Refurnishing your bathroom interior is not an easy task. You want the space to be practical and functional while also offering a relaxing atmosphere with an aesthetic that complements your home.
Your bathroom floor, in particular, needs to be able to withstand the humidity and moisture of the room. A wet, scummy floor means accidents.
This is why choosing the correct flooring for your bathroom is crucial to ensure a durable and beautiful as well as slip-resistant and safe space.
If you are wondering which stones are perfect for shower flooring, we are here to help.
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Why Use Natural Stone for Bathroom Flooring
When choosing bathroom flooring, the two most common options are natural stone and ceramic tiles. While ceramic tiles are a more easily accessible, budget-friendly, and convenient option, they are also a health hazard in wet areas like the bathroom where you can easily slip and fall.
Natural stones, on the other hand, offer many of the same benefits as ceramic tiles but are also a safer option for the shower floor. You get a wide variety of natural stones that complement various interior styles. Not only are they esthetically pleasing, but natural stones also retain heat, offering more comfort.
However, natural stones do need to be properly installed, sealed, and cared for. You will also need to choose stones that are not too smooth to avoid slippery surfaces in the bathroom.
Popular Stones Used in Bathroom Flooring
Slate
It is the most commonly used shower stone. The fine-grained stone is perfect if you are looking for an artistic, elevated, and moody interior. Adding a little drama to your style, the stone is easy to clean and highly durable.
Since slate has a naturally rough surface, it is also ideal for places that require slip protection. It is a tough, durable material that comes in a wide range of textures and hues, making it well worth the investment.
Marble
Marble is peak luxury. It is perhaps also the first thing that comes to mind when you think of “flooring”. Widely used in historical monuments, the stone features rich veins that, paired with its high-gloss finish, give a glass-like appearance that is hard to beat.
You will find marble in various sizes, colors, and even designs. But, white marble is the preferred choice for many since it looks elegant yet neutral and gives off a classic look with clean lines.
However, the stone is prone to stains, rusting (due to high iron content), scratches, and even etching from acidic cleaners. It also has a high tendency to crack, so your artisans need to be very careful when applying the stone. So, if you are looking for a low-maintenance stone, marble may not be for you.
Granite
Finding granite on vanity tops is no surprise. The stone’s high strength and durability have made it a perfect option for many places including shower walls and floors. The stone is very attractive, drawing focus to itself as well as the place’s interior.
Granite comes in a variety of colors and has a stunning veiny design, making each stone different from the others and allowing each bathroom to have a unique design. While the lighter colors of granite are more popular, the darker shades, too, have their own personality. Whether you are aiming for a soft, classic finish or a strong aesthetic, granite will complement all styles.
The stone also has many advantages over marble as it does not stain as easily, is impervious to scratches, and is much cheaper.
Travertine
Travertine is a magnificent natural stone that gives any space a timeless and unique look. The stone is quite versatile, coming in different patterns and a wide color range.
The stone is also available in customizable sizes, so no matter how big or small your bathroom is, you can get the exact size you need. However, the stone has a porous structure, so make sure to have proper sealing and finish. The two best options for travertine shower floors are rustic and naturally textured tumbled travertine tile and honed travertine for a more refined and sleek interior.
The best part? Despite being less expensive than many other stones, there is no compromise on the luxurious feel it offers.
Onyx
One of the most beautiful stones, Onyx has a unique look you can’t ignore. This is a stone that can make any place look and feel opulent.
While onyx is typically known for its deep black color, it comes in other hues as well like white, brown, and yellow. The stone also features colorful veining and swirling patterns and even comes in many finishes. The stone is also non-porous, easy to clean, and has very high durability when properly taken care of.
Onyx is a semi-rare gemstone, so expect to pay high. Also, remember the stone is fragile and cannot be cut into panels.
Limestone
Limestone shares many similarities with travertine but is more long-lasting and durable. It has a unique texture that is not completely smooth, making it perfect for a shower floor.
The stone is available in many subtle hues and comes in a wide variety of designs and veining. Its neutral warm color offers a soft and uniform look for your flooring that is very inviting. It’s one of the best options for rustic as well as modern interiors.
Choosing the Right Stone for Your Shower Flooring
We often think of the bathroom as a functional place, which it is, but it can also offer a relaxing environment. It’s important to pay extra care to the minutest details to create a practical yet beautiful space.
The flooring of a shower requires decisive planning. Here are some tips to get you started:
- Your budget will play a major role when choosing the stone for your bathroom floor, but you can still get a reasonably well-designed bathroom even on the lowest budget.
- Consider the time and effort you are willing to put into maintaining the stone. For example, marble is luxurious but high-maintenance and prone to damage.
- Make sure the stone you choose is easy to clean and slip-resistant.
- Opt for smoother stones with minimal grout and texture to avoid all the dirt getting into the tiny grout joints.
- In many ways, installation is more important than selecting the right stone. You want to make sure the stone is installed with care to avoid chips and cracks.
If you’ve done your research but still feel like you need more information, reach out to a local stone supply company or an interior designer.
Conclusion
Finding the right stone for your shower floor is not only about aesthetics. You also need to take into account safety and functionality. Shower accidents due to wet, slippery floors are no joke.
Natural stones offer the best of both worlds. They are generally slip-resistant and offer safe flooring as well as have a timeless, classic style that creates a beautiful space.
