Installing stone shower walls can transform an ordinary bathroom into a spa-like oasis. Natural stone not only looks beautiful but also offers many practical benefits that make it a great choice for shower walls. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll discuss the top reasons you should consider installing stone shower walls and provide helpful tips for choosing, installing, and caring for natural stone in the shower.
Benefits of Stone Shower Walls
Durability and Longevity : Natural stone like marble, travertine and slate is incredibly durable and can last a lifetime with proper care. The dense composition resists scratches, stains and damage from moisture. Stone won’t warp, peel or degrade over time like manmade options such as fiberglass or acrylic. Investing in stone shower walls is investing in a product that will maintain its beauty and function for decades.
Water Resistance: Stone is non-porous so it won’t absorb water or allow moisture to seep through to studs behind the walls. This helps prevent mold, mildew and rotting of the wall structure. Tile or stone will need to be properly sealed to prevent water absorption and discoloration.
Easy to Clean: The smooth, non-porous surface of natural stone allows soap scum, hard water stains and dirt to be easily wiped away. Simply use a soft cloth and warm water, or occasional mild cleaner to keep stone shower walls looking like new. Avoid harsh chemicals that can etch or damage the surface.
Stylish Design Options: Stone offers endless options for creating a stylish, spa-like shower design. Mix stone tile sizes, patterns, colors and textures to create custom shower walls that are unique and elegant. Accent with glass, metal or ceramic tile for added visual interest. Many types of stone can be cut into large format slabs for a seamless look.
Improved Shower Experience: The beauty and luxury feel of stone walls can transform an ordinary shower into a therapeutic experience. The smooth walls also make for easy cleaning. Unlike tile, small grout lines are minimized for a seamless look and feel. Stone also retains heat from hot showers much better than ceramic or porcelain tile.
Increased Home Value: Upgrading to natural stone shower walls is an investment that can significantly increase the value of your home. Stone adds a high-end, luxury feel that buyers are looking for. The long-lasting durability also makes it more valuable than cheaper plastic or acrylic surrounds.
How to Choosing the Right Stone
With so many stone options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right type for your shower walls. Consider the following tips:
- Use water-resistant stones like granite, marble, travertine or slate. Avoid porous, softer stones.
- Lighter coloured stones show less soap scum and stains.
- Honed or tumbled finishes are less slippery than polished.
- Smaller tile sizes (1×1, 2×2) create more grout lines, go larger (4×4 or slab) for seamless look.
- Get tile from the same lot and inspect for color consistency.
- Consider accent strips or mosaic tiles for decoration.
Proper Installation is Key
Proper installation is crucial for ensuring stone shower walls stand the test of time:
- Install cement backerboard not drywall behind stone.
- Use quality modified thinset mortar suitable for wet areas.
- Use correct trowel size and technique to fully embed tiles.
- Follow exact grout spacing and width based on tile size.
- Use grout suitable for joints, sanded vs non-sanded.
- Seal grout and stone with water-based sealant.
Caring for Stone Shower Walls
Keep your stone shower walls looking like new with these care tips:
- Seal stone annually with a water-based stone sealer.
- Use pH neutral cleaner for regular maintenance cleaning.
- Rinse walls and squeegee after each use to minimize soap scum.
- Dry wiping can scratch, only using soft cloths with water.
- Check and re-apply caulk around stone joints when needed.
- Avoid letting water pool or stand at the base of walls.
Conclusion
Upgrading to stone shower walls can instantly take your bathroom from basic to luxurious. Natural stone offers unparalleled beauty, durability and luxury that will last a lifetime. With proper installation and care, stone is a worthwhile investment that can greatly increase the value and enjoyment of your home. Achieving a spa-like feel is easy with the variety of stone options now available. With this comprehensive guide, you can choose and install stone shower walls with confidence. Treat yourself to a shower space that feels like a relaxing oasis by installing beautiful, durable natural stone on the walls.
