Natural stone in the bathroom

The bathroom is one of the most demanding rooms in the whole house. On the one hand, we expect it to have the atmosphere of a luxurious, peaceful spa; on the other, it is a space that has to cope with heavy daily use. Hot steam, ever-present damp, sudden temperature changes, water stains, as well as soap and cosmetic residues are the norm here. Add to this the morning rush or the lively process of the youngest members of the household learning to brush their teeth independently, which often results in a splashed-up washbasin and floor.

Is natural stone a safe choice in such conditions? Definitely yes, provided we select the right type for the specific area. Natural stone Scalla Naturale offers a wealth of possibilities - from floors and bathroom countertops to wall cladding and shower interiors.

If you’re looking for a material that can withstand almost anything in the bathroom, Scalla Naturale granite is the best choice. It is a rock of extreme hardness and very low water absorption. Granite copes brilliantly with moisture, is scratch-resistant and can safely withstand contact with most toiletries. Where does it work best? Practically everywhere. It is the ideal material for a heavily used washbasin countertop, a sturdy floor (which won’t be damaged by frequent washing) and also for cladding directly inside the shower cubicle. Although it is very durable, it should be impregnated every 2-3 years to make it easier to clean off deposits or cosmetic residues. 

Scalla Naturale quartzite holds a position in the bathroom just as strong as granite. It has excellent strength properties, a dense structure and is highly chemically resistant. However, it is important to remember that this does not make it completely immune to all factors - in the bathroom environment, it may be susceptible to oily stains, for example as a result of contact with cosmetics containing oily ingredients. The use of a suitable impregnating agent significantly reduces this problem and allows the surface to be kept in excellent condition even with intensive use. Quartzite copes perfectly with steam and visually offers a very dynamic, distinctive veining, often reminiscent of fine marbles. It is an excellent choice for countertops, floors and feature walls - for example, behind a freestanding bath.

Scalla Naturale marble brings a unique elegance to an interior, but if you choose it, you need to understand its nature well. It is a limestone and therefore noticeably softer and more porous than granite or quartzite. Marble’s greatest enemy is acids - even those hidden in certain cosmetics or cleaning products. Spilled water, if left on the countertop for a long time, can leave a dull mark. Does this mean that marble is unsuitable for the bathroom? Absolutely not. You simply need to use it wisely and with care. It works perfectly on walls outside the main wet area or on the bath surround. The key to its longevity is rigorous, regular sealing and the habit of wiping up spills as they happen. For this reason, in bathrooms used daily by people who do not have much time to care for the stone, it is worth considering more durable alternatives or marble substitutes.

Scalla Naturale travertine is a stone that can give a bathroom the atmosphere of authentic Mediterranean thermal baths. It has beautiful, warm colours and a very distinctive, porous structure. And this is where the bathroom challenge arises. The natural pores of travertine are places where moisture, dust or soap scum easily accumulate. For this stone to remain in good condition, all its pores must be carefully filled during processing or installation and the entire surface must be thoroughly sealed. Well-maintained travertine makes for a superb wall and floor covering in dry areas. It works perfectly around a makeup vanity, as an elegant surround for a large mirror, or as a decorative wall in a relaxation zone, away from direct water streams. A Mediterranean spa in your own home? With travertine, it’s possible!

Scalla Naturale onyx is a stone that is beautiful, yet delicate and fragile. It is definitely not a material suited to intensive, everyday use. We advise against using onyx for floors or countertops - accidentally dropping a heavy bottle of perfume could damage its surface and accidental contact with chemicals would permanently dull it. Onyx in the bathroom has one, unique purpose: to decorate. It is the perfect material for illuminated wall panels placed at a safe distance from the wet zone, where it will be a delight to the eye without being exposed to accidental damage. 

Whichever type of stone you choose, materials from the Scalla Naturale collection are available in the form of large-format slabs. Due to the natural origin of the raw material, maximum lengths vary depending on the type of rock. The most durable quartzites and granites reach impressive sizes of up to 339 cm and 330 cm in length, respectively. For marble, slabs reach up to 313 cm in length, while for onyx and travertine, the maximum values are 295 cm and 270 cm, respectively. Depending on the selected type and decor, slabs are available in 2 and 3 cm thicknesses. Using such large elements significantly facilitates the design of uniform surfaces - it allows the unique veining of the stone to be showcased with a minimal number of joints.

Natural stone in the bathroom is an investment for years to come, but there is no room for random decisions here. Precisely matching the properties of a particular stone to a specific area - wet, dry, heavily used or purely decorative - ensures that the bathroom will retain its perfect appearance without causing us daily frustration.

Find out how to care for natural stone in the bathroom so that it will serve you in pristine condition for years to come!