Use of Granite in Shower Stalls

Common Shower Stall Materials

• Materials that can handle the demands of a shower stall include molded fiberglass units, acrylic sheets, ceramic tile, porcelain tile, cultured stone tile and certain natural stone tiles, including marble and granite. Factors that may influence your decision on which material to use may include price, durability, maintenance and ease of installation. Fiberglass units tend to be the least expensive and easiest to maintain. Ceramic and porcelain tiles are more challenging to install but require little maintenance and are among the most durable materials for your shower stall. Natural stone tiles, including granite, are among the most expensive choices.

Durability

• Granite is one of the hardest natural materials available because it is composed primarily of quartz and feldspar. Granite tends to resist scratches and scrapes from common usage, and it is tough enough to resist incidental contact with most metals. This hardness makes granite an appropriate material for use in a shower stall.

Acid Resistance

• Acid from household cleaners and water can leach calcium from some natural stones, such as marble, which can affect their strength over long periods of time. Granite has a natural resistance to acidic materials, which can extend its longevity even after regular exposure. Granite's acid resistance makes it an appropriate material for lining your shower stall.

Considerations

• Improperly installed granite tiles allows water to seep into grout lines and accumulate in the walls or floors. Natural stone tiles, including granite, require regular cleaning with products that are labeled specifically for use with natural stone to maintain their natural beauty. The cost for granite tiles can vary significantly based on the color, finish, edge profile and other quality factors. Granite is typically among the most expensive materials for shower stalls, but some colors and cuts may be less expensive than custom porcelain tiles. The price of granite can range from $8 to $90 per square foot as of 2011, according to the Natural Stone Interiors website.