There seems to be some confusion about what natural stones work best for the bathroom and which to avoid.

The simple answer? All natural stone, properly installed, cared for and sealed (if applicable), will hold up great in your bathroom.

Whether it’s marble, granite, travertine, slate, or onyx, nothing looks as wonderful as real stone in a bathroom.

However, soapstone cannot be sealed, so it is not recommended for showers, just as smooth stones should not be used on floors.

Marble

Marble is a limestone, but limestone is not a marble. The beauty and elegance of marble has been used for years in bathrooms, creating stunning shower surrounds, walls and floors. White marble is especially in vogue right now, as are neutral shades and clean lines producing a soft, uniform look. Marble is susceptible to etching from acidic cleaners, so extra care is needed if marble is your choice. Don’t skimp on quality; go for the high-end.

Granite

One of the hardest stones known to man, granite’s durability and ease of care make it the perfect vanity top.  Every granite slab is different, so yours will be an original—and it comes in a variety of colors. Spills wipe up easily, and it’s hard to stain. Create the perfect look with the edge of your choice; there are an array from which to choose from classic bullnose to custom ogee.

Travertine

Travertine is essentially made from water, so its great for a wet environment like a bathroom. It is formed by hard water deposits. Be sure that there are no open holes for water to seep into and avoid large grout lines.

Slate

It may make for a dark space, but nothing is more dramatic than a slate shower. Continue the look onto the floor. Because it is porous, you will need to keep up on the sealing.

Onyx

A delicate and rare stone, onyx can be used throughout the bathroom. The end result is breathtaking, especially when a light source is able to shine through or on the stone. Onyx is a type of fragile marble and is typically translucent.

About Sealing

Bathrooms are wet places, so it is prudent to keep your natural stone and any grout lines sealed with an impregnating/penetrating sealer to keep the appearance you love so much—and to prevent mildew.  (Note: a highly polished marble or granite will usually not absorb much and the use of a sealer could be a waste of time and money.) Make sure the stone and grout lines are properly sealed. A mildewcide can be added to grout for added protection.

Here is a simple test you can perform on the stone to determine how absorbent it is or if it needs to be sealed or re-sealed. Place a few drops of water on the stone and allow it to dwell for several minutes, then wipe away the water. If the stone is darker where the water was, it indicates that the water penetrated the surface, and it needs to be sealed.

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