Shower Walls and Floor (Which stone is the right one?)

Hi Maurizio, I'm in the process of remodeling my family bathroom and was thinking of using marble or travertine in the shower/whirlpool tub walls and floor (I don't really like the look-a-like porcelain tiles). Here are my questions: 1. I would like to get your recommendation on which is better (marble vs. travertine) for durability (I hear that marble cracks easily)? 2. What finish should I go with for LOW maintenance and long-term look (from what I read, I see that polished may not be the way to go)? 3. Which stone and finish is better to minimize the slipping when wet (I have two small children so I definitely want to keep it safe)? 4. Which is more cost-effective for the initial investment and long-term maintenance? Thanks in advance for your advice. It is greatly appreciated. By the way, this site is awesome!

 

Dear Bernard:

I would go with either hone-finished marble or travertine (both stones are appropriate). What you heard about marble cracking easily is one of the many myth plaguing the stone trade. All stone can crack easily if they're not installed right.

Which brings us to the main issue, the installation: even if you choose the best possible stone on the market, if it is not installed properly you will find yourself in a world of hurt! As in most cases, the human factor is much more important than the material.

By logging into the Helpful Hints section of our website at: http://www.marblecleaning.org/helpful-hints.htm , you will be able to get the short version of our maintenance guidelines at no charge. The full version of it – a 7-page document considered by many as an industry benchmark – is available in pay-per-download format in our Educational Literature section at: http://www.marblecleaning.org/literature.htm . Under the circumstances I highly recommend you to get that article, for it contains important tips on the installation of a shower stall.

And remember, every single penny of the cost of the literature will be used to support this site and its cause: your cause.

While you are in the “Helpful Hints” section, do spend some time reading all of the interesting FREE articles you'll find in there!

Finally, keep in mind that we need your support to help us helping you!

Will you please read and e-sign our Statement of Purpose at: http://www.marblecleaning.org/purpose.htm?    

By spreading the word about this valuable site among your friend & family and the stone trades' people you've been dealing with, you will be rendering everybody a valuable service!

Thank you  

Ciao and good luck,

Mauri z io Bertoli

 

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