French Limestone in Limeyrat is an excellent choice for bathroom and shower!

French Limestone in Limeyrat is a beautiful warm gray stone and an excellent choice for bathrooms and showers. Its important to select the right type of stone for this type of application based on density and durability. Some types are softer, have small holes or open veins and are more porous. These would be generally considered too soft for moisture prone areas such as a bathroom. Limeyrat French limestone is hard and dense with various ‘benches’ (colors) to choose from.The image above is from a project supplied by Monarch Stone International with French Limestone in Limeyrat flooring and tiles.

No matter what material you use, there will always be maintenance – even porcelain tiles require upkeep. When cleaning natural stone, it is best to keep things simple. Soapy cleansers can add build up and attract dirt, while vinegar and harsh cleaners can damage the stone. To avoid these issues, always use a neutral cleaner with a pH level of around seven. A few quick preventative measures can keep stone surfaces looking fresh.To help avoid water marks on the stone surface, use a squeegee on the walls after showering, leave the doors open to allow moisture to escape and use glycerin over traditional bar soap which can cause more soap scum which is a conduit for mold.

Natural stone in bathrooms and showers should be sealed with a penetrating sealer. For best results, hire a stone professional or restoration specialist. And consider hiring a professional to come out every two to five years to have the stone re-honed or re-polished as many stones can lose their luster due to water exposure over time. You can find a host of information on The Natural Stone Institute website here.

Being informed and knowledgeable about the care and maintenance of a natural stone bathroom is not difficult and will ensure your investment will provide warmth and beauty well into the future!