Bathroom designs and remodels are up there as one of our most requested services. We speak with many homeowners about each and every aspect of their bathroom and what needs to be considered. It’s a huge list! But a common question we get asked is, “what material is best for the shower walls?”
It’s important to consider both the practical aspects and visual benefits of materials for bathroom upgrades, more so than other rooms in the home, because they are exposed to moisture. Wet areas especially, like the shower, need to be considered carefully because using the wrong type of material can cause accidents.
We’re going to explore the shower walls in this post. We will look at whether granite and other stone finishes are better or worse than ordinary tiles for using on this surface specifically in the bathroom. It’s a slippery choice after all!
Natural Stone in Bathrooms
There’s no doubt about it, using stone finishes in bathrooms can elevate the overall bathroom design massively and add a luxurious touch. But are they really suitable for shower walls?
For a walk-in shower that requires a finish for the floor area, we always recommend a rough or bumpy surface. Think tumbled or raw finish, to provide anti-slip properties. This helps to avoid any accidents. For people who are more vulnerable, such as the elderly, a finish with some form of grip can be hugely beneficial, even for the shower walls.
While stone finishes look fabulous in showers, and are chosen to create a real wow-factor, there is some important maintenance to be aware of. Natural stone will need to be sealed more so in a shower or wet environment than any other because of the higher exposure to water, moisture and beauty products. Sealing the natural stone and keeping up with this maintenance regularly will also keep bacteria out of the stone. Make sure the stone is clean and dry before sealing.
We recommend that if you do choose natural stone, to go with large slabs with small grouts in between so you minimize the chances of water seeping through.
Tiles in Bathrooms
Porcelain or ceramic tiles are the most commonly used within bathroom remodels, and for good reason too. There are lots of different colors, styles and shapes on the market making tiles a creative and versatile option for shower walls. Hexagonal, herringbone arrangements or diamond shaped tiles create a fun and exciting shower!
The main advantage to using porcelain or ceramic tiles rather than natural stone on shower walls, is the maintenance. Tiles won’t require as much maintenance as natural stone because there’s no sealing required. These tiles are highly resistant to water and moisture.
While you can be creative with color and shapes with these tiles, you are unlikely to make a big statement or create a wow-factor. If color is your thing then tiles will be ideal as you can find interesting options on the market for your bathroom design.
Matte or Polished
Something else to keep in mind when exploring options for your shower is the finish itself. There are positives and negatives to both matte and polished finished surfaces within showers.
Matte finishes have more slip-resistance, provides a rustic and earthy look while showing less dirt. Whereas polished finishes on the other hand makes the room or shower in particular, look and feel bigger, brighter and is easier to wipe clean.
In Conclusion…
To create a premium and luxurious shower, using natural stone on the walls will provide this and create a real statement in your bathroom design. If how the bathroom looks overall is more important for you than the practicalities and maintenance, then this will be the route for you.
If you’re looking for a practical and somewhat creative approach, porcelain tiles should be your go-to. These are easy to maintain, and can last a lifetime if chosen correctly.
We hope this post has provided some insight into the slippery choice of shower walls and which material is best for you and your bathroom. Should you need any help with your bathroom remodel please don’t hesitate to contact us, we would love to schedule a consultation. You may email us at hello@lilykitchenandbath.com or call directly at 512-878-7475.
