by water. Its different colours and textures can make a room feel calm. Limestone is also simple to clean and keep, which makes it useful in wet places. You’ll like that it can handle moisture and has a classic, classy look that goes with a lot of different design styles.

Key Features of Limestone:

• Limestone comes in light colours like white, ivory and soft grey.
• Limestone offers a smooth, matte finish that brings a natural appeal to the bathroom.

Pro tip: Scrub pads and brushes that could scratch limestone should be avoided. Consider applying a stone sealer periodically to protect its surface from stains and moisture.

Porcelain for shower walls

Although not a natural stone, large formats of porcelain slabs are the best choice for shower walls. The good thing about this is it doesn’t need much care and comes in a lot of different colours and designs. It is easy to clean with common household supplies and it doesn’t need to be sealed. If you like the way marble looks, porcelain can be just as beautiful and cost less, though it may cost more to have installed.

Key Features of Porcelain:

• Porcelain can mimic the look of natural stone, wood and other materials, it is also available in a range of colour, patterns and finishes.
• Porcelain offers a more affordable option compared to natural stones, without losing its style and performance.

Pro tip: Water is all it needs to get rid of any dirt and dust. You can use warm water and a soft sponge to wipe the area down slowly. You don’t have to use soap, but you can if you want to.

4 Factors to Consider When Choosing Stone For Shower Walls

Water Absorption Rate

• The stone’s ability to soak up water is an important thing to think about, especially in a wet place like shower walls. Stones like granite and quartzite are less likely to get damaged by water.

Budget Considerations

• It’s important to think about your budget when choosing the best stone for shower walls. You might find that granite and quartzite cost more than other stones. Travertine and limestone on the other hand, can be used instead and are less expensive without losing style. Always think about how much money you have to make the best choice for your needs.

Installation Complexity

• Putting down different kinds of stone is not all the same level of ease. Granite or marble are big, so you might need to hire professionals to make sure the project is done right. Stones like travertine and slate, on the other hand, are easier to work with so it can be used for DIY work. When making a choice, think about your tools and level of skills.

Maintenance and Cleaning

• It is important to know that different types of stone need different amounts of care when making your choice. For example, to keep its beauty marble needs to be sealed regularly and cleaned with certain products. On the other hand, granite doesn’t need as much care and is easier to clean. Knowing how to take care of each stone, will help you make an informed decision.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Installing Stone For Shower Walls

 Choosing the Wrong Stone

• Selecting the best stone for shower walls is very important, ensuring it fits your specific locations and conditions. In humid areas, avoid stone like limestone as it can absorb water and suffer damage over time, affecting its appearance and durability.

Skipping the Sealing Process

• Problems can happen if you don’t protect the stone. Your bathroom walls may get stains and water damage if they aren’t properly sealed. This can shorten their life and require expensive repair or replacement in the future.

Using Harsh Cleaners

• Do not clean your stone surfaces with strong chemicals. Strong cleaners that are acidic can damage the stone by scratching it and making it look dull. To keep natural stone looking its best, use a Ph neutral cleaner made just for it.

Conclusion

To Pick the best stone for shower walls, you should think about things like how well it resists water, how much upkeep it needs and your budget. 

You can get help from George Stone if you need it when choosing the best stone for shower walls. We offer a full service to all of our beloved customers, including on site measurement, logistics and after sales support. Get in touch with us right away!

FAQs

Which natural stone is the best option for shower walls?

Granite is widely regarded as one the most durable options for shower walls. The surface is tough and won’t scratch or stain easily, that’s why it is a great choice for long lasting use.

How often should I reseal my stone for shower walls?

Each type of stone has a different recommended number of times to be resealed. But it is strongly suggested to reseal stone surfaces every half  year to keep its protective barrier intact and prevent damage.

Is stone a good choice for small shower walls?

Of course! Stone can make a small shower look better, especially lighter coloured stones like marble or limestone.