Can You Use Natural Stone in a Shower?

Using natural stone in a shower can create a luxurious and spa-like atmosphere, but it requires some special considerations regarding waterproofing, maintenance and installation. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about using natural stone tiles, slabs or mosaics in shower walls and floors.

What Types of Natural Stone Work Best in Showers?

The most popular types of natural stone used in showers include:

Granite – Extremely durable and waterproof, but more porous than other stones. Needs to be properly sealed.
Marble – Beautiful and elegant, but very porous and prone to etching from acids. Needs regular sealing.
Travertine – Has a textured, rustic appearance. Porous like marble, but slightly more durable. Still requires sealing.
Slate – Very durable with a matte, earthy look. Its non-porous nature makes it more water-resistant.
Limestone – Offers unique fossilized patterns. Softer than granite and needs more frequent sealing.
Quartzite – Harder than granite and very non-porous. Its sparkly look has become popular.
Onyx – Striking translucent patterns when backlit. Porous and needs sealing.
Bluestone – Rustic, durable sandstone that comes in a range of blues. Can be prone to staining.

The non-porous stones like quartzite and slate provide the most waterproofing, while very porous choices like marble require extra sealing and maintenance in showers.

How to Waterproof Natural Stone Shower Walls

Natural stone is not waterproof, so proper installation and sealing is crucial to prevent water damage, mold and leaks. Here are some tips:

Install a waterproof shower pan membrane beneath the tile. Extend it 4-6 inches up the walls.
Use a waterproofing sealer or membrane (like RedGard) on the walls before tiling. Apply in 2-3 coats.
Use a waterproof, penetrating stone sealer (like Miracle Sealants 511 Impregnator) after installation. Reapply yearly.
Choose a waterproof grout like epoxy grout. Avoid regular cement grout.
Caulk all seams and joints with waterproof silicone caulk.
Slope the shower floor slightly towards the drain for water runoff.
Avoid intricate stone mosaic patterns which have more grout lines to seal. Larger format tiles are best.
Install a sloped shower pan instead of just a vinyl shower liner.

With proper waterproofing methods, natural stone can make a beautifully unique and durable shower wall material.

What’s the Best Way to Install Natural Stone in a Shower?

Careful installation is key to creating a waterproof stone shower that will last for decades. Here are some best practices:

Choose a professional stone installer, not just a regular tiler.
Use a mudset mortar bed reinforced with metal lath as the subfloor. This gives strength and slope.
Level and reinforce the wall framing if needed – don’t tile onto uneven drywall.
Install a waterproof pan membrane before tiling. RedGard or Kerdi systems work well.
Use a white thinset mortar modified for extra adhesion and flexibility.
Check that stone tiles have 95% coverage in the thinset before grouting.
Grout with epoxy or chemical grout – avoid regular cement grout which can crack.
Match grout color closely to the stone so staining is less visible.
Seal tiles after installation and use silicone for change of plane joints.
Make cuts precise and don’t overtighten grout lines. Account for wide variation in stone tile sizes.

Get experienced help installing natural stone in showers. Careful waterproofing and tile prep is required to avoid problems.

What Should You Avoid When Using Natural Stone in Showers?

Some types of natural stone and installation methods should be avoided in shower environments:

Limestone is too porous and soft for water exposure. Etches easily from acids.
Marble looks amazing but is prone to damage and stains without intensive sealing.
Mosaics have too many grout lines to keep sealed. Larger format stone tiles are better.
Don’t use greenboard or regular drywall as a substrate. Only cementboard or waterproof membranes.
Cement grout should be avoided as it can crack and allow water intrusion over time. Use epoxy or chemical grout instead.
Insufficient waterproofing leads to leaks, wall damage and mold. Follow all preparation steps.
Don’t use regular thinset mortar. Opt for a flexible, polymer-modified thinset.
Tight grout lines cause cracking as stone tiles expand and contract. Leave small joints.
Poor drainage or lack of shower pan slope results in standing water and potential staining.

With extra precautions, the right stone and proper installation, natural stone can create a stunning shower design. Avoid problematic materials and methods.

How to Clean and Maintain a Natural Stone Shower

Keep a stone shower looking brand new with these maintenance tips:

Seal tiles with a penetrating stone sealer annually or biannually to prevent staining. Reapply if water stops beading up.
Use mild pH neutral soap and water for regular cleaning. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners.
Rinse soap off thoroughly and use a squeegee after each use to minimize mineral deposits and soap scum buildup.
Clean any oil/grease immediately with diluted dish soap. Don’t let it soak in. Avoid using abrasive scrubs.
Disinfect and kill mold or mildew with a chlorine/bleach and water solution. Rinse thoroughly.
Use a professional stone cleaner every few months to deep clean grout and remove residue buildup or etching.
Re-caulk joints every 1-2 years with bathroom silicone caulk, especially at corners and change of plane joints.
Check for small cracks in grout lines which require regrouting. Loose tiles must be professionally reinstalled.
Use mats, pads and shower curtains to help protect natural stone surfaces from impact damage.

Proper sealing and frequent cleaning is key to keeping a natural stone shower looking pristine over time with minimal maintenance required.

FAQ About Using Natural Stone in Showers

Can you use natural stone tile for a shower floor?

Yes, natural stone tiles make an excellent material for shower floors, though porcelain is generally a more cost-effective option. Stones like granite, slate and quartzite work best. Ensure proper installation with a mortar bed, slope to the drain, and waterproofing.

What natural stones should be avoided in showers?

Soft, porous stones like marble, limestone and travertine require intensive sealing to avoid staining and deterioration in showers. Onyx can also be damaged by water. Very porous stones are best avoided.

Do you need special thinset mortar for natural stone tile?

It’s highly recommended to use a polymer-modified, flexible thinset mortar when installing natural stone tiles. This provides extra adhesion and accounts for the stone’s movement. White thinset is also useful to keep the natural color visible.

Can you use large format natural stone tiles in showers?

Yes, large format natural stone tiles can create a seamless, sleek shower design. Pay attention to any reinforcement needed on the substrate to support the heavy stone tiles. Large tiles also have fewer grout lines to seal.

Should natural stone showers be sealed?

Yes, sealing natural stone tiles is strongly recommended, especially in shower environments. Look for a penetrating sealer made for natural stone. Reapply the sealer on an annual or biannual basis to maintain waterproofing and prevent staining.

How do you clean hard water stains off natural stone shower tiles?

Hard water deposits and stains can be cleaned from natural stone using a 50/50 vinegar and water solution. Spray it on and let it sit for several minutes before scrubbing and rinsing. For tough stains, try a poultice made with pH neutral cleaner, clay and water.

Conclusion

Installing natural stone in a shower can provide unmatched elegance and luxury. However, careful prep and installation methods are vital to ensure waterproof performance and prevent moisture damage or leaks. Annual sealing and proper maintenance will keep stunning stone showers looking pristine. Pay attention to selecting more water-resistant stones like granite and slate. With some prudent precautions, natural stone can create a spa-like shower environment to enjoy for decades.