Choosing the Best Tub, Floor, and Sink Materials
A bathroom remodel is a big deal. It’s not something you do often, in fact, most homeowners spend years thinking about it, dreaming, planning, wishing, and considering before they pull the trigger. By the time the remodel begins, it’s typically long overdue.
From faucets and fixtures to tubs, showers and vanities, there are dozens of decisions to be made. One of the most important is the material that protects your floors and walls from moisture. Is tile truly the best option, or does another material make more sense? You want something that is as durable as it is beautiful for each of the following areas:
Tub/Shower Surround
The walls surrounding your bathtub and shower will see plenty of water, so you’ll want a completely waterproof solution for this area of the bathroom. Ceramic, porcelain and glass tiles are all options and can be customized for a beautiful look. The drawback with using tile on your tub surround is that you’ll have to deal with grout, which is porous and difficult to keep clean. Cultured marble can also be used here, and because there is no need for grout, it’s easier to keep clean. However, marble is expensive, and because it’s a soft material it’s prone to scratch easily.
DuraBath™ offers the strength of tile without the grout, and comes in a variety of styles and finishes so that you can have the look you want without the maintenance. DuraBath wall surrounds consistently outperform the acrylic materials other companies use, and you won’t have to worry about tiles warping and crumbling over time.And because it’s resistant to molds and mildews, you don’t have to worry about that stubborn, ugly muck in one of the most vulnerable parts of your home.
Design tip: Choose a neutral, earthy tone for your shower surround, and add mosaic tiles and a pencil trim in complementary tones for a seamless look.
Bathroom Flooring
Did you know your bathroom floor takes even more abuse than the tub? With all that splashing in and out of the shower, not to mention spills from the sink and toilet, your floor needs to be 100% waterproof. If not, it can quickly be ruined. Different tiles and stones have different levels of porousness and strength. Some, like porcelain, are more water-proof than others.
Wet tile can be slick, posing safety risks, so if you do decide to go with tile flooring, choose a smaller tile so that you’ll have more grout, which acts as a non-slip surface. The drawback to more grout is more scrubbing. An alternative solution is Avaire Porcelain Tile, which can hold up in even the most demanding high-traffic areas, Other options to consider are solid stone, engineered wood or LVT.
Design tip: Add a bit of luxury by having an electric heating mat installed under your flooring.
Bathroom Sink Backsplash
A backsplash on your bathroom sink protects your walls from water and can add a distinctive design element to the space. There are many options when it comes to selecting a backsplash, and several materials that can be used, including subway tile, rustic wood planks, or even wallpaper. A glass or porcelain tile mosaic backsplash can serve as a beautiful accent, but remember that wherever grout is used, water can seep through over time, and because it’s porous, it will be prone to mold and mildew.
Design tip: Introduce a new material in your backsplash (marble or wood with concrete, for example) for an interesting and unique aesthetic.
Bathroom Splash Wrap
A bathroom splash wrap is a row of tile that circles the tub, shower or even the entire bathroom. A decorative splash wrap can add dimension, color and personality to a space and protect walls at the same time. This is the perfect area for splurging on glass or mosaic tiles that might be too expensive to use throughout the space, but in small amounts can add a touch of luxury at an affordable price.
Design tip: For a dramatic look, consider a contrasting color or unique pattern.
Bathroom Walls
If you love the look of tile, you can wrap your entire bathroom in it for a distinct style, or incorporate waterproof wainscoting to add depth and texture.
Design tip: Match DuraBath wainscoting to your tub surround for a beautiful, classic look that protects walls from water.
Choosing the perfect materials for every part of your bathroom can be overwhelming. That’s why Re-Bath sends a Design Consultant right to your home to listen carefully to your needs and help you choose the right products and styles that will bring your dream bathroom to life. Ready to get started? Click here to schedule your free, in-home design consultation today.