Choosing a stone bath-tub

When you think of a stone bathtub, perhaps you think of marble. And while this is still certainly a commonly found stone in many of the world's most beautiful bathrooms, there's an increasing trend in the modern bathroom for more interesting materials.

From Onyx to Sandstone

Stone bathtubs are at the forefront of modern design. Elliptical, rectangle, deep or round, many of today's finest stone bath tubs are carved by hand, making the one you choose unique in its own way.

And why not choose stone? It's sturdy, and offers something an acrylic bath won't: a soak in a natural element. This point is important for those who believe bathing is not merely to get clean, but a way to recuperate and stay healthy.

Green Onyx is one of the more spectacular solutions. With beautiful grains and a light, almost Roman feeling, it's a royal addition to a bathroom. And what's more, many stones are said to have other therapeutic benefits. Green Onyx, for instance, is said to have a strengthening effect on the nervous system.

Another option is sandstone. With its beautiful natural tones, sandstone's colour can subtly move from tans to oranges, pinks to reds. And then there's marble. From Shanxi Black to China White and every possible hue in between, marble offers not only a huge range o colours and grains, but is also being used to fashion some of the most interesting and innovative tubs yet. One company in Australia offering such a selection is Stanton Moor. Another, which also designs stone tubs for the outdoors, is Terrazzo Baths and Basins.

Be prepared for a hefty price tag, though. Most hand carved stone baths start at around $2000. You can also purchase hand bowls or basins in an almost-matching stone (as no two stones are exactly the same!), and these start at around $500. The price tag can be worth it though. Stone tubs last a lifetime. And that's a lifetime of good soaking. Just make sure they come up to the Australian standard. If in doubt, check with the Australian Stone Advisory Association.