Everybody dreams of a large, fancy shower. It can make your daily routine much more pleasant and greatly improve the resale value of your home. But what elements will make your shower the shower of your dreams?
Many elements are involved in making a great shower — the plumbing, the glass, the fixtures, etc. — but the one thing that can really bring an element of luxury to your shower is granite walls. However, while the choice to have granite shower walls installed is a great one, you should never make a purchase without knowing exactly what you’re getting into. You should know the pros and cons of granite shower walls before having them installed. That’s why we’ve put together a detailed outline of the advantages and disadvantages of granite walls in your shower.
Pros of Granite Shower Walls
Design Versatility
Advanced tools and techniques make it possible to cut granite into just about any shape you can imagine. If you have a unique design in mind for your shower walls, it’s possible to get granite tiles cut to match that image. When you choose tiles made out of more conventional materials such as ceramic, you’re generally limited to choosing between square, diamond, and rectangle shapes. Granite, on the other hand, gives you much more room to have fun with your design.
No Grout Lines
If, on the other hand, you want a more clean look for your shower, it’s possible to get granite shower walls with no grout lines. This is achieved by installing entire slabs of granite directly into your shower. It’s more labor-intensive and often more costly, but if you want a clean, groutless look, then installing a natural stone such as granite is the only way to achieve this.
Durability
Granite is a strong rock. When installed in showers, a sealant is added to give the granite additional protection. Together, granite’s natural hardness and the sealant make granite shower walls very resistant to cracks and chips. This will help you keep your shower in pristine condition for years to come.
Easy Maintenance
To clean granite shower walls, all you need to do is wipe them down. This is because the sealant makes the walls very resistant to dirt, stains, and grime. As long as your shower walls are regularly sealed, clean up should be a breeze.
Cons of Granite Shower Walls
Price
One of the most prohibitive factors of granite shower walls is the cost. Granite is pricey, and the time, care, and knowledge necessary to install it correctly can make the installation costly as well (especially if you’re opting for slab walls instead of tile). This is somewhat offset by the fact that a granite shower will likely improve the value of your house, but it’s still an important factor to be aware of before committing to the purchase.
Routine Sealing
Granite is a porous material. Because of this, when used in a shower, granite must be sealed every year or it could lead to issues. It’s also important to note that if granite is also being used on the floor of the shower, it can become quite slippery if it’s not sealed routinely. Of course, as long as you’re aware of this and plan ahead for these routine sealings, there shouldn’t be an issue.
Limited Color Selection
Granite is a natural stone. When you choose to have natural stone installed in your home, the only colors available are those found in nature — which, when it comes to granite, can be quite limited. While there’s a lot of options available for the shape of granite tiles, when it comes to color, you’ll only have a handful of options to choose from. Nevertheless, the color options for granite are often quite stunning, which is why granite is a popular choice for adding elegance to a home.
At Wholesale Granite Direct, we like to make sure that our customers are aware of what to expect and how to take care of their brand new natural stone surfaces. That’s why we’ve taken the time to explain both the benefits and potential drawbacks of granite shower walls. If you’ve weighed the pros and cons and are ready to commit to having a granite shower installed, contact Wholesale Granite today. We have two showrooms — one in Arlington, TX and one in Richardson, TX — and we’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have about your new stone shower. Contact us today to learn more about our granite shower installation services.
