What You Need to Know about Adding Natural Stones to Your Shower
Porcelain or ceramic tiles perhaps, even vinyl seems like a better option!
But when it comes to adding natural stone in a wet place like a shower, you more-or-less sign a lifelong contract of care for something that doesn’t really seem worth it in the end!
Most natural stones are porous. Despite its strength, it wears down with use. And it’s only the expensive ones that stand the test of time, right? Who has the budget or even the time for that!
Let’s clear this misconception. No two stones are the same.
If you’re looking for natural stone for your shower, you’ll find plenty of options that’ll work well in humid, wet areas. And most of them will not cost an arm and a leg!
You just have to know which stone to choose!
Using Natural Stone—What You Should Know
Which Stone Do You Choose?
The most popular stones used for showers include granite, marble, onyx, travertine, and sandstone. Aesthetics aside, these stones are used because they’re most resistant to substances in cleaning products and humidity.
While some are porous, these stones are filled, treated and sealed, which helps them retain their strength over time. So, despite their nature, they serve their purpose far better than any other layering option such as tile or vinyl.
But, regardless of their ease in use, most stone vendors don’t recommend using just any of the aforementioned options.
“We recommend that homeowners and stone users stick to darker stones like granite worktops for areas that are exposed to moisture. Because of its tighter molecular structure, there’s less concern of it getting stained. It also doesn’t react to the three major A’s: ammonia, acid and alcohol. So granite stones—though pricier—are worth the investment,” a stone vendor from the natural stone marketplace, SlabFinder states.
How Do You Care for Your Stone?
With granite or any other stone for that matter, you have to keep your care process simple. Use a slightly soapy solution to clean any water stains and take a squeegee to your stone after taking a shower to get the suds off.
Once you’re done, keep the door to your bathroom open and let the moisture escape, otherwise mildew will start forming in the crevices.
The stone vendors at SlabFinder also recommend using glycerin instead of any other soapy solution and wire sponge if there’s a stubborn stain because of soap scum. Glycerin cuts away at the fat, animal byproducts and lye that are usually found in regular soap, so it’ll definitely remove soapy stains with one swipe.
How Do You Maintain Your Stone?
The professionals at SlabFinder also suggest having your stone re-sealed once a year, using a penetrating sealer so that it repels water, not soak it in. However, don’t seal the stone yourself.
Hiring a stone specialist guarantees that your stone is properly protected. If you try the DIY method, you run the risk of making things worse. And every 2–5 years, have the stone re-polished or re-honed, so it doesn’t lose its luster and quality.
Buying Stone Surfaces for Your Shower
And there you have it! All you have to do now is buy your stone surfaces from the right store.
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