5 Perfect Natural-Stone Options for Your Bathroom Remodel

Even though entrances, foyers, and living rooms are the main focal points of many homes, most prospective homebuyers make it a point to walk through kitchens and bathrooms, which incidentally are two of the most expensive remodeling projects. Homeowners who have bathroom renovations in mind should remember these projects are smart investments because they can increase overall equity and make properties more marketable. It's not just prospective buyers who are attracted to stylish bathrooms. Appraisers also consider them to add value. Natural stone is the way to go when planning a bathroom remodel, and the following stones are the most recommended. 1. Marble Marble is often the first option homeowners consider, and it goes beyond aesthetics. Homebuyers reviewing MLS descriptions may question a high sales price until they come across "marble bathrooms" and see the corresponding photographs. Carrara marble is a popular and expensive option, but there are many other choices. For example, Turkish marble is extracted from quarries near the Marmara Sea and features a creamy white look with very attractive line patterns. The initial sealant application on marble makes it easy for homeowners to keep surfaces looking like new with a specially formulated marble and granite sealer. 2. Soapstone Compared to marble, soapstone is a low-maintenance option for bathrooms. However, there's one key difference when sealing it. Every six months, you should use heavy coats of food-grade mineral oil to protect against staining and other damage. Although soapstone comes in many colors, light gray is often sold in North American markets, but this type stone naturally turns darker over time. 3. Onyx When budget isn’t an issue, it pays to go shopping for onyx slabs to install as countertops, shower stall walls, and tub surrounds. Of all natural stones, onyx has the distinction of being the most likely to be turned into jewelry because it simply looks gorgeous upon finishing. Even though plenty of onyx is quarried in Mexico and Brazil, it’s still pricey because the most striking blocks create a very high demand. Just like marble, onyx is very delicate and requires frequent maintenance. 4. Bluestone Plenty of bluestone is quarried in Pennsylvania, thus making it an affordable choice for bathroom remodeling projects. Quite a few bathrooms in the New England region are decorated with Pennsylvania bluestone, and the most popular finish is honed or brushed for an attractive rustic look. Bluestone looks better as floor tiles or vertical paneling rather than countertops. A more stylish choice would be a mosaic installation or mixing things up with slate. 5. Limestone Some of the most luxurious spas in the world feature limestone floors, walls, and counters, and this is probably because of the ancient Roman Baths in the English county of Somerset. Most limestone sold in North America features an earthy beige coloring with delicate patterns, and it’s generally more affordable than marble and soapstone. In a room such as a bathroom or kitchen, you might be concerned about harmful bacteria and how to prevent or get rid of it on natural stone. If you’d like to learn how to disinfect granite and natural stone, contact the Stone Care Experts at Granite Gold® today. We offer a wide array of products that are safe to use on granite, marble, limestone, and all other types of natural stone. Call one of our friendly and knowledgeable representatives at 1-800-475-STONE (7866). We also send out a newsletter once a month with amazing tips on caring for natural-stone and quartz surfaces, so make sure to sign up for that today.