Talk

Flip

Join our Property forum for renovation, DIY, and house selling advice.

Property/DIY

Stone tiles in an ensuite shower room?

4 replies

Wiifitmama · 21/03/2016 19:44

We are having our ensuite redone. Very very small one with shower, not bath. We picked tiles this weekend that we love. They are a natural stone - sort of natural beige colour. Large tiles with little tiny mosaics for a border. I spoke with the builder today (who I trust as he has done other bathrooms for us) and he says he would not recommend us using stone. We know it needs sealing as it is pourus but he says that it will still act like a sponge (in the shower especially) and change colour. I have spoken to friends who have had stone who say it is lovely and recommend it. Has anyone put stone tiles in a shower room? It will cost us extra to have it fitted as he need to use a wet stone grinder instead of normal tile cutter. So we have to be sure it is worth it.

OP posts:

Report

Wiifitmama · 21/03/2016 20:14

bump!

OP posts:

Report

sfewkes · 22/03/2016 10:35

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

Chlobee87 · 22/03/2016 10:47

I used to work for a natural stone company and it's a popular choice for bathrooms/shower rooms but there are lots of considerations. Things like a tanking system to prevent water from soaking through the tiles in to your walls. You'll need an impregnating sealant too and this will need to be reapplied depending on which brand you go for (not a huge job but not cheap). If you use limestone (including travertine) then you need to be aware that you can't use acid based cleaners as they will damage the stone. You really need an installer who is experienced in natural stone specifically because it is different than using ceramic tiles. Don't mean to scare you off - I've got natural stone in my bathroom and I haven't had any problems - but you do need to consider the installation and maintenance. Where are you getting the tiles from? If they are natural stone specialists then they should be able to provide detailed information on all of that.

Report

Wiifitmama · 23/03/2016 08:27

Thank you for the replies. I think we have decided against stone. It looks lovely but I don't want anything that needs ongoing maintenance. We are going back to the drawing board this weekend and look for something else.

We are going to be redoing a kitchen soon - maybe I will look at stone for the floor!