Of all the rooms in the house, bathrooms see some of the most intense wear and tear in any given square foot. From high humidity and drastic temperature changes to everyday chemical contact, cheap materials can start to deteriorate within a couple of years.
When you’re making an investment in your sustainable future, you want to keep your bathroom as water-resistant as possible and as solid and robust as you can get.
A thoughtful bathroom renovation means going beyond the trendy trends you’ll see on the latest catalog pages and going with hardware designed to last.
1. Porcelain Tile – Better For The Floor Than Ceramic
The temperature required for porcelain is significantly higher than that of ceramics, and besides, there is a denser amount of clay in porcelain, so porcelain does not absorb water and is stronger when pressure is applied to it. Here are the unique characteristics of porcelain tiles compared to others:
- Water Absorption: It should be noted that porcelain tile absorbs less than 0.5 percent water.
- Slip Resistant: Are you considering porcelain tile for the floor? Look for ones that have a rough, matte texture and make sure to check the DCOF rating so you can reduce the likelihood of a slip and fall.
- Body Color: The best porcelain has the color infused through it, so when your tiles crack, you won’t be able to tell!
2. Why Quartz and Solid Surface are better than Granite
Natural granite has been around as a classic kitchen countertop material forever, but with its porous surface, you will need to continually seal it with chemical sealers to keep water damage and germs at bay.
With cleverness and all the advancements in manufactured materials, Quartz and Solid-Surface Acrylic Countertops offer non-porous vanity top and shower seat materials that provide a better, more contemporary look.
Since this surface is not porous, makeup, harsh toothpaste, and lingering water won’t leave stains behind.
3. High-density marine-grade vanities ward off swelling
Most of the vanities bought from box stores are constructed of cheaply manufactured particleboard or MDF; an area prone to a great deal of humidity will cause the composite wood layers to swell and the outer finish to delaminate when steam infiltrates the material.
Using a solid wood vanity top and structure, or marine-grade plywood, will provide a durable surface that holds up in the wet room for generations. You will want to make sure to choose a solid wood cabinet base, because warped and saggy vanities are common in moist spaces.
4. Solid brass plumbing will protect your water lines
Always look beyond the cheap shower valve and faucet sets to avoid water damage that will not appear until much later. Low-quality plumbing components are constructed with plastics or thin alloys, which deteriorate and corrode very quickly when exposed to municipal water.
If you purchase a solid brass, fully-constructed valve with internal ceramic discs, you will prevent leaky faucets and slow to a stop stream, which should hold for millions of cycles.
- Ceramic discs will far outperform rubber seals in terms of friction tolerance.
- PVD finish will permanently bond a color coating to the brass fixture, preventing tarnishing or chipping.
- Lead-free: Certified brass guarantees clean, potable water in the home.
5. A high CFM exhaust system protects the durability of your new surfaces
No matter how much you invest in waterproof materials, stagnation and residual moisture in a humid environment will cause surfaces to fail. Standard home exhaust fans lack the necessary flow rate to prevent this, but an exhaust fan rated at one cubic foot per minute per square foot of room space will efficiently remove air volume and keep surfaces from peeling.
Expert Insight: An automated humidity-sensing exhaust fan will provide consistent and adequate humidity removal with zero human error.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What grout should be used for a shower floor to last?
Epoxy grout is the strongest and most long-lasting tile grout on the market; it will not stain or crack over the life of the shower.
2. Can real wood trim be used in a master bathroom?
Only if it is exceptionally dense tropical hardwood, such as teak, or it is painted over a very durable seal coat of exterior-grade primer and semi-gloss paint.
3. Acrylic or porcelain enameled steel tubs – what’s best for a new bathroom?
The latest and greatest acrylic tubs heat a lot more readily than steel, and they won’t chip, but bathtubs cast from iron with thick layers of porcelain are pretty much invincible.
Your Investment Value Secured
The health and aesthetics of a home depend on selecting materials appropriate for the particular environment of the room.
Protecting the structure and materials of the wet room will save you money, avoid costly, hidden damage, and result in a fully functional sanctuary.
Ultimately, when undertaking a comprehensive bathroom remodel using only the best commercial-grade materials, your home value will remain high, and its performance will remain exceptional for decades to come.
