Are you planning a bathroom remodel in Hershey, PA? The choice of materials can make all the difference in creating your dream bathroom. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the top 5 materials for bathroom remodels, from Wall coverings, fixtures, and flooring. This is to help you make informed decisions that align with your vision, durability, style, and budget.
Our Recommended Tip: In today’s dynamic market, there are countless opportunities available. Don’t hesitate to seek guidance from industry experts and individuals who have recently undergone remodeling projects. This will help you find the most suitable materials for your project, which can otherwise be a daunting task.
Tub/Shower Options: The Foundation of Your Bathroom
When it comes to your bathroom’s tub and shower, selecting the right material is essential for durability and aesthetics.. The tub and shower area is a main focal point. Options range from fiberglass and acrylic to custom tile work and solid surface materials. Each option presents its own set of benefits and drawbacks in terms of durability, maintenance, and aesthetic appeal.
- Ceramic Tile:
- Pros:
- Durability: Ceramic tiles are known for their durability, making them an excellent choice for high-moisture areas like bathroom floors.
- Wide Design Options: They come in various designs, colors, and sizes, allowing for endless creative possibilities.
- Ease of Cleaning: Ceramic tiles are easy to clean, making bathroom maintenance a breeze.
- Cons:
- Cold to the Touch: In colder climates, ceramic tiles can feel cold underfoot, which may not be ideal for some individuals.
- Grout Maintenance: Grout lines can require regular cleaning and maintenance to prevent discoloration and mold growth.
- Ceramic is actually slightly porous and therefore can allow water penetration over time.
- Ceramic process does not apply the finish throughout the product, rather only to the viewable edge making it not handle damage as well visually.
- Pros:
- Porcelain Tile:
- Pros:
- Exceptional Durability: Porcelain tiles are even more durable than ceramic tiles, with lower water absorption rates.
- Stain and Scratch Resistance: They are resistant to stains, scratches, and wear, making them a long-lasting choice.
- Versatile Designs Porcelain tiles can mimic the look of natural stone, wood, or other materials, offering versatility in design.
- Color is throughout the tile making it show wear less easily when compared to ceramic.
- Cons:
- Cost: Porcelain tiles are generally more expensive than ceramic tiles, which may impact your budget.
- Installation Difficulty: Their hardness can make them challenging to cut during installation.
- Pros:
- Fiberglass:
- Pros:
- Affordability: Fiberglass units are often the most budget-friendly option for tubs and showers.
- Lightweight: They are lightweight and easy to install, reducing the need for additional structural support.
- Low Maintenance: Fiberglass is non-porous, making it resistant to stains and easy to clean.
- Cons:
- Durability: While cost-effective, fiberglass may not be as durable as some other materials and can be prone to cracks or damage over time.
- Limited Design Options: Fiberglass units may offer fewer design choices compared to tiles or solid surfaces.
- Pros:
- Vikrel/Acrylic:
- Pros:
- Sturdy Construction: Vikrel is a composite material composed of resin and filler materials, providing strength and durability.
- Easy Cleaning: Its non-porous surface resists staining and is simple to clean.
- Integrated Designs: Vikrel units often have integrated shelving or storage, maximizing bathroom space.
- Cons:
- Limited Style Choices: Vikrel units may have limited style variations compared to tiles or solid surfaces.
- Cost: While more affordable than some high-end materials, Vikrel can be pricier than fiberglass.
- Pros:
- Solid Surface Material (e.g., Swanstone):
- Pros:
- Seamless Look: Solid surface materials create a seamless appearance without grout lines, offering a sleek and modern design.
- Durability: They are highly durable, resistant to stains, and can withstand daily wear and tear.
- Customizable: Solid surfaces can be customized to fit your bathroom’s unique layout and design preferences.
- Cons:
- Cost: Solid surface materials are often more expensive than tiles and may require professional installation.
- Weight: They can be heavier than other materials, potentially necessitating additional structural support.
- Difficult for DIY installations as there is one chance to get it correct or possibly waste an expensive material and have to start over.
- Pros:
Each of these tub/shower materials has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Consider your budget, design preferences, and maintenance requirements when choosing the foundation of your bathroom.
While the most common choice is Tile, our Surprise choice is Number 5- Solid Surface materials! The best of all in durability. The easiest to maintain and clean with no grout lines. Can be made to look like natural stone slabs to exceed the beauty of even some tiles. Still completely customizable to fit almost any scenario needed to maximize layout, storage, and efficiency.
Chris’s Budget recommendation: To achieve a balance between affordability and a sophisticated look, we suggest using a Vikrel or fiberglass base or tub, while investing in high-quality stone or tile products for the walls. This approach helps save costs on waterproofing, labor, and materials for the base, allowing for a reallocation of those savings towards enhancing the durability and visual appeal of the wall coverings.
Vanity, Counter, and Sinks: Style Meets Functionality
Choosing the right vanity, counter, and sink for your bathroom remodel is crucial in achieving both style and functionality. Here, we explore different materials and options, highlighting their pros and cons:
- Vanity Materials:
- Pros:
- Durability: Well-constructed vanities made from materials like hardwood or plywood can withstand daily use.
- Variety of Styles: Vanities come in various styles, from traditional to modern, allowing you to match your bathroom’s theme.
- Storage Space: Many vanities feature built-in cabinets and drawers, providing ample storage for toiletries and essentials.
- Cons:
- Cost: High-quality vanities can be expensive, impacting your overall budget.
- Space Requirements: Larger vanities may not fit well in smaller bathrooms, potentially reducing available floor space.
- Pros:
- Countertop Options:
- Pros:
- Style Variety: Countertops come in a wide range of materials, including granite, quartz, marble, and more, offering diverse design options.
- Durability: High-quality countertop materials are resistant to stains, scratches, and heat.
- Easy Maintenance: Many countertops are easy to clean and maintain, ensuring longevity.
- Cons:
- Cost: Premium countertop materials can be expensive, so consider your budget when making a choice.
- Installation: Some countertops may require professional installation due to their weight or complexity.
- Pros:
- Sink Styles:
- Pros:
- Design Flexibility: Sinks come in various styles, including undermount, vessel, pedestal, and drop-in, allowing you to customize your bathroom’s look.
- Space Optimization: Some sink styles can save space, making them ideal for smaller bathrooms.
- Easy to Clean: Sinks are generally easy to clean, with smooth surfaces that resist staining.
- Cons:
- Installation: The complexity of sink installation can vary based on the style chosen, and some styles may require professional help.
- Compatibility: Ensure that your chosen sink style is compatible with your countertop and vanity.
- Pros:
Each component—vanity, countertop, and sinks—plays a pivotal role in your bathroom’s design and functionality. Consider your space, design preferences, and budget to select the perfect combination for your Hershey, PA bathroom remodel.
Chris’s Recommendation: Achieve the perfect balance of style and functionality in your project with a quartz countertop paired with an undermount sink on a sturdy plywood or real wood vanity. This combination offers exceptional style and durability while also being more convenient to maintain compared to alternatives such as a vessel sink or porous tile surfaces.
Plumbing Fixtures: Elevating Functionality and Style
When considering materials for your bathroom remodel, plumbing fixtures play a crucial role in both functionality and style. The choices for shower, vanity, and toilet fixtures are vast, ranging from basic functional models to luxurious, high-end options.
In showers, options include standard single-head showers, elaborate multi-function systems, Complete steam systems, and eco-friendly low-flow models.
For faucets, the variety spans from single-handle faucets to sophisticated 8-inch widespread models and even smart faucets.
Toilet fixtures have also evolved, with options ranging from standard two-piece toilets to advanced smart toilets with integrated bidet functions.
Selecting the right fixtures can significantly enhance your bathroom’s comfort and aesthetics.
Multi-Function Shower Heads: A Trio of Comfort
Standard Shower Head
The standard shower head remains a popular choice for its simplicity and effectiveness. It provides a reliable and consistent water flow, essential for any shower experience.
Rainfall Shower Head
A rainfall shower head offers a luxurious and soothing experience. Its broad, overhead design mimics the gentle fall of rain, providing a calming and spa-like feel to your shower.
Shower Wand
The shower wand adds versatility to your shower setup. It allows for targeted water flow, making it easier to rinse off, clean the shower area, or provide focused water pressure where needed.
These multi-function shower heads bring together the best of practicality and luxury. They allow users to customize their shower experience, combining the standard flow, the soothing rainfall, and the versatility of a wand.
Vanity Faucets: Embracing Elegance
Moving away from the standard 4-inch mounts, 8-inch widespread faucets offer a more elegant and refined look for your bathroom vanity. This style provides a sense of luxury and space, making it a perfect choice for those looking to add a touch of sophistication to their bathroom remodel. The wider spacing between the handles and the faucet not only enhances the visual appeal but also offers more room for comfortable use.
The choice of 8-inch widespread faucets reflects an attention to detail and a commitment to quality, aligning with the high standards of materials for your bathroom remodel.
Toilets: The Smart Toilet Bidet Seats
In the realm of toilet fixtures, the smart toilet bidet seat stands out as a pinnacle of comfort and elegance. These seats offer a range of features such as heated seating, automated lid opening/closing, and personalized cleansing functions. They seamlessly integrate with existing or new toilets, adding a level of sophistication and hygiene to the bathroom.
These smart toilet bidet seats represent not just an upgrade in functionality but also an enhancement in the overall bathroom experience, aligning perfectly with the modern materials for bathroom remodel. Kohler makes a wonderful line up of options we love to use. Start Discovering the options at this link or the video under this section.
https://www.kohler.com/en/products/toilet-seats-bidet-seats/shop-bidet-seats-toilet-seats
Design advice from Chris: If you are contemplating replacing any part of the shower area, now is the opportune moment to consider upgrading to a multi head shower system. The primary expense lies in the fixture itself, as the added labor required for installation is minimal during the remodeling process, as opposed to attempting to incorporate it later using a retrofit kit, which often results in an unsightly and inferior outcome.
Electrical Fixtures: Lighting the Way to Elegance
Electrical fixtures play a vital role in both the ambiance and functionality of your bathroom. The choices in this category are varied and cater to different needs and design preferences. From the essential outlets and switch devices to a range of lighting options, each element contributes significantly to the overall aesthetic and practicality of your bathroom.
Outlets and switches have now evolved to offer more than just functionality. Options like tamper-resistant and GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets ensure safety, particularly in the moist bathroom environment. The importance of these features cannot be overstated, as they protect from electrical hazards.
When it comes to lighting, the variety is extensive. Vanity lights, for instance, come in numerous styles to compliment your mirror and vanity area, playing a crucial role in the daily routine of grooming. Lighted accessories, including illuminated shelves or cabinets, add both a subtle glow and enhanced functionality. Recessed lighting, on the other hand, offers a sleek and minimalist aesthetic while providing ample illumination. Accent lighting is another aspect that can elevate your bathroom’s design, highlighting architectural features or artwork to add depth and character to the space.
In the following sections, we will delve deeper into how combining usage lighting with accent lighting, particularly through the innovative use of backlit mirrors, can transform the entire ambiance of your bathroom.
The Transformative Power of Backlit Mirrors
Backlit mirrors are a transformative addition to any bathroom remodel. They serve as a focal point, merging the practicality of task lighting with the sophistication of accent lighting. The backlighting creates a soft, ambient glow around the mirror, providing wall-washing effects that enhance the overall elegance of the space. This feature not only illuminates the mirror for practical use, such as grooming, but also adds a layer of indirect lighting that can make the bathroom feel more spacious and luxurious.
Benefits of Backlit Mirrors in Bathroom Design
1. Dual Functionality: Backlit mirrors provide both task lighting for activities like shaving or makeup application and ambient lighting that enhances the room’s atmosphere.
2. Space Enhancement: The indirect lighting from a backlit mirror can make a bathroom appear larger and more open, a crucial aspect in smaller spaces.
3. Modern Aesthetics: The sleek design of backlit mirrors adds a contemporary touch to the bathroom, aligning with modern design trends.
4. Energy Efficiency: Many backlit mirrors use LED lighting, which is more energy-efficient and has a longer lifespan than traditional bulbs.
Electrical material budget tip-Cost-Saving through Daisy-Chaining: Connect additional outlets to a single GFCI device or a GFCI-protected circuit breaker to reduce costs. Daisy-chaining allows multiple outlets to be protected by one GFCI device, minimizing the need for multiple GFCI outlets. This meets code to protect against electrical shock near water sources including a lighted mirror installation.
Flooring Options: Foundation for Style and Comfort
Choosing the right flooring material is crucial for your bathroom remodel in Hershey, PA. It’s not just about finding a style you love; it’s also about selecting a material that is durable, safe, and comfortable underfoot. From classic ceramic tiles to modern vinyl, each option has its own set of benefits and considerations. Here, we will briefly explore various flooring types before delving into the luxurious world of heated tile floors.
Ceramic and Porcelain Tiles
Ceramic and porcelain tiles are the traditional choices for bathroom floors. They are water-resistant, durable, and available in a wide range of styles. Their hard surface and easy-to-clean nature make them a practical choice for high-moisture areas.
Natural Stone
Natural stone tiles, such as marble, granite, or slate, bring a touch of luxury and uniqueness to your bathroom. Each piece is distinct, but they require sealing and more maintenance to preserve their beauty and prevent staining.
Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl flooring offers a budget-friendly, waterproof, and versatile option. Available in various patterns and styles, it can mimic the look of more expensive materials, making it a popular choice for cost-conscious remodels.
Hershey Happy Heated Floors
Heated Floors: The epitome of luxury in bathroom flooring is undoubtedly a heated tile floor. This feature adds an unmatched level of comfort, particularly in the colder months. Heated floors work by installing electric heating coils or water-heated tubing beneath the floor surface. This radiant heating system evenly distributes warmth, eliminating cold spots and creating a cozy environment.
Installation: The installation of heated flooring is best done during the remodel process. It involves laying the heating system beneath the tile and connecting it to a thermostat for temperature control. While this can add to the upfront cost and complexity of the installation, the long-term benefits in comfort and appeal are well worth it.
While there are many flooring options available for your bathroom remodel in Hershey, PA, heated tile floors stand out for their comfort and luxury. Not only do they provide a warm surface underfoot, but they also add a level of sophistication to your bathroom. Choosing the right materials for your bathroom remodel, especially when it comes to flooring, is a decision that impacts both the aesthetics and functionality of your space.
DIY Heat wire install tip- To ensure immediate detection of any faults in the system, we recommend acquiring a “screamer” and connecting it to the heated floor wire throughout the entire setup. Additionally, the installation of the wire in the Ditra substrate system will provide enhanced protection and guarantee the enjoyment of warm floors for years to come.
In Conclusion
I want to emphasize to you how crucial your choice of materials is for a bathroom remodel in Hershey, PA. This choice deeply influences both the look and practicality of your space. The materials you select for your tub and shower, right down to the vanity counters and sinks, are fundamental to your bathroom’s overall design. Remember, the plumbing, electrical fixtures, and flooring you choose play a huge part in enhancing the comfort, elegance, and utility of the bathroom. I particularly recommend considering heated tile floors – they’re not just a lavish touch but add warmth and a refined feel.
Throughout this guide, I’ve shared insights and tips, including budget-friendly recommendations and design advice, to help you make choices that truly resonate with your personal vision, style, and budget. If you take the time to thoughtfully consider each aspect, your bathroom remodel can indeed become a sanctuary of comfort, luxury, and a reflection of your unique taste. As always, reach out to us with your questions we would be happy to answer and get you pointed in the right direction for your project.