Suitable bathroom materials can help your remodel feel luxurious. For example, choosing timeless colors over trendy options ensures your design will be relevant years later.
Tile flooring is durable and easy to clean—a plus in a wet environment where humidity and residue can quickly cause damage. Installing a ceiling fan that provides optimal ventilation can also go a long way in keeping your space feeling fresh.
Ceramic or Porcelain Tiles
Ceramic tile is your best bet for a budget-friendly option in various colors, sizes, and textures. It’s durable enough to stand up to a lot of foot traffic and will still look great after a few years, even with regular cleaning.
Some new tiles mimic the appearance of wood flooring or travertine for an even more luxurious feel. They can be used on the walls or floors, but using a slip-resistant grout and considering a urethane coating is essential for better stain resistance.
Glazed porcelain tile has long been a bathroom mainstay because it’s nearly perfect for wet environments. It has a very low porosity (0.5% or less), which means it doesn’t absorb water and is almost stain-proof. It’s also slightly more expensive than mass-produced ceramic tile, but it is worth it for those who want a high-quality material that looks amazing in a wet environment.
Another way to add an attractive and durable surface to your bathroom is by replacing the floor with brick tiles. You can check out this remodel project on coastal creations for more details, but basically, you just lay the tiles over the existing tile floor to get a fresh new look that’s also very sturdy. Ensure you have the right tools and supplies purchased with Home Depot coupons, including a tile cutter, mortar, grout, and other accessories.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass, made of fiberglass-reinforced plastic molded into a bathtub shape and coated with gelcoat resin, offers many design choices and is less expensive than acrylic or enameled steel. However, it can scuff and chip.
Use non-abrasive cleaners and avoid abrasives to keep your fiberglass tub looking its best. For stubborn stains, try a mixture of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide – leave it on for up to an hour before wiping it away.
Another option for bathtub upgrades is to add tile above and around your fiberglass surround – a job you can tackle, assuming the bathtub itself is still structurally sound. Or, if you can’t afford to replace your tub but want to freshen up the look of your bathroom, consider a refinishing kit that fills in cracks and scratches and comes in various colors.
Another bathtub upgrade to consider is a new faucet. This simple swap can instantly create a unique ambiance for your bath. Also, think about changing the lighting in your bathroom – swapping out the old light switch for a dimmer will give you more options to set the mood.
Marble
Marble is a classic bathroom material that adds a luxurious and elegant feel to your space. The stone has withstood centuries of use in construction and translates beautifully into various decor styles, from traditional to modern. Marble is naturally water-resistant, ideal for bathrooms exposed to splashes and moisture.
Marble tiles are easy to clean and available in various patterns, sizes, and colors to complement countless design aesthetics. Create a calming master bath with Thassos Marble Herringbone Tile, or add a pop of color to your guest bathroom with Azul Cielo Double Hexagon Marble Mosaic Tile. Both options feature shades of gray that effortlessly complement the space’s floral wallpaper and natural wood accents.
Consider a cultured marble bathtub if you’re ready to upgrade your bathroom. This tub material is made from crushed limestone and resin with a gel coat that’s highly durable and stain-resistant. Plus, it’s easy to resurface and repair for a long-lasting tub.
A marble shower wall is a gorgeous accent for any bathroom. It instantly elevates your vanity and gives the room a spa-like vibe. Atlanta-based firm Harrison Design showcased a stunning all-marble space with this glam bathroom, which features a glass shower and a floating vanity topped with a beautiful marble sink.
Stone
Stone adds a touch of luxury to any bathroom. It is also an ancient building material, and in centuries past, the effort involved in quarrying and cutting stone meant that it was often reserved for the wealthiest citizens. Today, modern equipment and chemical sealers make it a viable option for wet locations such as bathrooms.
Classic marble gives a room an immediate feeling of luxury, but there are also more earthy and rustic stone options like travertine, slate, and limestone. A stone sink looks magnificent in almost any bath and can work with many aesthetics, from traditional to contemporary.
A cleft slate or a quartzite vanity top will look stunning in a neutral bathroom, but it can also accent a colorful tile pattern. A natural stone shower floor is a dramatic choice and can stand out against a plain white or be integrated with a more subtle color palette.
Adding radiant heat under the tiles is a simple way to give any bathroom a touch of luxury. This will feel luxurious and cozy when you step out of the bathtub or shower. Consider adding a chandelier to your bathroom for sophistication and elegance. Whether you hang one over the tub or in a window, it impresses visitors and creates a relaxing atmosphere.
