jerusalem limestone in new bathroom and shower

Hello I just completed a shower using schluter kerdi shower kit. I was planning on tumbled jerusalem gold limestone on the bathroom floor and also in the shower floor and walls. all the tile shop people I have talked to say this a good choice. On the web including your site I find mixed reviews [ought to be a law against limestone in a bathroom] maurizio 6/13/07 I am a do it your self guy but try to get as much information as possible before diving in. Is there any more you can tell me tell me about the adverse effects of using jerusalem gold in a shower bath install thanks much greg

 

Dear Greg:

The reason why at times I take such a radical position like that about limestone, slate and sandstone (but let's focus on limestone now), is because by saying limestone you're saying very little – if anything at all. There are many different (and I do mean different) kinds of limestone that span from dense and acceptable rocks, to limestone that will actually fall apart under running water or “powder” or “bleach” (all problems with no solution), and everything in between.

The vast majority of limestones are not appropriate for shower enclosure, and as long people keep bundling up the perception of limestone as a single type of stone, I will keep my position.

However, indeed there are notable exceptions, like, for instance, travertine (which is one of the very best stone for shower stalls) and, yes, Jerusalem Gold.

But, as you well know, exceptions are meant to confirm the rule… J

So, go ahead and do use Jerusalem Gold: it is almost as good as travertine, which is saying a whole lot!

Keep a 1/16” grout gap all the time and, if you care about my advice, use latex-based caulk to grout instead of sand less grout. You will thank me later!

And do learn how to take care of it!

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Ciao and good luck,

Mauri z io Bertoli

 

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