Stone tile versus porcelain tile. This choice comes up constantly. Personally, I prefer porcelain. A shower is one of the wettest places on the planet, and porcelain tile is nearly impervious to moisture migration. But when someone does decide to use natural stone, it's time to get into due-diligence mode and inspect the stone for defects, epoxy fill and mineral veins, and then perform a soak test. A simple soak test is easy. If you are planning to use some white marble in your shower, for example, purchase it from a supplier that's been using the same source for a few years. Make sure to ask how long the store has been purchasing stone from that source and if there were any problems on prior jobs.Purchase several pieces and place them in a bucket of water for two days. Then take them out and leave them out for a few more days. If the stone looks different, those same changes are bound to happen in your new shower.
Stone tile versus porcelain tile. This choice comes up constantly. Personally, I prefer porcelain. A shower is one of the wettest places on the planet, and porcelain tile is nearly impervious to moisture migration. But when someone does decide to use natural stone, it's time to get into due-diligence mode and inspect the stone for defects, epoxy fill and mineral veins, and then perform a soak test. A simple soak test is easy. If you are planning to use some white marble in your shower, for example, purchase it from a supplier that's been using the same source for a few years. Make sure to ask how long the store has been purchasing stone from that source and if there were any problems on prior jobs.Purchase several pieces and place them in a bucket of water for two days. Then take them out and leave them out for a few more days. If the stone looks different, those same changes are bound to happen in your new shower.
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