Natural Stone Tile for Southern California Homes: What Works in Orange County

Southern California is a good place for natural stone. The warm climate suits the earth tones of travertine, and homes here are built to open up to patios and gardens. But Orange County has its own conditions: hard water, strong sun and lots of indoor-outdoor living. Here is how to choose and care for stone tile in an Anaheim or Orange County home.

Hard water and stone bathrooms

Much of Southern California has hard water, which leaves mineral spots on shower walls and glass. On stone, the problem is as much about what you clean with as the water itself. Acidic cleaners such as vinegar or lemon-based products etch marble and onyx. Use a pH-neutral stone cleaner, wipe shower walls dry after use, and seal the stone after installation and again from time to time. Our natural stone shower tile page and shower tile guide cover niches, floors and benches.

Choosing a stone by room

• Kitchen backsplash: honed or tumbled stone hides splashes better than polished. See how to choose a backsplash.
• Bathroom floor: texture matters under wet feet. Tumbled or honed finishes are less slippery than polished. Read about bathroom floor tile.
• Living areas: travertine in ivory, noce or gold looks at home in warm, open rooms and ages well.
• Accent walls: onyx glows when lit from behind and works as a feature wall in a bar, vanity or fireplace surround.

Indoor-outdoor living

Many Orange County homes run the same stone from the family room onto the patio. If you are carrying a stone indoors and out, choose a textured finish for outdoor use, seal it, and ask whether the specific product is suited to exterior installation. Stone that is fine on a covered porch may need different handling beside a pool. When in doubt, ask us or your installer before you buy.

Updating a mid-century or ranch home

Older homes often have small bathrooms and galley kitchens. Stone mosaics are an easy way to add character without a full remodel: a hexagon or penny round mosaic on a shower floor, or a herringbone backsplash. Add stone trim in the same material so the edges look finished.

Match the whole room

The easiest way to avoid mismatched colors is to buy the tile, mosaic and trim from one stone and one order. Use our stone color guide to narrow down, then order samples and compare them in your own light, morning and evening.

Local help

Tilefornia is at 530 E Cerritos Ave in Anaheim. Call (657) 262-6330, visit our Anaheim tile store page, or read how pickup works. Contractors and designers can apply for a trade account.