PART I - HARDLY ROCK BOTTOM: BATHROOM FLOOR OPTIONS
Your choice of floor material for your bathroom is a major part of any bathroom remodel. It isn’t just because the floor is one of the most eyecatching parts of any bathroom, but because you spend so much time in contact with it, even if just with your feet. Your comfort and safety in the bathroom will depend on the choices you make in floor materials. CHOICE OF MATERIALS Tile, the most common choice for bathroom floor surfaces, can be made from natural stone, porcelain, or ceramic. The latter two are usually given a rougher texture to provide traction. The current trend with tile is to keep to the appearance of natural stone as much as possible or, in the case of porcelain or ceramic, to mimic it. Simply adding color to the tile is now passé; these days, tile is made to subtly complement the rest of the room. Hardwood, surprisingly, is considered a good choice for bathroom flooring. When treated and proofed against moisture damage, it works superbly in a home with wood flooring or wall paneling.
Vinyl is also a good option for bathroom flooring, especially since it’s easy to wipe down and requires little maintenance. Combined with its low cost, vinyl is an attractive floor option especially for those on a tight budget.
PART I - HARDLY ROCK BOTTOM: BATHROOM FLOOR OPTIONS
Perhaps strangest of all, you can choose to have carpet flooring installed in your bathroom. Not quite the same carpeting you’d use in other areas, this is carpet that is water-, mildew-, and stain-resistant, and comes with a backing that prevents water from seeping into the padding. If that’s not quite to your liking, there are also rugs available made from the same material, which can be used to complement or contrast with your bathroom tile. HEATED FLOORS The cold that comes with using tile for your floor can be mitigated by installing a hydronic or electric system to heat the floor underneath. Adding heating to your floor is surprisingly inexpensive, and is a feature worth investing in for your dream bathroom. It doesn’t hurt that it also adds to your home’s resale value, should you later choose to sell your home.
Part II goes on to discuss the different options for the other main bathroom surface: your countertops.
PART 2 - ON TOP OF THE COUNTERS: COUNTERTOP MATERIALS
It can be a bother deciding on what material to use for your bathroom countertops – there are just so many options to choose from. Here’s a quick rundown on the most common and popular countertop materials, and their main advantages and disadvantages. GRANITE is still the most popular choice for bathroom countertops, though quartz comes in at a close second. Granite is available in a large number of colors and options, a virtual rainbow of color choices. It’s hard and scratch-resistant, lasts just about forever, requires little upkeep, if any, and is humidity- and damage-proof against appliances such as curling irons. It is, however, one of the most expensive options for bathroom countertops, and requires a professional to install properly.
QUARTZ as a material is, if anything, harder than granite, with the added advantage that it does not require sealing the way granite does. It’s naturally resistant against stains, moisture, and bacterial growth, and is available in many different styles, though not quite as many as granite. It’s also almost as expensive as granite, however. Also, depending on the finish, it may show fingerprints and smudging, which can require frequent cleaning or wiping down.
PART 2 - ON TOP OF THE COUNTERS: COUNTERTOP MATERIALS
SOLID SURFACE countertop materials made of acrylic resin and crushed stone are available in a wide variety of solid colors and patterns, often mimicking natural stone, and go well with the contemporary aesthetic. Much like quartz, this material is resistant to water, stains, and bacteria. The biggest draw to solid surfaces is that they come with integrated sink and backsplash options, and custom color inlays and lighting effects can be added as well. Priced similar to granite and quartz, it can– unlike the previous two – be damaged by dropped objects or heat.
MARBLE is durable and long-lasting, and is able to resist most chips and dents. It works well with just about any design aesthetic, and can be polished to a high shine. It is, however, expensive, even more so than granite, and its porous nature makes it prone to stains, scratches, and damage from acidic substances. It also requires periodic upkeep, with sealing being applied to preserve the finish. With the floor and counters done, it’s time to move on to your cabinets and sinks, as featured in Part III.
PART 3 - DOWN TO THE BONE: CHOOSING YOUR SINKS AND CABINETS
OPTIONS FOR CABINETRY Bathroom cabinets are typically constructed of plywood, particle board, or medium-density fiberboard with solid door and drawer faces. The best design options for cabinets coordinate features such as hinges, knobs, and pulls, as well as decorative features like posts, pilasters, and wainscoting. Cabinets are available in four grades according to quality; your design choices will depend on the quality of cabinetry you choose to purchase, as follows: RTA, which stands for “ready-to-assemble,” is the cheapest cabinetry option. Out of the box, RTA requires assembly; being the least expensive cabinetry option, it is, also, the poorest in quality, both in materials and construction.
Stock cabinetry is readily available from retailers, but as they’re made to be sold en masse you may have difficulty finding stock options in the material and style you want. Custom and semi-custom cabinets round out the cabinetry options. With semi-custom cabinetry, the cabinets are similar to stock cabinets but are customizable within 3-inch increments, allowing for some flexibility. Truly custom work is made to your specifications, and is tailormade to your specific designs.
PART 3 - DOWN TO THE BONE: CHOOSING YOUR SINKS AND CABINETS
SINKS Vitreous china and enameled cast iron are the most common materials used for making bathroom sinks. These materials are heavy and durable, and are available in colors to match any dĂŠcor. Sinks made from tempered glass are designed to show off the different swirls and textures of their surfaces, and are typically done in a variety of vivid colors. Smoky variations on white and black are also available.
Sinks are also available in a variety of different metals, among them enameled steel, copper, and bronze. Metal sinks come in a variety of different finishes and textures, and can be anywhere between silkysmooth to a rough, rustic, hand-hammered texture. If your taste runs more towards the contemporary, and you are willing to put up with neon-bright colors, you can also choose to outfit your bathroom with sinks made of acrylic. These polycarbonate plastic sinks are lightweight, and easily installed. Though durable, care must be taken not to expose acrylic sinks to petroleum-based materials, however, as this will degrade the plastic.
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