TRAVERTINE SLABS - ELEGANT IN BATHROOM

Marble has a reputation for being the highest quality stone one can use in the home, but not all marble offers the same resistance to moisture. Since marble features colorful veins, each slab is graded from A to D based on the amount of veining. Marble with an A-grade is most likely to shed water due to a smooth and non-porous surface, while D-grade stone features extensive veins that are likely to let moisture seep through to the shower surround. Only use marble for your shower renovation project if you have the budget to afford high-grade marble tiles and slabs. Use lower grade marble slabs in areas where standing water is rare instead, such as bathroom countertops.

The luxurious limestone variety known as travertine is considered a more affordable alternative to marble thanks to its wide range of color options and rippled appearance. It takes a fine polishing and offers a medium rough surface to prevent slips when the shower floor gets soapy and wet. However, this stone is relatively porous and must stay sealed at all times or it will become discolored and stained by common hygiene products like soap and shampoo. Make sure you're ready to commit to routine re-sealing before choosing this stone. All natural stone used in a wet environment should be sealed, but the porosity of travertine makes it even more essential.

Granite offers some of the best resistance of all natural stones against common etching agents. Many tub and tile cleaners contain ammonia, which reacts to most stones but not to granite. Acids and alcohols are found in practically every other cleaner and most shampoos, and granite also resists damage from these ingredients as well. You won't have to worry about stains and etching causing your shower to look its age if you go a few months too long between sealant applications. Busy families who still want the luxury of a spa shower should stick to a low maintenance stone like granite.

Worried about traction when you're in a shower made of natural stone? Slate offers a rough surface that is still just smooth enough to scrub clean with a soft nylon brush. While the porous surface makes sealing essential, the durability of the slate and resistance to staining makes it worth the maintenance. Most slate is quite dark, but keep in mind that a dark shower stall is easy to balance out with a glass surround and extra lighting to prevent an overwhelming appearance.

Don't associate the name onyx with only jet black stones. Many varieties of this tough and translucent natural stone run to the silver, cream, or even gold side of the color spectrum instead. Thin slices of onyx as tile can transmit light through them for a subtle glow, but these slices are fragile enough that they require backing to bear weight. Be prepared to be very careful when cleaning an onyx shower and tub since this stone is the most prone to scratching off all the natural varieties listed here.

Already have a specific shower design in mind and need stone suggestions to accomplish your dream? Explain your ideas to us here at Coliseum Stone Gallery and we'll help you pick the perfect material.