The Hidden Downside To Trendy Marble Bathrooms (And What To Choose Instead)

With its elegance and natural beauty, marble stone has been sought after by people from Ancient Greece to modern times. Marble is a popular choice in bathrooms for floors, walls, and countertops. The latest trends in marble bathrooms include bold veining, muted colors, and dark marble for a bold sense of movement. While marble bathrooms are in style now, the classic stone has a timeless appeal that brings sophistication to traditional and modern design styles. You can find ideas for stunning marble bathrooms that make you think of Ancient Greece or modern marble wonders that create a sleek, welcoming bathroom area.

No matter what style you choose or how great the stone looks, there are hidden downsides to marble bathrooms that may make you want to reconsider your plans. Porous marble surfaces can easily stain or become etched by cleaners and many personal care products used in bathrooms. In addition, marble has specific care and maintenance requirements that take time and money. There are other beautiful choices that enable you to create a gorgeous bathroom that is easier to maintain, such as textured ceramic tile. 

Although marble is beautiful, this countertop material may be a bad choice for the bathroom. Marble is a high-end stone and can drive the costs of your bathroom renovation up significantly. This is due to the higher costs of mining and installation. The cost of marble tile is around $30 per square foot compared with $18 per square foot for quality ceramic tile, but the costs can be significantly more, depending on the marble you choose.

Even if money is not a concern, there are reasons to avoid marble. It is a soft, porous stone that can be easily stained by the hair dyes, cosmetics, and personal care products that are commonly used in bathrooms. Marble also etches easily when it comes into contact with acidic substances. In bathrooms, this can include certain lotions and other bath and shower products. Liquids, including water, can discolor marble if they sit on the stone for long. Plus, if you use it on the bathroom floor, marble can get slippery and create a safety hazard.

Due to the porous nature and vulnerability to staining, marble requires a lot of care and maintenance. You can't use typical bathroom cleaning products, as many are acidic and may etch the surface of the marble. In addition, to protect the marble in your bathroom, it will need to be sealed every few years to maintain the surface. In the bathroom, you might want something that can stand up better to daily use without a time-consuming care routine.

Textured ceramic or porcelain tile is a more affordable and durable choice for bathrooms. These tiles are made with ridges or raised surface patterns, rather than smooth surfaces. A significant advantage of this type of tile for bathrooms is the slip-resistant nature of the tile surface. This is a useful feature that enhances safety in the bathroom where tiles often get slippery due to the moisture.

Textured tile is available in ceramic, porcelain, and natural stone. You can find textured tiles in a wide array of colors, finishes, and patterns to fit your preferred aesthetic. The texture of the tile creates a beautiful, natural look that complements a range of design styles, so you can find something perfect for any bathroom.

If your heart is set on the look of a trendy marble bathroom, there are tiles and stunning countertops that mimic the beauty of marble that can be used in kitchens and bathrooms. You may want to consider white quartz with veining that resembles marble. Some types of quartzite and granite offer a similar look in a more durable stone. When making the final decision, consider cost, upkeep, and aesthetics to find the best fit for your bathroom.