Materials are one of the most important considerations in any remodel. After all, you can’t wipe away your marble countertops the way you can repaint your walls. Plus, the materials in your bathroom will be exposed to a fair amount of water, steam, and general wear and tear.
That’s why it’s best to look for a combination of durability, timeless style, and aesthetic appeal. Classic, time-tested materials are generally your best bet.
In this post, we’ll go through some of the best materials that can add instant style, dimension, and durability to your bathroom:
- Granite
- Marble
- Ceramic
- Porcelain
Granite
Formed under very high heat, granite is an igneous rock with a crystalline structure, making it one of the most heat- and scratch-resistant home design materials on the market. It’s strong, durable, low-maintenance, and aesthetically attractive.
Granite is commonly used for countertops and is often paired with under-mount sinks. This combination allows you to wipe down your countertop without the lip of the sink getting in the way.
Although it’s most often used for countertops, granite can also add dimension and texture to your bathroom in a variety of other ways. These include:
- Shower walls
- Tiles for backsplashes
- Flooring
- Mosaics
Granite tends to be on the pricier side, but not all granite is expensive. In some instances, lower-range granites can cost less than a higher-range laminate. Using granite tile as opposed to granite slabs also helps keep costs down.
Marble
Elegant and almost universally loved, marble has been used in home design for decades, and never seems to go out of style. Marble is a metamorphic rock, formed when limestone is exposed to high heat and pressure.
Marble is a common choice for showers, floors, and countertops, and adds timeless sophistication to your bathroom remodel.
When most people think of marble, they think of classic white marble, but you can also opt for black, gray, green, or blue marble for a bolder, more modern look. To add texture and dimension, consider complementing your marble tiles or slabs with rich, calming colors and wood or metal accents.
Like granite, marble tends to be relatively expensive, especially in slabs or non-standard sizes and shapes. On the other hand, the material adds instant elegance to any bathroom and can even increase the value of your home.
For many, the biggest drawback is the necessary maintenance and upkeep. In order to avoid moisture damage, stains, and scratches, marble should be cleaned consistently and sealed yearly.
Ceramic
In contrast to natural materials like granite and marble, ceramics are inorganic materials made up of compounds which have been shaped and molded before being exposed to high heat. Ceramic is one of the most common materials used in bathroom remodels and is truly an enduring choice.
In fact, ceramic tiles have been used in bathroom design since the Roman Empire, and it’s easy to see why. Ceramic is one of the most versatile materials and can be used in a variety of colors, styles, and shapes to create dimension, texture, and contrast in your space.
Ceramic tile is also great if you’re on a budget. While it’s less durable than porcelain, it’s also easier (and generally cheaper) to cut and install. It’s a popular choice in bathrooms because it’s low maintenance and easy to clean. Ceramic is also more likely to increase the value of your home than vinyl and other similarly-priced materials.
There are nearly endless ways to incorporate ceramic into your bathroom remodel, including:
- Flooring
- Backsplashes
- Tile mosaics
- Pottery
- Sinks and bathtubs
Porcelain
Porcelain is formed by baking ceramic materials at very high temperatures. This process produces a glassy, elegant appearance that can be used in a wide variety of ways to add classic beauty to your remodel.
Porcelain is durable, low maintenance, and long-lasting. Because it’s not as porous as most other types of ceramic, it’s more resistant to moisture and staining, making it ideal for bathrooms and high-traffic areas.
Another reason homeowners love porcelain is its versatility. Modern porcelain can be made to look like a variety of other popular bathroom materials, including natural stones like granite and limestone.
Like ceramic, you can find porcelain in just about any color. Since porcelain doesn’t have to rely on a surface glaze for its appearance (which can wear away or become damaged over time) the material hides chips and scratches better than other types of ceramic tile.
Are you ready to choose the perfect materials for your bathroom?
L Evans Design Group can help you incorporate these and other bathroom materials into your remodel to create the bathroom of your dreams. We are with you every step of the way. We handle design and construction, guided by your vision and budget. Let us help you design and build the bathroom you’ve always wanted.
Give us a call at (971) 404-1241 or contact us online to set up a project consultation.
