One common problem in most shower rooms and bathrooms is the increased moisture. When it lingers and has no or only a limited route to escape, moisture takes a toll on several materials, some of which are particularly vulnerable. Choosing the right materials when it’s time for a bathroom remodel is of the essence. And it’s important for three main reasons:
1. When you spend money on your bathroom renovation, you want long-lasting results. You don’t want materials that will only last for a little while and then they will make your bathroom look neglected again.
2. Moisture is not the only enemy of the bathroom furniture and flooring. Mold is, too. And mold grows when the levels of moisture are high, while the bathroom ventilation is poor.
3. The bathroom is a special room. It must be hygienically clean and when there’s mold, it’s not. This might affect your health.
One more thing about the materials you’ll use for your bathroom remodeling. We are talking about the materials used for the bathroom flooring, walls and furniture.
Naturally, whether or not there’s good ventilation in the bathroom affects the materials and how long they last. A bathroom with a big window and a good ventilation system will go gentle on the materials used in contrast to a bath with poor or no ventilation. Still, the materials must be resistant to the moisture to last longer and keep your bathroom beautiful.
Resistant bathroom wall options
Bathroom tiles are the traditional way to dress the walls. That’s not a bad idea. And the good news is that there are several types of tiles ideal for bathrooms, while the designs are excellent as well. If you opt for tiles, prefer porcelain or ceramic ones. The only disadvantage when it comes to tiles is the grout, which is absorbent and gets discolored overtime. To avoid mold down the road, you need to seal grout.
Another option to consider is concrete. Aesthetically speaking, it’s great for those who prefer solid hues, while the color choices are plenty. The main advantage is that this material provides a solid surface and so, no grout to seal. And it’s resistant to moisture when sealed from the start correctly.
Durable bathroom flooring choices
Concrete is great for the bathroom floor as well. Tiles are also okay but you’ll still have the same problem with the grout. Another great choice is sheet vinyl – that’s another (nearly) seamless floor option – absolutely necessary in a busy bathroom.
Best bathroom countertop materials
Engineered quartz countertops are top choices for bathrooms due to their great resistance to moisture. Unlike natural quartz, the man-made one contains polymer resins that make them particularly strong, elastic and resistant. They also contain pigments that allow you to choose any color.
Lately, crushed glass bathroom countertops are in vogue. There are two kinds. Some are made with concrete that embed glass and their appearance is mosaic-like, while the rest are made of acrylic and give the impression of liquid glass with glass fragments. Both are durable and resistant; those using acrylic are even tougher. The only downside here is that their corners may crack if they are pressed by a heavy object.
Concrete used for the walls and floors of the bathroom can also be used for the formation of countertops, furniture, sinks and tubs. The advantage here – besides the resistance of the material – is that this way, you create a bathroom free of any seams – and that will make it even more resistant to moisture.
Preferred bathroom fixtures
Choose stainless steel faucets and shower heads to keep them for a very long time. Another great option for bathroom fixtures is brass. It costs more, but it doesn’t corrode. Nickel is a more frugal choice and it will last longer than chrome but not as long as the first two choices.
When it comes to your bathroom remodeling, the cost is always an issue. Resistant materials are more expensive than materials susceptible to moisture. But it’s best to pay now more than having to renovate the bathroom again pretty soon. Ultimately, this will cost you even more. When it comes to choosing the best materials for a long-lasting bathroom remodel, one phrase should prevail: resistance to moisture.
