How do we choose a bathroom floor that will resist all the hardships we put it through every single day – no, scratch that, many times a day? How to select the bathroom wall materials and colors to make the room resistant and beautiful?
There are oh, so many considerations when it comes to bathroom remodeling projects such as these. And while there’s an abundance of flooring choices, even more options for the wall, we still need a moment to think and think again of the considerations, the risks, the matters that concern our bathroom.
And then, there’s also the question of which bathroom we are talking about! Is this the one and only family bathroom? A guest bathroom? Are there small kids in the house? Pets? Yes, all that is important. Let us explain.
Think before you buy bathroom floor and wall
What’s the main enemy in most bathrooms? Moisture.
What’s another main safety consideration in the bathroom? Slipping, falling – an accident.
What’s your goal with this bathroom renovation? To create a clean, sterile environment.
It is these things that should guide your decision. Take, as an example, bathroom tile floors. they are extremely popular due to the tile resistance to moisture. But choose polished tiles and see how easily the foot slips, how easily an accident may happen. And while you think your bathroom tile flooring is absolutely germ-free, the enemy hides in between tile, in grout.
Tiles may not absorb moisture, but grout does. That’s why it must be sealed perfectly. And then, don’t make the mistake of believing that this is only a small bathroom remodel and so, a polished floor won’t hurt. In spite of the tight space, the risk for an accident is often higher – if you consider that someone may fall and hit on the porcelain fixtures.
How to battle bathroom dangers, like mold and accidents
To reduce – if not eliminate, risks, it’s best to get seamless bathroom flooring. Something like concrete. To remove all seams from the bathroom and thus, the risk of mold build-up, let concrete cover both the bathroom floor and wall.
While concrete brings an industrial charm to the bathroom and is available in a handful of colors, you may not like it. You may still want to go with tile floors. Tile walls too. In this case, consider the humidity levels at your bathroom in relation to the ventilation system as well. If there’s such an issue, constrain it by choosing larger tiles – so limited grout. Nowadays, there’s a huge choice of tiles in regard to their size, shape, color, design, type – natural stone, travertine, marble, vintage, slate, limestone, rectangular, square, big, small, gloss, matt.
Other considerations when it comes to bathroom walls and floors
While polished bathroom floors may become dangerous, gloss surfaces will get dirty easily. Yes, shiny surfaces are easier to clean – that’s an advantage, but you will see all smears on the floor and wall all the time. Such options are not good, especially if you have small children in the house and if you don’t want to keep cleaning and cleaning.
Intricate bathroom tile designs may make the room busy, but also hide everyday-dirt that is quite unavoidable in this room. If you have a problem with hair loss or a pet in the house, it’s best to avoid solid colors – especially white, and get some perplexed design – vintage tiles would be perfect.
Alternative choices for the bathroom flooring and walls
When high moisture is not a consideration or this is just a guest bathroom, you have more solutions. For example, you can consider real wood or even laminate for the floor. You can place an up to 42” wainscoting on the wall and paint the wall above. You can use brick on the wall and marble for the floor. Marble floors are always a good idea but you should remember that they stain easily, are absorbent, and shouldn’t be polished – just to be on the safe side.
What should you do? Consider if this is a guest or the main bathroom in the house, if it’s ventilated sufficiently, your personal style in terms of colors and materials, and what’s the situation at home (kids, elderly, pets). Then put all such answers in a bucket and see which bathroom floor and wall solutions tick all your boxes.
