When it comes to designing a bathroom, the materials you choose for surfaces like countertops and floors play a huge role in the overall look and feel of the space. Natural stone is a timeless option that offers unmatched beauty and durability. Here, we explore the top 7 natural stones that bring long-lasting elegance to any bathroom.
Granite
Granite is one of the most popular natural stones used in bathrooms for good reason. Available in stunning colors and patterns like black, white, gray, red, brown, and beige, granite makes a gorgeous, high-end statement. It’s an extremely hard, durable surface that can last a lifetime with proper care.
Pros
- Nearly indestructible – resistant to scratches, stains and heat
- Timeless, elegant aesthetics
- Available in wide range of colors and patterns
- Can be polished to a mirror-like sheen
- Easy to clean and maintain
Cons
- Expensive compared to some other natural stone and manmade options
- Can be porous and prone to staining if not properly sealed
- Heavy weight makes installation tricky
With proper sealing, granite is an excellent choice for bathroom vanities and countertops. The richness and visual depth it offers just can’t be duplicated. For a stunning focal point, consider using granite on the wall behind a freestanding tub. Just imagine soaking in the tub against a backdrop of gorgeous, colorful granite – it doesn’t get much more luxurious than that!
Marble
Prized since ancient times for its beauty, marble instantly elevates any space. This metamorphic stone is known for its soft veining patterns and monochromatic white, gray, or black colors that create a serene, elegant feel.
Pros
- Timeless, classical aesthetics
- Available in many colors including striking pure white
- Can be polished to a high glossy finish
- Unique patterning with distinctive veining
- Feels cool to the touch
Cons
- Softer and more porous than granite; can stain, scratch and etch
- Needs careful sealing and maintenance
- Slightly less durable than other natural stone
- Expensive
Marble makes a stunning statement in bathrooms, especially clawfoot tubs, wall niches, backsplashes, floors and fireplace surrounds. Proper sealing and care is required to keep marble looking pristine. While marble can work for countertops, it’s not the hardest natural stone and is prone to staining and etching from bath products. It’s best to avoid using acidic cleaners on marble. Overall, marble adds timeless elegance perfect for traditional or vintage-inspired bathrooms.
Travertine
For a European spa feel, travertine brings a sense of relaxed elegance. This variety of limestone formed by mineral hot springs offers earthy, sand-colored hues punctuated with pitted holes and troughs that make each tile unique. Travertine comes in a range of finishes from polished and shiny to rugged and rough-hewn.
Pros
- Distinctive natural texture with holes and pits
- Available in range of earth-toned colors
- Durable but easier on the feet than granite or marble
- Matches with various design styles
- More budget-friendly than marble or granite
Cons
- Porous surface requires sealing
- Can stain easily
- Pitted holes trap dirt and need regular cleaning
- Natural color variations in each tile
In the bathroom, travertine brings a spa-like feel to shower walls, floors and vanities. The natural texture adds interest while the holes give it a non-slip surface. Filling the holes and polishing travertine gives it a finer, smoother finish. Travertine is a great lower maintenance alternative to marble for a fraction of the price.
Limestone
Subtly refined with natural texture, limestone brings weathered elegance wherever it’s used. Prized by designers for its aesthetic versatility, limestone comes in various finishes from polished and smooth to uneven and distressed. Colors range from creamy neutrals to grayish-browns accented with fossilized seashells and marine life.
Pros
- Available in range of natural, earthy colors
- Textured surface with fossils adds visual interest
- Durable yet easier on the feet than granite
- Works with various design styles from traditional to modern
- More affordable than marble or granite
Cons
- Relatively soft stone; can stain, scratch and etch
- Needs sealing to prevent damage
- Acidic cleaners can damage surface
With its muted colors and natural texture, limestone is an ideal choice for bathroom walls, floors and shelves. It’s often carved into sinks, tiles and countertops. While not as hard as granite, limestone offers a durable but softer surface with loads of character. Proper sealing and gentle cleaning is needed to keep it looking lovely.
Slate
If you want to add some drama to your bathroom design, slate delivers with its dark shades, layered texture and beautiful veining. This metamorphic stone comes in various shades of gray, black, purple, green and red. Slate can be finished smooth or kept in its natural cleft state with slightly rough texture.
Pros
- Available in rich, dark colors
- Natural texture provides visual intrigue
- Extremely durable and waterproof
- More slip-resistant than other natural stones
- Affordable compared to marble and granite
Cons
- Can fade over time when exposed to sunlight
- Chips and scratches easier than granite
- Needs to be sealed to prevent staining
- Natural cleft slate is rough on bare feet
In bathrooms, slate is stunning when used for walls, floors, vanities, tiles and countertops. The texture and veining add dimension and a sense of sophisticated edge. Slate works especially well around bathtubs and showers since its completely waterproof and slip-resistant. Just take care to keep harsh cleaning products off its surface.
Sandstone
With its naturally textured surface and warm, earthy hues, sandstone injects rustic character into bathroom spaces. Ranging from creamy neutrals to deeper browns and reds, sandstone’s subdued colors blended with visible grains make it uniquely beautiful. From smoothly honed to a rough natural cleft, sandstone’s finish can be tailored to any style.
Pros
- Available in natural warm and earthy colors
- Textured with visible sandy grains
- More slip-resistant than marble, granite and travertine
- Relatively soft and easier on feet than other stone
- Budget-friendly compared to marble and granite
Cons
- Porous and needs proper sealing
- Easily scratched or stained without sealing
- Not as durable and scratch-resistant as granite
- Sensitive to acidic cleaners
With its naturally washed and weathered finish, sandstone creates a soothing spa-bathroom feel. It’s perfect for floor tiles, walls, sinks and shelves. Sandstone needs proper sealing and gentle care since its softer and more porous than other natural stone. Avoid acidic cleaners which can damage the surface. Overall, sandstone’s grainy look and feel offers relaxed beauty.
Soapstone
For a bathroom that exudes peaceful Zen vibes, you can’t go wrong with soapstone. This unusual metamorphic stone is known for its velvety soft texture and smoky grayish-green coloring accented with subtle veining. Feels smooth to the touch, soapstone offers an ultra-luxe feel unmatched by other natural stone.
Pros
- Uniquely soft, smooth texture
- Subtle, earthy grayish-green color palette
- Resistant to staining, etching and abrasion
- Stays cool to the touch naturally
- Develops patina over time like aged bronze
Cons
- Limited color range (mostly grayish greens)
- Expensive
- Susceptible to scratching
- Needs to be oiled periodically
Soapstone is perfect for one-of-a-kind bathroom sinks and countertops that become works of art unto themselves. It’s also stunning as a tub surround or backsplash. Durable yet surprisingly soft, soapstone needs only periodic re-oiling to maintain its velvety feel. While expensive, its singularly unique aesthetic is worth the investment for certain design styles.
Quartzite
With granite-like beauty but even more durability, quartzite has become a favorite higher-end natural stone for bathrooms. Made of natural metamorphic quartz, quartzite comes in a spectacular array of colors, veining and patterns such as white, gray, pink and gold that rival fine marble. It has a luxuriously smooth, glassy finish when polished.
Pros
- Available in wide range of colors and patterns
- Extremely hard, durable and scratch-resistant
- More stain and etching resistant than marble or granite
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Gorgeous polished or honed finish
Cons
- On the pricier side
- Can be prone to micro-cracking
- Needs to be sealed periodically
- Heavy weight makes installation challenging
Thanks to its incredible durability, quartzite is perfectly suited to bathroom vanity tops and countertops in high traffic areas. The high-end luxurious look quartzite offers makes it a focal point wherever used. Quartzite is nearly impervious to stains, scratches and heat damage with proper sealing and care. For looks and performance, quartzite is hard to beat.
Key Features of Natural Stone
Natural stone showcases the artistry of Mother Nature in ways nothing manmade can replicate. Here are some of the key features that make natural stone so singularly beautiful:
- Unique colors, veining patterns, speckles and grains that give stone its personality and character. No two pieces are exactly alike.
- Natural textures ranging from ultra-smooth polished finishes to cleft and tumbled surfaces. Adds visual and tactile interest.
- Hardness and density that allows natural stone to last for a lifetime if properly cared for.
- Coolness to the touch, especially marble and other polished stones, that feels delightful on bare feet.
- Weight and solidness that gives natural stone reassuring heft and substance. Imparts luxury.
- Natural fossils, crystals, shells and glass-like inclusions that add depth and sparkle.
- Ability to be carved, cut and shaped into sinks, tiles, countertops and even soaking tubs for seamless style.
- Timeless, classic beauty that has been prized for bathrooms since ancient Roman and Greek times.
- Matchless elegance that comes from nature’s ages-long formation processes. No manufactured material comes close.
Caring for Natural Stone in Bathrooms
While exquisite, natural stone does require some special care to keep it looking beautiful in bathrooms:
- Seal stone surfaces at least yearly with a penetrating sealer suitable for the specific stone type. This prevents stains from soaking in. Granite, marble, travertine, limestone and sandstone especially benefit from sealing.
- Immediately wipe up spills and fluids to avoid stains setting into the porous surface of certain stones.
- Use only pH neutral stone cleaners, not acidic bathroom cleaners or abrasives. Stone-safe formulations won’t etch or damage surfaces.
- Re-polish polished stone areas as needed with a power polisher to maintain the smooth glossy finish.
- For soapstone surfaces, regularly apply mineral oil to rejuvenate the velvety texture. Wipe away excess oil.
- Avoid placing hot pans, hair styling tools or other heated items directly on natural stone surfaces. Use trivets and heat pads.
- Use cutting boards instead of cutting food directly on stone countertops to prevent scratching and knife marks.
- Don’t let any moisture linger on stone surfaces. Thoroughly wipe and dry after cleaning and bathing to prevent water marks.
With proper care and maintenance, natural stone can remain remarkably beautiful and functional for a lifetime or more. Take steps to protect and preserve your investment.
Integrating Natural Stone into Bathroom Designs
Natural stone adds a spa-like, luxurious feel wherever it’s used in the bathroom. Here are some tips for elegantly integrating stone into your design:
- Select stone surfaces and tile colors that coordinate with your color scheme. Creamy travertine pairs well with calming neutrals. Rich black granite pops against bright white.
- Use stone to create a visual focal point like a backsplash behind sinks or a tub surround. Contrast veining patterns with geometric shower tiles.
- Feature natural stone on the floors and walls of a walk-in shower for a tranquil spa vibe. Use anti-slip varieties like slate.
- Accent with stone details like travertine niches for rolled towels and toiletries or marble mosaic tile on the floor inlay.
- Choose stone vanity and sink tops that align with your bathroom’s style from modern polished quartzite to weathered antique limestone.
- Incorporate natural stone elements outside the bathroom like a marble tiled entry floor connecting to travertine inside.
- Let stone be the star. For some designer bathrooms, stone is used almost exclusively for walls, sinks, floors, backsplashes and even bathtubs.
The timeless, refined beauty of natural stone elevates any bathroom design for a signature look and luxury feel. Understated or dramatic, rustic or glamorous, natural stone sets the tone for a bathroom that stands out from the ordinary. With proper care, you’ll enjoy natural stone’s enduring good looks for decades to come. Choose thoughtfully among these top natural stone contenders to find your perfect match.
Frequently Asked Questions About Natural Stone in Bathrooms
What are the pros and cons of using natural stone in bathrooms?
Pros: Timeless elegance, wide range of colors/finishes, durability and longevity, easy-care, designer look and luxury feel. Cons: More expensive than some materials, can stain without sealing, may scratch/etch over time, requires gentle cleaning agents.
Which natural stone works best for bathroom vanity and sink tops?
Granite, quartzite and marble are popular choices for vanities. Granite resists staining while marble gives an elegant, bright white look. Quartzite is extremely durable. Travertine and limestone also work well when properly sealed.
Is natural stone suitable for bathroom floors?
Yes, natural stone makes an excellent bathroom flooring choice when textured or treated with non-slip finish. Slate, travertine and textured limestone add style along with slip resistance. Keep floors dry to prevent slippery conditions.
What’s the best natural stone for shower walls?
Slate and quartzite are ideal thanks to water resistance and durability. Marble, travertine and granite also work beautifully when properly sealed. Use a penetrating sealer made specifically for wet area stone surfaces.
How often should I seal natural stone in a bathroom?
Sealing frequency depends on the specific stone type, traffic and exposure to moisture. Dense granite may just need yearly sealing while porous travertine benefits from sealing every 6 months. Marble and limestone should be sealed every 1-2 years.
What’s the best way to clean natural stone bathroom surfaces?
Use a pH neutral stone cleaner and microfiber cloths. Avoid acidic bathroom cleaners. For polished stone, occasionally use a power polisher with a stone polish/cleanser. Wipe up spills immediately to prevent stains.
Is it okay to cut directly on natural stone countertops?
No, cutting directly on the stone surface can damage it. Always use a cutting board to protect your investment. Heat and knives can negatively impact natural stone.
Can I place hot items like curling irons on bathroom countertops made of natural stone?
It’s best to avoid placing extremely hot items directly on stone surfaces to prevent thermal shock cracking or discoloration. Use heat trivets and mats to protect natural stone.
How durable is natural stone compared to manmade options like quartz?
Natural stone is remarkably durable, lasting decades or more with proper care. Granite and quartzite, for example, are comparable to engineered quartz. Marble and limestone are softer and need sealing but possess unrivaled elegance.
Conclusion
With captivating colors, mesmerizing patterns and sophisticated style, natural stone brings enduring beauty to any bathroom design. Options like granite, marble, travertine, limestone, slate, sandstone, soapstone and quartzite each offer their own aesthetic appeal and benefits. While requiring a bit more maintenance than manmade materials, natural stone rewards homeowners with a stunning look, feel and durability unmatched by artificial alternatives. Taking steps to properly seal and care for stone allows it to retain its sophistication and luxury for a lifetime of enjoyment. For a bathroom that stands the test of time in both form and function, natural stone is a leading choice.
