The Complete Guide to Choosing the Perfect Stone for Your Shower

Your shower is the centerpiece of your bathroom, and choosing the right stone material can mean the difference between a daily spa experience and constant maintenance headaches. As Metro Detroit's stone shower specialists, we've installed hundreds of stone showers and know exactly what works in our climate.

Emily Davis

Lead Designer, Stone Works Remodeling

February 28, 2025 · 8 min read

Why Stone Matters in Your Shower

Natural stone transforms an ordinary shower into a luxurious retreat, but each type has unique characteristics that affect:

Safety: Slip resistance in wet conditions
Durability: Resistance to water, soap, and cleaning products
Maintenance: Sealing requirements and daily care
Aesthetics: Color, veining, and overall visual impact

Stone Shower Materials at a Glance

Stone Type	Maintenance	Slip Resistance	Best For	Cost (per sq. ft.)
Marble	High	Medium	Luxury master baths	$15-$40
Granite	Low	Medium-High	Family bathrooms	$10-$35
Slate	Medium	High	Safety-focused designs	$8-$25
Quartz	Very Low	Medium	Modern designs	$20-$50

1. Marble: Timeless Elegance

Carrara marble shower with linear drain

Marble showers create instant luxury but require careful consideration:

Pros:

Unmatched visual appeal with unique veining
Cool surface feels wonderful underfoot
Increases home value significantly

Cons:

Requires sealing every 6-12 months
Can etch from acidic products (vinegar, citrus cleaners)
Softer surface may scratch over time

Designer Tip:

"For marble showers, we recommend a honed finish rather than polished - it's more slip-resistant and hides etching better."

2. Granite: The Durable Workhorse

Granite offers exceptional durability for busy households:

Why Michigan Homes Love Granite Showers:

Withstands temperature fluctuations common in our climate
Resistant to most household chemicals
Available in flamed finishes for excellent traction

Our most popular granite choices for showers:

Absolute Black (sleek modern look)
Giallo Ornamental (warm beige tones)
Blue Pearl (unique shimmering effect)

3. Slate: Natural Texture for Safety

Natural cleft texture provides grip

Complete slate shower

Slate's natural texture makes it ideal for:

Aging-in-place designs
Family bathrooms with children
Outdoor showers (when properly sealed)

Maintenance Note:

While slate is naturally water-resistant, we recommend sealing annually to maintain its appearance and prevent mineral buildup in the natural crevices.

4. Engineered Quartz: Modern & Low-Maintenance

While not natural stone, quartz offers unique advantages:

Advantages:

Non-porous (never needs sealing)
Consistent color and pattern
Extremely stain-resistant

Limitations:

Can discolor with prolonged UV exposure
Not as heat-resistant as natural stone
Higher initial cost

Best quartz options for showers:

Cambria Torquay (marble-like appearance)
Silestone Eternal Calacatta Gold
Caesarstone Statuario Maximus

Still Unsure? Our Stone Selection Guide

Answer these questions to narrow your options:

How often are you willing to maintain your shower?
- Monthly: Consider quartz
- Yearly: Granite or slate
- Don't mind frequent care: Marble
Who uses the shower?
- Children/elderly: Slate for safety
- Busy family: Granite
- Master suite: Marble or quartz
What's your design style?
- Modern: Quartz or absolute black granite
- Traditional: Marble
- Rustic: Slate

Ready to Design Your Perfect Stone Shower?

Our design team at Stone Works Remodeling brings 15 years of Metro Detroit shower renovation experience. We'll help you:

Select the ideal stone for your lifestyle
Create a custom design that fits your space
Handle all installation with precision

Schedule a Free Consultation View Our Shower Gallery