Although a functional room, most people enjoy a bit of luxury when showering or bathing. Therefore, bathroom renovation projects are quite popular among homeowners. Those looking for bathroom tips when planning a remodel should consider the following shower trends:
Rainfall Shower. To enjoy the ultimate lap of luxury, homeowners should consider an open, customized walk-in shower with a generous sized, overhead rainfall shower. These showers are designed to make one feel as if he or she is standing in the teeming rain, rather than merely under one stream of water. Often called monsoon showers, these models have been particularly popular among consumers over the past two years and this trend is likely to increase in the future.
Mosaic Tiles. Mosaic patterned tiles are another option to which customers should give thought when remodeling a bathroom. With hundreds of mosaic designs from which to choose, it is almost guarantee that one will find the ideal pattern. Because of their versatility, such tiles blend well with essentially any type of decor, from old clawfoot bathtubs to modern vessel sinks and backlit mirrors.
Day Spa Design. Day spas symbolize rest and rejuvenation, which is a trend that has overtaken the home interiors market over the last few years. Architects are adding such designs to new homes, and many consumers who are planning to remodel are opting for whirlpool baths, hot tubs, saunas and steam shower rooms to their bathrooms and create a luxurious setting that everyone in the home can enjoy.
Frameless Showers. Minimalist and sleek, the frameless enclosure is perhaps the most popular shower trend on today’s home-improvement market. This option cuts back on all unnecessary frills, using only chrome brackets to ensure structural integrity. The result of the design is an ultramodern, watertight enclosure that not only gives the room a highly contemporary flair, but is also maintenance free.
Although preferences vary, virtually anyone can find the perfect design when all helpful bathroom tips are considered. However, it is essential to ensure that an experienced and reputable company completes the renovations, to ensure a satisfactory outcome. Those planning such a project should contact a qualified home improvement company for an estimate and review the many beautiful and interesting options available.
It’s easy to forget just how much great-looking tile can make a bathroom sparkle. One of the elements that can make a bathroom look old and tired is outdated tile. While companies that install one-piece bath and shower combinations say that their solution is the wave of the future, such cost-cutting efforts can be fraught with pitfalls.
One of the remedial tips to remember is that placing a one-piece over old tile can actually foster mold growth that may already be trapped between the wall and the old tile and can eventually compromise your wall structure. The best remodeling efforts for old, tired bathrooms involve tearing out the old tile and installing new material. Here are some bathroom tips for selecting the right tile to make your bathing oasis look fresh and inviting.
Good planning is at the base of all bathroom renovations, tile included. Make sure that you know where all elements will be located. Don’t assume that the tile is the size that it says it is. Many larger tiles are also manufactured for the European market and are measured in centimeters, making your measurements slightly off. Measure and then lay tile from the ceiling down to get the best effect from patterns.
Pay attention to the differences between wall and floor tile as the latter have a higher wear rating issued by the National Floorcovering Alliance. Most floor tiles have a rating of 3, 4 or 5, while tall tiles have a rating of 0, 1 or 2. Wall tiles are usually smoother and slicker than those for the floor, which will usually be thicker and often have a rougher surface for traction. Choose floor tiles that are glazed, or ones that can absorb glazes, to make them waterproof. Wall tiles usually have a semi-gloss or matte finish and maybe too porous. Porous wall tiles should not be used in a backsplash or bathtub/shower area.
Three different types of tile are well suited for bathroom renovations: travertine, porcelain and mosaic tiles. Travertine, cut from natural limestone, is elegant and is a good choice for floors and walls in upscale installations. Porcelain is manufactured by firing sand at high temperatures and pressure. It’s available in a wide range of sizes. Choose mosaic tiles, which usually come in smaller sizes, to create a statement and draw attention to an area. Since they easily contour around curves, they are a good choice for showers and drains. Use them sparingly as repeated patterns can be overwhelming.
Options. That’s what we’re all about here at Columbus Bath Design of Columbus, OH. When it comes time to remodel your bathroom, we want you to know that there are a number of choices you can make to build the perfect bathroom. One of those choices can be made right at the foundation – what material will you choose to beautify your bathroom space? In this article, we want to highlight a choice that is proving to be fast, cost-effective and long-lasting…acrylic.
The Science of Acrylic
Here at Columbus Bath Design, we are the area’s exclusive provider of Luxsan multilayer and single layer acrylic bathroom remodeling products. These are the finest acrylic surfaces you can find and their composition is nothing short of amazing.
The Luxsan 3000 series features a four-layer construction. The adhesion layer is topped with a layer of ABS plastic which is impact-resistant and extremely durable. On top of that is a high-molecular acrylic layer pigmented with your choice of color. A clear high-molecular weight acrylic layer tops it all off. With the Luxsan 4000, you have an added layer of granite particulates. For the single layer Luxsan 5000, your choice of color runs all the way through the durable 150 gauge layer.
What Can You Do With All of This Acrylic?
Just about anything you can dream up! Instead of tearing out an old tub, save money and time by having an acrylic tub liner custom fit right over top of the old tub. Feel like having a luxury shower installed? You can easily convert your current tub space to an acrylic shower or have a separate tub and shower space installed to accommodate whatever mood you’re in. You can even opt for a walk-in tub in order to meet the special needs of a loved one.
Benefits of Your New Bathroom
If you’re considering a bathroom remodel, you are more than likely experiencing some issues such as cracking, leaking, mold and mildew. With acrylic, those problems are a thing of the past. Acrylic is a non-porous material, the products are custom-fit and they feature Microban, which helps prevent the growth of bacteria, mold and mildew. No caulking, leaking or cracking. And clean up is a snap! Just try some simple dish soap and water to bring sparkle and shine to your space.
Once your dream bathroom is a reality, you’ll find the time you spent worrying about maintenance is now spent admiring the beauty of your new acrylic products…and relaxing in your beautiful tub or shower.
Be sure to schedule an in-home estimate or drop by our Columbus, Ohio bathroom showroom to check out the wide variety of styles, colors, textures and products available in our acrylic line. We’re sure that once you see what we have to offer at Columbus Bath Design, you’ll be ready for a stunning new look for your bathroom!