Natural Stone Shower Tile: How to Choose and Care for It

Stone makes a beautiful shower, but it needs the right stone, finish, waterproofing and care. This guide covers each.

Which stones work in a shower

Marble, travertine and onyx are all used. White Carrara, Thassos and Calacatta Gold are common marble choices. Ivory and Noce are common travertine choices. Onyx is often used as a feature wall.

Walls and floors need different finishes

Polished stone is glossy, and works well on walls. On a shower floor, a honed or tumbled finish gives more grip, and mosaics such as hexagon add many grout lines. Read how the finishes differ.

Waterproofing comes first

Stone and grout are not waterproof. A shower needs a waterproofing system behind and under the tile, installed by a qualified installer, following the maker's instructions. Plan for a floor that slopes to the drain.

Niches, shelves and benches

A built-in niche keeps bottles off the floor. We offer stone niches and corner shelves in matching stone. Seal the cut edges, and keep shelves sloped slightly so water drains.

Seal it

Seal the stone before grouting and the grout after it cures, and test with water every six months to a year. See how to seal marble tile.

Daily and weekly care

  • Squeegee the walls after use to cut soap film and mineral spots.
  • Ventilate the room.
  • Wash weekly with a pH-neutral stone cleaner and a soft sponge.
  • Avoid acidic bathroom cleaners, vinegar, bleach and abrasive pads.

See how to clean marble floors, which also covers showers, and stone care.

Plan your order

Use the tile calculator and order a sample. Matching trim finishes corners and edges.

Common questions

Can I use marble in a shower? Yes, if it is sealed, installed over waterproofing and cleaned with the right products.

Will the stone stain? Sealing slows staining, and quick cleanup helps.

Is polished tile too slippery for the floor? It can be when wet. Honed, tumbled or mosaic tile is often chosen for floors.

See the shower tile page for collections. Shipping is free on every order.

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