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Is Quartz Good for Shower Walls, Bathroom Countertops & More?

Updated: April 21, 2025

Quartz has dominated kitchen design for years, but did you know this versatile material is making impressive strides in bathroom applications as well? From elegant vanity tops to stunning shower walls, quartz is transforming ordinary bathrooms into luxurious, spa-like retreats. Interior designers increasingly recommend this engineered marvel for wet areas, and for good reason.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the many advantages of quartz in bathrooms — from shower walls and floors to quartz bathroom countertops and decorative elements. We’ll answer the burning question: can you use quartz in a shower and surrounding areas? (spoiler alert: absolutely yes!) and provide everything you need to know about incorporating this premium material into your dream bathroom renovation.

Benefits of Using Quartz in Shower Spaces

Before diving into specific applications, let’s understand what makes quartz such an exceptional choice for bathroom environments.

Benefits of quartz: can you use quartz in a shower, bathroom countertops, benches and more?

Non-Porous & Waterproof Nature

Engineered quartz is composed of approximately 93% natural quartz crystals combined with 7% resins and polymers. This unique composition creates an inherently non-porous surface that won’t absorb water, unlike many natural stone options. This waterproof quality makes quartz perfectly suited for wet areas like showers where moisture resistance is essential.

Unmatched Mold, Mildew, and Bacteria Resistance

The non-porous quality of quartz delivers significant hygiene benefits that are especially crucial in bathroom environments. Because moisture and soap residue cannot penetrate the surface, there’s nowhere for mold, mildew, or bacteria to establish themselves. This makes quartz shower walls and surrounds not only beautiful but also among the most hygienic and anti-bacterial surfaces available for modern bathroom design.

Outstanding Durability in Wet Environments

Quartz isn’t just pretty — it’s strong! It ranks high on the hardness scale, making it exceptionally resistant to scratches, chips, and everyday wear. A properly installed quartz shower can last the lifetime of your bathroom – often 20+ years – with minimal deterioration. Unlike other materials that might degrade with constant moisture exposure, quartz maintains its integrity and appearance even in the wettest environments.

Design Versatility & Aesthetic Appeal

One of quartz’s most compelling advantages is its incredible design flexibility. Available in countless colors and patterns, quartz can transform any bathroom into a personalized sanctuary. Options like Alabaster White create a bright, clean aesthetic, while Babylon Gray adds sophistication with subtle texture. For those who love the look of natural stone without the maintenance concerns, varieties like Calacatta Bolina offer stunning veining that beautifully mimics natural stone like Cararra marble.

Low Maintenance Requirements

Quartz maintenance in bathrooms is remarkably simple compared to alternatives. Forget the stress of sealing or deep-cleaning grout lines. Daily cleaning requires only mild soap and water — no special cleansers needed. Perhaps most appealing for shower applications is the potential for large-format installation, which dramatically reduces the number of grout lines that typically become maintenance headaches in traditional tile showers.

Practical Applications: Ways to Use Quartz in Shower Designs

Now that we’ve covered the benefits, it’s time to see how quartz can be seamlessly integrated into different elements of the shower and bathroom — an advantage in itself!

Stunning and Seamless Shower Walls

Quartz slabs make for absolutely breathtaking shower walls that create clean lines and contemporary elegance. While quartz stone shower walls are indeed heavier than traditional tile (even when using thinner 1cm slabs), professional installers account for this weight with proper supporting structure and installation techniques. The result is worth it! Seamless surfaces with minimal joining lines that create a sophisticated, high-end look impossible to achieve with traditional tile.

Safe Quartz Shower Floors

When considering quartz for bathroom flooring, particularly within the shower itself, slip resistance becomes an important consideration. Polished quartz can be slippery when wet, but manufacturers have addressed this concern by offering textured or honed finishes specifically designed for wet areas. Alternatively, some designers pair quartz shower walls with complementary textured tile flooring for the perfect balance of aesthetics and safety.

Vanity Tops and Other Integrated Features

Quartz truly shines when used throughout the bathroom for a cohesive design approach. Beyond shower walls, quartz makes excellent bathroom vanity countertops that coordinate beautifully with shower features. The material and quartz color options are perfect for creating integrated elements like shower seats, storage recesses, inset shelving, and window sills. By using the same material throughout, you achieve a sophisticated, unified design that elevates the entire space.

Looking to Transform Your Bathroom? At Granite Selection, we offer premium quartz for both bathroom and kitchen countertops in the Chicago area. Explore our extensive collection and find the perfect match for your project!

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Important Considerations When Using Quartz in Showers

While quartz offers many advantages, there are several factors to consider before making your final decision.

Chemical Sensitivity

Although quartz is extremely durable, the resin component that makes it non-porous can react with certain harsh chemicals. Avoid using bleach, highly acidic cleaners, or alkaline products on quartz shower surfaces. Instead, stick to mild soap and water for daily cleaning, with occasional use of a gentle glass cleaner for deeper maintenance. This chemical sensitivity, while manageable, requires awareness of appropriate cleaning products.

Professional Installation Required

Quartz slabs require specialized tools for cutting and fitting. Attempting a DIY installation can lead to expensive mistakes. This is why working with experienced fabricators is crucial, especially when planning large shower surround quartz panels or integrated pieces.

Heavier Material

Compared to traditional tile, quartz is heavier. This isn’t a dealbreaker but does mean you’ll need to ensure your wall framing and support systems are up to the task. Your installer will typically advise on this during your bathroom remodeling project.

Cost and ROI of Quartz in Shower Spaces

Quartz isn’t the cheapest material upfront, but its long-term value more than makes up for it. The total cost depends on several key factors:

Size and scope of the installation: More area means higher cost.
Slab thickness and finish: Thicker or premium styles cost more.
Fabrication and professional labor: Skilled work adds to the price.
Additional cut-outs or features: Extras like niches or benches increase cost.

Here’s a general idea of what you might pay:

Application	Average Cost (Installed)
Quartz Shower Walls	$70–$120 per sq. ft
Quartz Countertops	$60–$100 per sq. ft
Shower Seats/Benches	$300–$700 per unit
Custom Shelves/Niches	$200–$500 per unit

While these numbers might initially seem significant, it’s important to consider the long-term value. According to the JLC 2024 Cost vs. Value Report, a midrange bathroom remodel can recoup about 73.7% of their cost at resale. More importantly, projects using premium materials like quartz often increase buyer interest and decrease time-on-market when selling a home.

Beyond immediate financial return, the practically no maintenance requirements of quartz result in significant savings over time compared to materials requiring regular sealing, grout cleaning, or replacement due to moisture damage.

Quartz vs. Other Materials: Making the Right Choice

Understanding how quartz compares to alternative shower materials can help you make an informed decision for your bathroom remodeling project.

Quartz vs. Marble

Water resistance: Quartz is non-porous; marble is porous and can absorb water.
Maintenance: Quartz requires minimal cleaning; marble needs regular sealing and special cleaners.
Durability: Quartz resists scratches and etching; marble is susceptible to both.
Appearance: Both offer elegant aesthetics; quartz provides more consistent patterning.
Cost: Quartz is typically 10-15% less expensive than high-end marble.

Quartz vs. Granite

Porosity: Quartz is non-porous; granite has varying porosity and requires sealing.
Consistency: Quartz offers predictable patterns; granite has natural variations.
Heat resistance: Granite performs slightly better with heat; both sufficient for bathrooms.
Maintenance: Quartz needs only simple cleaning; granite requires periodic resealing.
Cost: Premium granite and quartz are comparably priced; quartz offers more consistent quality.

Quartz vs. Quartzite

Composition: Quartz is engineered; quartzite is natural stone.
Durability: Both extremely durable; quartzite slightly harder.
Maintenance: Quartz needs no sealing; quartzite requires periodic sealing.
Appearance: Quartzite offers exotic natural patterns; quartz provides consistent designs.
Cost: Exotic quartzite can cost more than premium quartz.

Bring Your Dream Bathroom to Life with Quartz

So, is quartz good for shower walls and other bathroom applications? Unequivocally, yes. It combines elegance, hygiene, and ease of maintenance into a package that fits perfectly in today’s bathrooms. With endless design options and superior performance in wet areas, it’s no wonder more people are turning to quartz for their shower and bathroom remodeling projects.

If you’re ready to elevate your bathroom with stunning quartz slabs, let us help you. At Granite Selection, we specialize in providing high-quality quartz for bathroom and kitchen projects throughout the Chicago area. Our expert team can help you select the perfect quartz for your shower walls, bathroom countertops, and other elements. Whether you’re dreaming of a complete bathroom overhaul or simply updating your shower, get a detailed quote to explore how quartz can transform your space.