Please recommend tile and a few other things for this bathroom
This is a 5 x 8 hall/kids' bathroom upstairs. It's a tub/shower combo. Current bathroom was partially updated 18 months ago, and now we are re-tiling the floor and tub/shower walls. Contractor will create new surround with Hyrdroban board system. Most of the things we already did should stay, with a few exceptions.
The goal is that it not look like a kids' bathroom, but rather a little bit more refined because it is off the hall and often used by guests.
What we already did and don't want to re-do:
- Refaced old vanity, new countertop (Ceasarstone Frosty Carrina), sink and faucet, painted vanity and mirror (SW Naval)
- Painted walls SW Light French Gray, 50%, will touch up as needed after tile job is done.
- New toilet
- Light's (ORB)
What can change if it will make things look nicer:
- Shower curtain can change if I can find/make one that looks nicer. Currently it's a white waffle-weave shower curtain from Target with a piece of mens' shirting check fabric sewn onto the top.
- Mirror: This will require more of a painting task but that's okay. I don't really like the framed painted mirror. Should I consider replacing it with a fancier/nicer mirror?
- ORB faucet. Can I change it to chrome if I don't want to change the ORB light fixtures?
What I really need is a recommendation on is the tile for tub/shower surround. Already chose this tile for the dry floor. It's a medium gray/silvery sort of textured procelain.
Already chose this tile for the dry floor. It's a medium gray/silvery sort of textured procelain tile Merola from HD. https://www.homedepot.com/p/Merola-Tile-Traffic-Hex-Silver-8-5-8-in-x-9-7-8-in-Porcelain-Floor-and-Wall-Tile-11-19-sq-ft-case-FCD10TSX/206405819
Current shower and floor tile is 4 x 4 almond tile and a lot of it is cracked. It's going to be covered with a shower curtain bc it's a combo, so at first I was planning just plain white subway tile. But I'm not sure about it. Would that be too stark of a difference with the floor and navy blue paint? Perhaps I could choose a softer white or a very very pale gray. Definately need recommendation on this part of the project. I would also consider using something completely different like glass tile or a different materials from ceramic subways, need suggestions! Thanks.
Here's the bathroom 18 months ago:
Here's how it is right now, still with the old almond tile, but most of the rest was updated.
Comments (6)
AJCN
5 years agoI found this picture on HOUZZ showing a gray floor and white subways for shower. If I don't choose white subway what are some decent alternatives?
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Two bathrooms will be gutted in a few weeks - HELP!
Comments (2)Just keep reading and searching this forum and the gallery. Do some searches for words specific to your design ideas. I bought some bathroom remodeling books at Lowes that gave me some ideas. If you buy a book, make sure it lists the names of the brands pictured. There are lots of good on-line sources. Before buying, do a search for the name of the company along with the word "reviews". You will quickly find out which ones have problems. You can search the tile company web sites for tile ideas. Most have lots of photos, and some even have instructions for patterns you can do with the tiles. If in doubt, ask here on the forum about the specific tile and you will probably find someone who has used that tile....See MoreHelp Please-grout cracking/tile separating in new bathroom
Comments (9)Curb movement like that is typically from a wood-built curb (stacked 2-by lumber, for example) that is absorbing moisture and expanding/swelling. How is moisture getting to the curb? Could be one of several things. Not sure how conscientious the installer was in terms of making sure the shower pan membrane is sloped (versus laying the membrane flat on a flat subfloor), or how he detailed the membrane over the curb. It's possible there are nails through the top or inside faces of the curb (and thus through the membrane) and moisture is getting through the nail holes. It's possible that he built you a perfect curb but used wet pressure-treated wood and the PT wood is warping as it dries. Or your house is on a slab, and he put the wood right on the slab. Moisture through the slab is causing the wood curb to expand. So it could be one of several things. It should be fairly easy to diagnose though, as the tiles are popping off on the outside face of the curb. They'll have to be removed eventually to diagnose and repair. When they are removed, take a look to see what's in there. Post photos if you can. To give you a bit of an education as to how a typical CPE-membraned shower with a wood curb is built, check out Harry's pictorial. Note that Harry's membrane is "draped" over the wood curb. That there are no nails/screws on the top or inside face of the curb. That the lathe (wire mesh) is bent in a "U" shape and it's simply the inverted "U" bends that hold it over the curb. Again, there are no fasteners through the lathe and into the top or inside face of the curb. I have seen instances where the membrane gets draped over the wood curb, then the installer nails cement board on the three faces of the curb and tiles on the cement board. Not good. Again, nails through the membrane on the top and inside face are a no-no. I don't see screws through the bottom track of your door frame that go into the curb. That's good. Best, Mongo...See Morebathroom floor options other than tile?
Comments (24)Natal, I also am going to be removing a tub and installing just a shower in my bath. Currently have a tub/shower combo, will be tearing it out and replacing with a shower only. I very seldom use the tub. We are 60 and 65 and showers just makes more sense for us. DH already has a 48"shower in his bath; I am thinking about a 60" (same size as unit I will be removing). That should accomodate a small handicap shower chair should the need arise. You just never know. Will let the next generation worry about a tub. Didn't mean to imply that we are too old for tubs now :)...just thinking ahead....See Moreother than tile what best for bathroom... looking?
Comments (7)The main problem I read when deciding is that people have put it in damp basements and had problems with the adhesive. Those were do-it-yourselfers who didn't understand the product. Or they've put it in kitchens with barstools scraping against it and got some scratches. Those aren't problems in a bathroom. I don't wear shoes in the guest bath so I expect it will outlive me. It is not nearly as cold as ceramic tile for bare feet. I don't find it cold at all but it's not subzero where I live. You'd save the expense of having underfloor heating installed. Have you priced that? Alterna does have limestone as one of the wear layers, which makes it a stronger floor than sheet vinyl. Of course it won't take the wear and tear of ceramic tile, but the life expectancy is at least 20 years. DuraCeramic is Congoleum's brand. As for price, we had ours installed by the flooring store. Total cost for materials and installation was $700. We do have some tiles left over but plan to use the same floor in the master bath. Ceramic tiles are sold by the box too....See MoreAJCN
5 years agoAJCN
5 years agoAJCN
5 years agoA recessed medicine cabinet is a great idea! He will be here tomorrow and I will ask him about the depth in that wall. etc.
We did demo the mirror.
Here is a picture of the 2 lights that are in the bathroom. I like them so I think I'll leave them alone.
Libby Estell