During a bathroom remodel, choosing the right materials will save you time and money in the long run. You must ensure that your bathroom is completely watertight. If not, mold, mildew, and possibly structural damage will arise. It all boils down to the bathroom materials you choose and how well they’re installed.
A 2018 Cost vs. Value Report revealed that a renovation can provide a 70% return on investment. This goes for a mid-range renovation and the return is about the home value if all your costs are balanced.
To generate a high return, ensure you have a great plan, home builder, and high-quality bathroom materials. When coming up with a bathroom design ensure it is functional and visually appealing. If you think like a home buyer, this will generate a return on your initial investment.
Search For Ideas
This is the most straightforward part. Get online either Google or Pinterest and create a bathroom-themed board. Everything that catches your eye should be pinned. Don’t worry about the cost or practicality, that will come later. You can also ask your friends to point you in the direction of anything they think you might enjoy.
Once you have all your inspirational images picked out, it is not time to start involving an expert. An experienced expert will help guide you on the right style and materials to pick as well as the latest trends. (Make It Right, 2020)
What To Consider When Picking Bathroom Materials
- Design
Your design preference for the bathroom makeover will have a big impact on the materials. Take a step back and think about what you want in your new bathroom before diving in.
Bring inspiration images to your meeting with your contractor on what you want to replace in your existing bathroom. Explain your vision step by step so that you are both on the same page.
- Heat Resistance
There is a lot of warmth that fills the room after stepping out of the shower. This warmth is visible on the fogged-up mirrors and windows. For this reason, your bathroom materials should be able to withstand heat from steam. It should also be able to withstand heat from hot hair tools that are left on the countertop.
Some of the most heat-resistant materials are quartz, granite, marble, natural stone, and ceramic tile.
- Moisture Resistance
This is the most important factor to consider when selecting bathroom materials. You will find that bathrooms tend to be steamy and damp as a result of running water, baths, and showers. As a result, it is crucial that the elements such as the vanity, bathroom floor, and walls can resist moisture. (Sunter Homes, 2020)
Picking Out Materials For Your Bathroom Remodel
Choosing the right materials is the first step in making your bathroom remodel a reality. Here are a few tips on how to pick materials for your next bathroom remodel in Illinois.
- Materials for Bathroom Flooring
The type of flooring you install is one of the most important decisions you will make. You should also consider the flooring’s durability, moisture, and slip resistance. Getting a slip-resistant floor will prevent injury to you and your family.
Here are some of the most popular bathroom flooring options: ceramic tile, natural stone, vinyl, laminate, and cork.
When researching different materials, keep in mind how they will perform under stress. This includes heavy foot traffic, heat, and water as well as how easy they will be to clean.
Heated Floor
Radiant heating warms the floor from below using a hydronic or electric system. The hydronic systems heat the floor through rubber tubing installed under the floor. A water heater is used to heat the water which circulates through the tubes and radiates warmth. A heated floor cost about $600 for a small bathroom.
Ceramic Tile Floors
The tile is more challenging to clean due to the grout. You might want to avoid smaller more detailed tiles or ones with grout lines that are too thick. Choose larger tiles with thin grout lines if you are going for easy-to-clean tiles.
Ceramic tiles are designed with more texture to prevent slippage. You can also add interest in the bathroom by combining large and small floor tiles. In your pattern, you can use octagonal, hexagonal, and 2-inch or smaller mosaic tiles.
- Choosing wall materials
When it comes to the elements of your bathroom, walls, unlike floors, are more forgiving. As a result, you have a little more freedom when it comes to selecting wall materials.
The best wall materials to choose are ones that are moisture-resistant. The material should also prevent mold, mildew, and rot. Tiling is also a great choice for bathroom walls as it guarantees a moisture-resistant and looks good too.
You will also come across other wall tiling options such as:
- Mosaic tiles
- Beadboard
- Tileboard,
- Natural stone tile
- Glass tile
- Porcelain tile
- Ceramic tile
Pro Tip Takeaway: If you decide to paint your bathroom walls always choose a bathroom-specific paint. A paint that is fun and resistant to both moisture and mildew.
