1. Marble
- Best for: Luxury vanity tops, shower walls, and flooring.
- Popular Types: Carrara, Calacatta, Statuario.
- Pros: Elegant veining, timeless look, cool surface.
- Cons: Requires sealing (porous), can stain if not maintained.
2. Granite
- Best for: Countertops, shower benches.
- Popular Types: Absolute Black, Uba Tuba, Kashmir White.
- Pros: Extremely durable, heat/scratch-resistant, low maintenance.
- Cons: Limited color patterns compared to marble.
3. Slate
- Best for: Flooring, shower floors (textured finish).
- Pros: Naturally slip-resistant, water-resistant, rustic charm.
- Cons: Surface can be uneven; needs occasional sealing.
4. Travertine
- Best for: Wall cladding, steam showers.
- Pros: Warm earthy tones, naturally porous for a matte finish.
- Cons: Requires frequent sealing to prevent water absorption.
5. Quartzite
- Best for: High-moisture areas (countertops, shower surrounds).
- Pros: Harder than granite, resists etching, marble-like appearance.
- Cons: Rare and expensive.
6. Onyx
- Best for: Statement walls, backlit features.
- Pros: Translucent, unique color bands, luxurious look.
- Cons: Fragile (best for low-traffic areas), high maintenance.
Key Considerations
- Slip Resistance: Opt for honed/flamed finishes (e.g., slate) for shower floors.
- Maintenance: Seal porous stones (marble, travertine) annually.
- Budget: Granite and slate offer durability at lower costs than marble/onyx.
For a balance of beauty and practicality, granite and quartzite are top picks, while marble remains the ultimate luxury choice.
