When it comes to designing your bathroom for function and style, you may have more opportunities to add a personal touch than you realize.
Certain elements are standard within a bathroom: sinks, vanities, cabinets, and a shower or bathtub. However, the materials you use – and other special features you incorporate – can personalize the space for optimal comfort and convenience.
When remodeling your bathroom in Delaware and choosing materials, there are a couple key factors to consider: cost, cohesion, and whether a style is current. Cost can be a challenging factor to evaluate when you’re sticking to a strict budget for your remodeling project. You are likely to pay more for certain, high-end materials and features, but they pay off in the long-run because of the superior quality and the satisfaction they bring.
Beyond that, the materials and features in your bathroom should complement one another to create a cohesive environment that is both attractive and inviting. Finally, no matter your long-term plans for the home, it is optimal to choose materials, colors and styles that are classic and won’t be out of vogue in the next couple years.
In almost all cases, tile is the best material for shower floors and the entire bathroom. You can choose between ceramic, porcelain or natural stone tiles. Porcelain is the ideal fit for a bathroom floor because it is durable, waterproof, and stain resistant. You also have numerous styles and colors to choose from. The current trend is subway tile, which has a timeless feel. One characteristic that makes porcelain the best tile for shower floors is that it’s the same color throughout. If the floor gets chipped, it won’t be as detectable.
Natural stone tiles are also available in a wide variety. They require more maintenance, such as cleaning and sealing, than ceramic and porcelain tiles, but they add a touch of luxury to your bathroom. Either treated natural stone or porcelain make the best material for shower floors.
Another option is luxury vinyl plank (LVP), which can be installed over your existing floor. While you can find an LVP option that looks high-end, it is unlikely to improve your property value. Ultimately, you will pay more for tile than LVP – or about $7 per square foot compared to $2 per square foot. The extra cost for tile, however, tends to be worthwhile if you want a flooring that looks and feels opulent, is eco-friendly, and functional for this particular space.
Whether you have a bathtub, shower, both, or a shower/tub combo, the materials you select for these elements and the surrounding area can transform the entire look and feel of your bathroom. The best material for shower walls is tile, since it is nonporous, attractive and easy to clean. Stone, fiberglass and acrylic are also popular options. Stone is a rich and luxurious material but is more expensive than ceramic and less durable. Prefabricated fiberglass and acrylic can also be installed in the shower during a bathroom renovation. Although less expensive, these materials don’t age as well, as they’re susceptible to yellowing, staining, and scratching.
Regardless of which materials you use for the shower, you can add niches in the shower wall or tub surround. As opposed to traditional corner shelves, this contemporary feature better utilizes space and adds an attractive accent.
In terms of shower doors, you can select between production doors with frames from major suppliers, such as Lowe’s, or custom frameless doors for your bathroom remodel. Frameless doors are about three times as expensive as production doors but they come in any size and make the space feel larger and less constrictive. They’re also easier to clean and prevent the buildup of grime and mold.
Finally, for the base, the traditional approach during a major bathroom remodeling project is to install a mud shower pan and waterproof the membrane. The contemporary approach is using a preformed pan that is glued and sealed to make it waterproof. The latter is more expensive, but you can obtain a warranty to help protect your investment.
Materials specifications have the greatest impact on the overall cost of your bathroom renovation project. As you select the materials and features to include in your remodel, consider not only upfront costs but also long-term value, maintenance requirements, and how the materials improve the comfort and function of your bathroom. Our team at Bromwell Construction can give you a cost estimate for your bathroom remodel project and also provide consultation on the pros and cons of the common bathroom materials from which you are choosing.
Sources
“4 Shower Wall Options for Your Next Bathroom Renovation.” Essential Home and Garden, Nov. 24, 2019. Accessed online at https://www.essentialhomeandgarden.com/shower-wall-options/
“Pros and Cons of Frameless Shower Doors.” Angie’s List Blog Post. Accessed online at https://www.angieslist.com/articles/pros-and-cons-frameless-shower-doors.htm