Design inspiration: How to incorporate a luxurious stone bath into your bathroom projects

Using natural stone in the bathroom is the ultimate in luxury – it's beautiful, unique and with the right care, will last a lifetime – Clare Howcutt-Kelly reveals the do's and don'ts for bathroom designers. 

A stone bathtub is a striking centrepiece that is hardwearing, retains heat and never goes out of fashion. Typically, a stone bath is more expensive than an acrylic one but for the homeowner for whom money is no object, a custom bath elevates the bathroom even more.

Solid marble bathtubs carved from a single block are the most sought-after bringing more than a touch of opulence into the home and stone specialists, Lapicida offer a variety of signature styles and fully-bespoke designs. One of the company’s creations was featured in the opening scene of the Wes Anderson film The Phoenician Scheme and, spoiler alert, Benicio del Toro is smoking a cigar in it.

Specifying a stone bathtub can be a major undertaking and no matter how desirable, there are many things to consider including cost, space and the weight.

Jason Cherrington, director of Lapicida says: “Marble baths are the epitome of luxury. They’re also versatile in style, and they can transform your bathroom into a minimalist spa or bring indulgent, traditional opulence. Each bath is completely unique as no two blocks of marble are ever the same, and they are available in a wide variety of beautiful colours.

“Marble baths can weigh in excess of a ton. They can be installed on upper floors, but it is advisable to consult a structural engineer before ordering. It’s also very important to discuss access with your project manager as specialist lifting equipment may be needed.”

Lapicida’s bathtubs are created using the most advanced CNC machinery and are hand-finished by experienced stonemasons to ensure superior quality. Of course, anything involving hand skills will come at a premium.

In addition to solid stone bathtubs, an equally high end aesthetic can be achieved with stone bath panels or cladding. This can be more achievable than commissioning a one-off bathtub and carried out by high-end fabricators and installers including stoneCircle, a business that was founded in 1968 by Bernard Vanhinsbergh and today, led by his sons Jeff and Steve.

With a portfolio spanning some of the most luxurious hotels and residential properties around the world, stoneCircle’s work is fully-bespoke and includes the creation of book-matched Calacatta Oro bath panels, vein-matched with the back wall and floor for a Mayfair residential development of five flats in a period property.

The company has also undertaken work for the Mandrake Hotel including the penthouse suite where Polished White Mystery Marble was used throughout the bathroom with a jacuzzi bath located under a retractable roof. This was clad in the same marble as the floor and vanity units.

All of these projects are complicated in their own right and, Steve explains the company’s full service approach: “We encourage designers to get in touch as early as possible about their projects. This allows us to advise them as to the most suitable type of stone to achieve the look that they are after, and suggest alternatives where appropriate. We have decades of experience in this industry and can guide the designer through the specification and fit out process from first concept to installation and final sign off.”

A reputable fabricator may offer installation or will likely be able to recommend partners for installation if they do not offer these services as particular care must be given to the adhesive and sealant used to avoid damage or injury. Companies that specialise in these products include ASM Supplies, D Zambelis and Stonegate can offer expert advice to ensure the right product for the right job is used.

Post-installation, cleaning natural stone – whether panels, cladding or solid bathtubs – should be approached with care and many typical household cleaning chemicals may cause etching as stone is sensitive to acid. Warm water and a PH-neutral cleaner are less harmful but for serious stains, it’s always worth recommending a stone cleaning company such as Athena Stonecare.

No piece of natural stone is ever the same and therefore client expectations need to be managed accordingly especially when veining is present but the final result is nothing short of spectacular.

Clare Howcutt-Kelly is the communications officer for the Worktop Fabricators Federation (WFF) and can found on Instagram @clarehowcuttkelly