Stone Shower Surrounds
If you’re looking to give your bathroom a luxurious flair, then consider investing in a stone shower surround. Natural stone is a timeless building material that can add a lavish, sophisticated feel to any room. It also offers many other benefits, such as low-maintenance durability. Let’s explore the types of stones used for shower surrounds and the many advantages that come with installing one.
Types of Stone Shower Surrounds
A shower surround simply refers to the walls within a shower. In some cases, it may extend beyond the shower itself and join with the floor, ceiling, or the rest of the bathroom. In the past, most of them featured tile or vinyl, but many homeowners now prefer the modern beauty and natural strength of stone shower surrounds.
There are many distinct types of natural and engineered stone suited for shower surrounds. These include quartz, quartzite, marble, granite, ultra-compacts, and even certain kinds of porcelain. All these materials have characteristics that make them ideal for shower walls, such as natural durability, water resistance, and easy maintenance.
Each type of stone has its own unique color variations so you can customize your shower to be something totally unique. Marble is a popular choice due to its classic look and durability. Granite is another excellent option because it’s highly resistant to heat, scratches, water, and sunlight. Porcelain is also an affordable material that looks great in any bathroom setting, while engineered quartz can provide consistency in terms of color and texture.
Installation Process
Once you’ve chosen the type of stone for your shower surround, then it’s time to plan for installation. Keep in mind that most stones are significantly heavier than materials like vinyl. So, before beginning any work on the shower, it’s important to ensure all nearby plumbing has been installed correctly and is up to code.
You’ll also want to be sure that your walls are properly secured and insulated before installing stone or other materials on top of them. This process becomes much more difficult once your stone is in place. That’s why we always recommend working with a professional stone fabricator who can complete the entire job safely.
Maintenance Tips
Proper maintenance is essential for all stone shower surrounds. Not only will this protect your investment, but it will also reduce the need for repairs in the future. To keep your stone looking its best, clean it at least weekly with mild soap and warm water using a soft cloth, sponge, or squeegee.
We recommend using a solution of Simple Green to clean most stone shower surrounds. However, avoid using acidic cleaners or scrubbing brushes, as these can quickly damage the surface of the stone. Also, remember to apply sealant every few years to protect against water damage and staining caused by soap residue and grime buildup.
Benefits of Stone Shower Surrounds
One of the biggest advantages of stone shower surrounds is their durability. Unlike other materials like tile or vinyl, granite and quartz are unlikely to crack or break down with regular use. This makes them ideal for bathrooms with high humidity levels or those used by guests and relatives.
Since most stones are nonporous when professionally sealed, they won’t absorb water like other materials will. This means they won’t be as susceptible to mold and mildew as vinyl or grouted tile. Stone shower surrounds also require little to no daily maintenance. Simply wipe yours down with water and soap or a Simple Green solution about every week to keep it looking new.
Stone shower surrounds provide an unrivaled aesthetic benefit. Their natural beauty can instantly add value to your home and make your bathroom feel more luxurious than ever. Plus, there are countless styles available so you can easily find something that perfectly fits your unique interior design.
Finally, unlike wood and vinyl, natural stones like granite won’t fade over time due to exposure to sunlight and water. This means you won’t have to worry about replacing them anytime soon. Just remember that engineered quartz products tend to break down over time when exposed to strong sunlight, so plan accordingly.
Ask Us about Stone Shower Surrounds
Stone shower surrounds can provide a timeless, elegant feel to any guest or master bathroom. They’re nonporous once sealed and incredibly durable, and they come in a wide variety of colors and styles. All these reasons make stone shower surrounds excellent choices for anyone looking to upgrade their bathroom spaces.
We’ll gladly help you select the ideal granite, quartz, quartzite, or porcelain for your next project in Lincoln, Nebraska, or surrounding communities. Our team will even take the weight of cutting and installing any stone off your shoulders. Simply give us a call, send us an email, or reach out online to get started today.