Italian marble is renowned for its timeless beauty, luxury material, durability, and elegance. The vein pattern and wide range of color patterns make it a coveted material for high-end projects. Italian marble is a natural stone, and it is not waterproof. To make it water resistant, sealing is done on the surface of the marble. It can be used for bathroom walls and other exterior designs.
While selecting marble for bathroom walls, as it is for the wet areas like shower areas and wash basins. It is very crucial to know the porosity and how it can be treated. For bathroom flooring, a non-slip surface is the main concern, and for bathroom walls, more water-resistant marble and easy-to-clean stains are desired. In this article we will delve into 10 best Italian marbles for bathroom walls that can elevate your bathroom floors and walls with an aesthetic look.
1. Carrara Marble
Carrara marble is available in a soft white background with a gray feathery veining pattern. It is more porous in nature compared to other marbles. However, with correct sealing, Carrara marble can be installed on the bathroom walls. It gives traditional and modern designs.
2. Calacatta Marble
It is often confused with the Carrara marble. Calacatta marble has a bright white background with more dark veins in gray, gold, and light brown shades. It is a more expensive and rare marble. It provides a luxurious statement with proper sealant and offers a good performance for walls.
3. Statuario Marble
The most precious marble is Statuario marble. It has a brilliant white shade with bold grey veins in it. It is a showstopper, and it is perfect for creating an opulent bathroom.
4. Bianco Dolomiti
Bianco Dolomiti is a Turkish marble. It has a consistent appearance with a clean white background. It is higher density marble compared to Calacatta marble. It can be installed for bathroom walls with proper sealing.
5. Nero Marquina
The Nero Marquina marble is popular due to its black background with a white veins pattern. It creates a bold and sophisticated statement. It is good water resistant if it is sealed well and ideal for dramatic bathroom walls.
6. Arabescato Corchia
Arabescato Corchia marble has a milky white background with intricate large circular swirling gray and black veins. It is an eye-catching pattern that makes it perfect for bathroom walls. It has high density and is suitable for wet areas with proper sealing.
7. Portoro
Partoro marble is very rare and exquisite Italian marble. It is a polished black surface with a stunning look with beautiful gold and silver veins. It works best on a high-impact featured wall, has a high density, and is the best for bathroom walls if it is sealed correctly.
8. Crema Marfil
Crema Marfil is Spanish marble. It has creamy beige to yellow gold tones with a subtle vein pattern. It creates soft veins with a warm atmosphere in a bathroom. It is durable marble if it is sealed properly, and it can be used for bathroom walls and floors. With a honed finish for a non-slippery floor.
9. Travertine
Travertine marble is one of the most suitable marbles for bathroom floors and walls. It is less porous and has unique swirls with a rustic, earthy feel. If the regular sealant is done, then water absorption and stains will not occur. The honed finish of the marble makes it non-slippery and the best option for bathroom flooring.
10. Rosso Levanto
Rosso Levanto marble has a deep red to purplish background with a beautiful white and gray vein pattern. The bold and dramatic choice of a unique bathroom creates a sense of warm and luxurious appeal. It is best suitable for bathroom walls when sealed to protect its vibrant color.
Conclusion: The Right Choice and Proper Care
Choosing Italian marble for your bathroom walls is a decision that speaks to style and sophistication. While no natural stone is completely “waterproof,” the key to success lies in two factors: selecting a marble with a denser composition and, most importantly, ensuring it is professionally installed and properly sealed.
For flooring, a honed or tumbled finish provides a naturally non-slip surface, while for walls, a polished finish is typically preferred for its reflective quality and ease of cleaning. Regular re-sealing (every 6-12 months, depending on usage) is a simple but vital maintenance step that will protect your investment and keep your marble looking beautiful for decades. With the right care, these magnificent stones will turn your bathroom into a personal sanctuary of timeless elegance.
FAQs
Q: Can I use Italian marble for my shower walls?
A: Yes, absolutely. With a high-quality impregnating sealer, Italian marble is an excellent choice for shower walls. The sealer penetrates the stone to repel water and prevent staining from soap and hard water deposits.
Q: How do I make marble non-slip for the bathroom floor?
A: To make marble non-slip, you should choose a finish other than polished. A honed, tumbled, or sandblasted finish provides a matte, textured surface with much better traction, making it safe for bathroom floors.
Q: How often do I need to re-seal my marble bathroom walls?
A: The frequency depends on the specific marble and sealer used, but a good rule of thumb is to re-seal every 6-12 months. You can test your sealer by putting a few drops of water on the surface; if the water beads up, the sealer is still effective. If it soaks in, it’s time to re-seal.
Q: Is marble difficult to clean?
A: Marble requires specific care. You should only use cleaners that are pH-neutral and specifically designed for natural stone. Avoid abrasive cleaners, vinegar, and other acidic or harsh chemicals, which can etch and damage the surface.
