Which Natural Stone Material is Best for the Bathroom?
Almost any natural stone works well in a bathroom as long as you take care of it and make sure it’s sealed. However, just because something can work in a bathroom doesn’t mean it’s the best choice for your bathroom and your needs. The ideal surface should be moisture resistant, easy to clean, and sealed, especially if you have a busy life, kids, and don’t want to spend a lot of time maintaining your bathroom countertops.
In this article, we’ll look at a few different natural stone countertop materials to help you choose which fits your design preferences and lifestyle best.
One natural surface you probably want to avoid in the bathroom
While soapstone is beautiful and striking, it’s an extremely porous stone and can’t be fully sealed. That means that it will absorb water, making it undesirable for showers or other areas with water.
However, there is one caveat: It has excellent heat resistant properties. If your bathroom has a makeup vanity or other area that won’t have contact with water, then soapstone may be a great choice. It can tolerate the heat from hair styling tools without the worry of scorching or discoloration.
Pros and cons of other natural stone materials
Is there such a thing as the perfect bathroom countertop material? Perhaps. Read on to learn the pros and cons of some of the most popular natural stone surfaces.
MARBLE
Known for its beauty and elegance, marble has been a popular choice for bathrooms for years. The natural stone has numerous uses and can be used for shower surrounds, walls, countertops, and floors. The soft, neutral shades produce a clean and timeless look.
Cons
The typical acidic bathroom cleaner is too harsh for marble and can etch the surface. If you choose marble for your bathroom, identify safe cleaners, and be prepared to spend more for products that sanitize and remove grime without harming the stone.
Additionally, marble is more porous than some other materials, so you’ll need to be diligent about resealing it at least twice a year to prevent staining and maintain the clean, chic appearance.
GRANITE
Granite has the distinction of being one of the hardest stones known to man and is extremely popular for its durability and ease of care. Granite comes in a wide variety of colors, with different veining, meaning you can create the customized bathroom of your dreams. It’s also sturdy enough to stand up to nearly any edge style, from classic bullnose to a custom ogee.
Cons
Because granite is such a hearty, sturdy stone, it’s extremely heavy. Before installing it in an upper-floor bathroom, your contractor will need to assess the strength of your floors to ensure that they’re strong enough to bear the slab’s weight.
SLATE
The deep, rich color of slate creates a dramatic contrast for a high-end feel in a shower. Slate floors are also popular, and durable once installed. Slate offers a natural grip that reduces the risk of slipping in the bathroom and works well with both modern and rustic finishes.
Cons
Slate is porous, so if you don’t seal it correctly, it can become an excellent place for bacteria to grow and thrive. Unfortunately, sealing is not a one-and-done project, but rather something that homeowners will have to routinely upkeep to prevent moisture damage and keep moisture-loving bacteria at bay.
TRAVERTINE
Travertine is formed by hard water deposits, so it works very well in wet environments like a bathroom. Travertine comes in an array of colors and tones, making it easy to create a look customized for your style. This natural stone can be used to make countertops, shower or tub surrounds, and as flooring.
Cons
Installers must be diligent about not leaving any unsealed holes in the surface where water can seep into the stone.
QUARTZITE
Quartzite has gained popularity for its low-maintenance, clean, modern look. The stone is sturdy, heatproof, and has some stain-resistant properties. Quartzite provides a look similar to marble, but at a lower price.
Cons
Quartzite is more stain-resistant than marble, but it also needs to be resealed at least twice a year to avoid stains.
QUARTZ
Quartz is growing in popularity because it comes in a variety of designs and colors. It’s actually a man-made material, so it comes in nearly endless colors and patterns to suit virtually any design style. It’s also nonporous, so the maintenance is extremely low.
Cons
The primary downfall of quartz in the bathroom is that it is not as heat-resistant as other surfaces. Heat styling hair tools left on this type of countertop may char the resin and leave a stain.
Sealing
Sealing is crucial for maintaining the natural beauty of a stone countertop in the bathroom, but how can you tell if it’s time to reseal the surface? Place a few drops of water onto the dry countertop. Wait a few moments, then wipe the water away. If the stone remains dark where you placed the drops of water, then it means that the stone absorbed the water, and it’s ready for a fresh coat of sealant.
Considerations for using natural stone in the bathroom
Slippery
Natural stone has a tendency to become slippery when wet, so be cautious if you decide to use it as a flooring material. You can choose to have a textured finish applied to the floor to decrease the slipperiness. You could also hone the floor, which means applying different layers of grit to the floor to make it less slippery.
Heat resistance
Natural stone is heat resistant, which also means it can feel very cold to the touch. However, putting natural stone over a radiant heat system is an excellent solution.
Weight
Natural stone tends to be very heavy. This is beneficial in its longevity and durability, but you need to make sure your subfloor can accommodate the extra weight.
Build the bathroom of your dreams
Natural stone is extremely versatile, and with it, you can achieve the warm and cozy or sleek and chic bathroom of your dreams. If you’d like to discuss the pros and cons of different materials further, get in touch with Alpha today. We’d love to help you decide which surface would be best for your design preferences and lifestyle.