5 Perfect Types of Stone to Use for a Shower

Natural-stone materials have been used in baths and spas since ancient times. The public baths of the Roman Empire were lavish and elaborate. In contrast, private residential baths were mostly functional affairs installed in the homes of wealthy families. Whereas public baths featured fountains, murals, sculptures, columns, and atria, private baths mostly consisted of a tub with a seating area. However, what these two structures had in common was the prominent use of limestone and marble. In terms of modern interior design, the use of natural stone in bathrooms and spas is not limited to the floors and countertops. The use of ceramic tile in the shower was widespread through most of the 20th century, but the elegance of natural stone has become prominent in recent decades. Here are five types of stone that are ideal to install in the shower.

1. Marble

The preferred choice of ancient Roman architects has a very elegant and traditional look that can be preserved in the shower by means of choosing the right kind of marble and sealing it properly. When marble is cut into slabs and tiles, the stone is classified according to its soundness, which ranges from A through D. The best type of marble for the shower should be rated A, which means it will be more resistant to moisture once it is sealed for bathroom use.

2. Granite

Granite is a wonderful choice for a shower because it is resistant to certain substances found in modern hygiene products often used in the shower. Since granite is a common choice for bathroom counters, many homeowners choose it for the shower as well. Like the other types of natural stone found on this list, granite is easy to maintain thanks to spray-and-wipe granite sealer solutions such as Granite Gold Sealer®.

3. Onyx

Dark formations of onyx are rare, particularly those that are jet black. Thereby, a quarry rich in black onyx would be a precious find. Onyx is predominantly beige, translucent, and very attractive when polished. Homeowners who choose this stone for the shower should keep brushes away from the tiles because they are more likely to be scratched.

4. Travertine

In its most natural form, travertine is spongy and very porous. However, it can be treated and filled for installation in the shower. Homeowners whose bathrooms feature a shower/tub combination are known to choose travertine tiles for their walls.

5. Sandstone

The advantage of sandstone is mostly aesthetic. The earthy tones are even more prominent than those of onyx. Sandstone tiles and slabs cut for bathroom installation tend to be hard, and they are treated in a way that stops their metamorphic process even when exposed to water. Sandstone may require more frequent sealing than granite when used in the shower. If you’d like to learn how to seal granite and other types of natural stone correctly, reach out to Granite Gold®. All of our products are safe to use on natural stone, including marble, granite, and travertine. Give us a call today at 1-800-475-STONE to learn more.