Bathroom Addition: Should You Choose Ceramic or Porcelain Tiles?
When it comes to bathrooms, a lot of people would think of getting tiles for the bathroom flooring. Regardless of a planned home addition design or a bathroom renovation, having a nice bathroom should be planned accordingly. There are a lot of things to consider when building or renovating a bathroom – from the countertop material to the shape of the bathtub that will suit the bathroom. You might even want to consider whether to put indoor plants in your bathroom area. But for now, we have to think about which type of flooring to put in the bathroom. All about bathroom flooring Two of the most popular bathroom flooring are ceramic and porcelain tiles. They may seem like the same thing. A lot of people wouldn’t even think about a specific floor tile as long as it looks nice and is specifically meant for bathrooms. It is understandable, though. Not everyone knows the difference between ceramic and porcelain tiles. They are both used usually for bathrooms and the same installation process. Perhaps one type of tile is a little expensive than the other. But just how do they differ from each other? For one thing, ceramic and porcelain belong to the same type of tiles called ceramics. This type of tile is made from organic earthen clays and then hardened using heat. But lately, porcelain tiles had their own flooring category as it is said to have different specs from other bathroom tiles. Nonetheless, you should consider the type of bathroom material to use when planning on building a home addition. One factor to consider aside from color and design is its water absorption level. What’s with ceramic tiles? Ceramic tiles are usually made from coarse clay mixed with a small amount of fine kaolin clay. Likewise, it does not have the same additives as those in porcelain clay. Ceramic tiles also tend to be a little porous than porcelain tiles, though it may not be a big deal especially if the former is treated with glaze. Ceramic tiles are also less expensive than porcelain tiles (starts at $.50 per square foot) and used indoors only. Ceramic tiles usually come in monochromatic colors. You can ask professional home remodeling architects whether ceramic tiles will suit your budget and bathroom design. As mentioned, ceramic tiles are more porous than porcelain bathroom tiles. On the upside, ceramic tiles can resist heat better than porcelain, which is why the former can be a good countertop material. As for care and maintenance, ceramic tiles are not that difficult to clean. As bathroom tile material, it needs regular mopping and period sealing. Glazed ceramic tiles also have less tendency to absorb water. But if you have unglazed tiles, you might have to apply sealers on the whole tiles. What’s with porcelain tiles? Meanwhile, porcelain tiles have a lower water absorption rate. Like ceramic tiles, porcelain tiles also use kaolin clay but with a mix of feldspar and quartz. Unlike ceramic tiles, porcelain can mimic different materials like marble and wood grains. That is why porcelain tiles are a good choice if you want that […]
Read more
Planning a Bathroom Makeover? Here are Some Upcoming Bathroom Trends This 2020
We are almost at the end of the first quarter and about to usher in the second quarter of the year. What have you accomplished in terms of home improvement, so far? It’s not too late to start renovating your home, one day at a time. Maybe you can start as simple as changing your bedroom carpet or rearranging your living room furniture. Or perhaps consider planning for a home addition design. In such a case, you should hire a professional home addition builder. There are a lot of additions or renovations you can do for your home. For example, you can plan a living room extension or bedroom addition. Or perhaps upgrade your bathroom in time for 2020! Bathroom trends this 2020 Just when you think your bathroom seems fine, you can be wrong. You can do more for your bathroom but you might be too busy focusing on other parts of your home. That is why it might be high time for a bathroom makeover. Before that, you need to look for experienced home remodeling architects to help you with your home improvement project. Before that, you need to know the latest bathroom trends for the year 2020. Perhaps this is the right time to have a bathroom makeover. Out with the old and in with the new! You will definitely love these following bathroom renovation ideas you can try soon. Bath fixtures with brass or gold finishes Brass and gold are back especially for bathroom fixtures this year. From toilets, sinks, showers, and other bathroom fixtures, you can enjoy a classic and luxurious bathing experience every time. Industrial-themed bathrooms Not everyone may find this bathroom design appealing. However, this bathroom design is definitely back in style for this year. It’s tough and edgy, yet modern and classy appeal will be the norm in many households. If you are aiming for an urban and modern-looking home, you should consider this bathroom design on your next home improvement project. Woody accents The cool grey theme is out, and warm woody accents and tones are becoming popular once again! Various wood shades can match different bathroom themes – they’re basically versatile. This is also one home addition design you would want to consider. Open showers and huge bathtubs Open showers are still in this year, as well as huge luxurious bathtubs. Add ambient lighting, asymmetrical mirrors, and “floating” vanity cabinets and you will have a bathroom that you can be proud to let your guests use. Get that wallpaper back Just when you think wallpapers are only for bedrooms, you are wrong. Wallpapers with bold and intricate patterns will surely make your bathroom look more interesting. To avoid peeling and moisture issues, you can install wallpaper in the powder area. Bathroom trends you should not look back… for now For your home improvement needs, you should call reliable home addition companies. On the other hand, you might want to avoid these following bathroom designs for now. Anything pink – rose gold or anything with pink hues, stay away for now. Tiles with hexagonal shapes – you can opt for simple-looking […]
Read more
Bathtub or Shower: Which Should You Choose?
Choosing between a shower and a bathtub can be hard especially if you are planning to have a bathroom renovation. Both options also have different styles and designs you can choose from. Regardless of your final choice, you should hire professional home remodeling addition services to do the bathroom installation job. A bathroom makeover is an exciting yet challenging task for a homeowner. Exciting, because you can finally give your current bathroom a fresher and updated look. Challenging, because of the cost implications and some steps you need to take while the renovation is ongoing. You can find affordable home additions companies for your home improvement needs. The question still remains: Should you choose a bathtub or a shower? It will be a matter of personal preference and needs. You may opt for home addition design services so you can have a better idea of which option can suit your bathroom needs. Bathtub: Pros and Cons On one hand, having a bathtub in your bathroom seems like a luxury. However, bathtubs are also a staple among many households around the world. Among its noted benefits include the following: It is a great way to relax after a busy day. Dipping your tired body in a tub filled with hot water can make you feel relaxed and calm after a day’s work. You can add essential oils to soothe your mind and body while inside the tub. It can be a fun way to bathe small children. Bathtubs can be ideal for families with small kids. They will surely love having a mini “pool” inside the bathroom where they can splash, play, and enjoy their bath time. It is available in different designs. There are freestanding bathtubs and also ones that are attached to the wall and floors. The former has different designs you can choose from and can be placed anywhere within the bathroom area. On the other hand, there are some instances wherein bathtubs may not be a good addition for a home remodel. It may not be suitable for the elderly and those with injuries. Unless there will be someone to assist them, then having a bathtub can still be a good idea. Otherwise, it can lead to further injuries such as accidental slipping. It needs a lot of space and water. If you have a small bathroom, then having a bathtub may be out of your option. It also needs a lot of water to fill it in, which may not be practical if you bathe in the bathtub every day. Shower: Pros and Cons And then there’s the shower. Depending on the design, it can make your bathroom look luxurious as well. It also has its pros and cons. First, are the benefits. It is water-efficient. You can instantly use the shower unlike when you use a bathtub where you need to wait to be filled so you can get in. There is no basically water wastage when you use the shower. Once you’re done bathing, simply turn the shower knob off. It is ideal for people on-the-go. People tend to get busy all the time, […]
Read more
Every Bathroom Should Have These
For those who are having their own condo for the first and those who’ve been living in one for many years now condo remodeling is one the main projects, you’ve wanted to achieve. Maybe others have been doing a makeover to their nook whenever necessary or just to add a little spice into their private haven. The Bathroom Does Spark Joy Because the bathroom is the most intimate room in every home, sometimes it is also the least glamorous and stylish. There are homes that use a common bathroom where guests use it too. Moreover, if your new pad has a common bathroom, which you have to share with everyone, make sure that it is stocked with the important bathroom necessities that can be accessible to anyone. The Essentials Your Loo Should Have (It’s A Must) SHOWER CURTAIN AND LINER. If you happen to have an unattractive tub or shower – which you should do something about – use a dark plain or a colorful curtain that is also easy to move during instances where you have to hide or cover that space. But if your shower is something you can be proud of, a sheer curtain is enough to allow some illumination into the shower area. TOOTHBRUSH HOLDER. You can always make use of cute glasses or mugs as your toothbrush holder or better yet, shop for a more chic holder that is attractive enough to add a little glam to your toilet. If you are using an electric toothbrush look for a holder that is big enough to handle its bulkiness. TRASH CAN. This very important toilet item can be simple or trendy. When some bathroom uses an open trash can, it’s better to have the one that flips its cover to conceal all the unpleasant bathroom waste. DURABLE BATH MAT. For safety reasons, choose the non-slip bathroom mats that are sturdy but lavish. This will benefit your unattractive toilet floor, or you can get a bigger mat or small mat size to be able to cover a bigger portion of your bathroom flooring. CLEANING SUPPLIES There are so many effective cleaning tools in the market, you just have to choose the ones that you need, the one that is convenient, and the ones that are easy to keep. INNOVATIVE STORAGE ITEMS. You can find these in bath stores, but you can also use mini bookshelves, bedside tables, baskets, and stock boxes for keeping all your essentials organized. Just make sure they will not occupy too much of your bathroom space. HOOKS. You can use over-the-door hooks or wall hooks depending on your creativity and availability of wall space. BATH TOWELS. You are free to choose the color and designs of your bath towels. But if you wanted a towel that matches everything, the white bath towels are your perfect choice. Just make sure that you choose an absorbing one. LONG-LASTING FRAGRANT SOAP. Your bath soap is different from the hand soap should be placed near your bathroom sink for everybody’s use. ILLUMINATION. Having a great lighting system in your bathroom should be one of the things that […]
Read more
Choosing The Right Vanity Mirror Size
During the final touches of any home addition design, many would agree that the most overlooked items are the mirror or the bathroom vanity mirror. Technically, the moment you look at it, you tend to see a reflection of everything else around you before you even see the actual mirror itself. Though treated that way sometimes, a great looking mirror is one of the most important components in any room, most especially in the bathroom. When it comes to its style, size, and shape, you will never run out of choices and here are some tips that you can use to be able to take home the best mirror perfect for your vanity area. How To Choose A Vanity Mirror Sizing Your Mirror There are two things that you should look into when choosing the size of your ideal mirror: Proportion and Function. To achieve a balanced look in your bathroom, visualize the size of your mirror based on your vanity space. Ideally, your vanity mirror should not be bigger or wider than the space itself. The easiest and safest way to pick one is by choosing a mirror that is almost as wide as the space you wanted it to be placed. Some opt for a custom-sized mirror because you won’t find a pre-made vanity mirror that will exactly fit the width of your bathroom vanity area. The perfect functional vanity mirror should only reach at least 30 centimeters over and under your eye line or whoever will be using the bathroom. Hence, the more height you apply, the better, because it can provide a wider viewing angle and space. Single vs. Multiple Bathroom Sinks If you have a bigger bathroom designed to cater more people, you have to have a wider and spacious vanity area, even more, if you have multiple sinks. This leaves you with the option of either using multiple mirrors or just a single vanity mirror that is wide enough to service the entire room. You can have multiple skinny and tall mirror if you wanted to give the bathroom a bit of an upright view. With this, you have to consider the height, especially if you have a high ceiling. Although, you still have the option of using one large vanity mirror you’re okay seeing more of your bathroom’s opposite walls. Also, you are free to use multiple mirrors even when you only have one sink. In fact, when you place a mirror at the center of the sink and then add another mirror symmetrical to your center mirror, it actually balances the look of the room even more. Consider A Bathroom Appeal Sconces Having sconces in between a vanity area is one of the reasons why smaller mirrors are being chosen and installed. Technically, you can install vanity lights anywhere within your bathroom nook, but having them beside the mirror provides more light for the face which is more functional and convenient. Wall-to-Wall Mirrors If you prefer to use a more stylish approach in sizing your vanity mirror, ignore the size of the vanity and instead use mirrors as wall accents. This will […]
Read more
Tips To Illuminate Your Bathroom
Choosing the right lighting system for your home can really be overwhelming, but the home remodeling addition experts can guarantee you that with the right guidelines and tips you can eventually light up your home with the appropriate fixtures you wanted and dreamed of. But, when it comes to your vanity area – the bathroom – next to your bedroom, you sometimes prefer something more special or personal. Your bath area includes the shower area and the tub area and all of them have a specific lighting requirement that will not only give more radiance to your bathroom but style as well. THE BATHROOM FIXTURE GUIDELINES Try Using The Side-Mounted Sconces. Side-mounted sconces are the best lighting choice for any bathroom area. Either you use one on your left or right side, or mounted both on an eye-level, both ideas are cool, you just have to consider some few things: The backplate of upright, tube-shaped lighting should be mounted on an eye-level. The glass down-lights opening shade must be slightly fixated below eye-level. The glass up-lights opening shade must be slightly installed above eye-level. If you choose to have it centered above your sink area, install the light a few inches to the left and right side part of your bathroom mirror. The closer it is to your face, the better. Consider The Layers of Light. If you wanted to showcase your bathroom area, the layers of light can do you wonders. To have an evenly distributed illumination, try the combination of ambient lights like flush mounts, pendants, or chandeliers, then task lighting as your second light layer which is perfect for your grooming sessions such as shaving and makeup application, then lastly, the accent lighting which is a great choice for highlighting the architectural design of your bathroom as well as the decors. Pendant Fixtures Are A Great Alternative. If you wanted to try other options for a candlestick-type fixture, the pendant lighting should be your choice. They will look perfect in your vanity area and can also work as an accent or ambient lighting at the same time or whenever it’s necessary. Stay With Kin Finishings. If sconces are what you have installed in your bathroom keep them affixed where they are because you shouldn’t always adjust it with your other fixtures. They will maintain the wholeness of your bathroom space as well as the total design of it. The Tub Area. The sconce fixture can enhance the ambiance of any room, especially your tub area. Although overhead lighting is also good in any bathroom area, it cannot easily provide a relaxing atmosphere that the sconce lighting can give. Use A Versatile Element. If you are after versatility and wholeness the brass or chrome elements can display versatility within your bathroom area and all the accessories that go along with it. Like Always – Size Matters. Regardless of the size and design of your bathroom space, a chandelier or a pendant fixture can make your room opulent. The appropriate lighting will stand out and will always set the tone of any bathroom’s interior and style. SOME BATHROOM LIGHTING […]
Read more
Ways To Choose Your Dream Bath Tub
About bathroom home remodeling addition plans, you definitely have on your list getting yourself a new and stylish bathtub, especially if you’ve always wanted to have one. Although having a shower is enough to get clean whenever you are really in a hurry, the bathtub can really give you a relaxing feel if you have extra time to dive in. Bathtubs are like mini pools that are not only space where you can wash but is also a place that gives your entire body a soothing and refreshing aftermath. It lets you ease down and meditate while enjoying the little “me” time. But before you give your bathroom a renovation go, you have to make sure that what you are replacing it with or installing is what you really need and is compatible with your space. TYPES OF TUBS Aside from the cleaning function, bathtubs can also do other things which you should be aware of. Standard. The standard bathtub is the basic built-in shower and tub in one. It’s the most affordable type and can be purchased from local home depots and centers. Air Tubs and Whirlpool. If you wanted to experience a bath-massage with a therapeutic effect the air tub and whirlpool is what you need. The whirlpool blasts water through the tub jets while the air tub reinforces soothing air into the water. The whirlpool alone happens to be more expensive than the air tub so together they are a bit pricey. Soaking. The soaking tub gives your body more room to be submerged as you bath. It can also be freestanding or built-in depending on your preference. Walk-In. If you have kids or elderly family members in the house, it would be risky for them to climb in and out of the tub as it can be slippery. The best option is the walk-in tubs to keep your family safe. BATHTUB MATERIALS Bathtubs can really be a focal point in any bathrooms, especially if it is uniquely designed. However, tub materials can also play a big role in how you can enjoy the benefits of having a bathtub for the price that fits your budget and lifestyle. Acrylic This light-weight-glossy plastic material looks like a cast iron that can be easily formed which is used for air tubs and whirlpools. It’s also easier to repair compared to the porcelain tub material. Fiberglass This material uses gelcoat in order to make it look more glossy. The fiberglass material is also known as the fiberglass-reinforced plastic or FRP. It’s easier to clean and is much cheaper than the acrylic, though it’s not as durable as the other materials and can easily crack once hit by a hard element. Composite This genuinely-engineered enamel coated material is resistant to heat just like the cast iron tubs. Because of this, it makes it one of the best choices by higher-classed household. Cultured Marble The cultured marble is a solid element that was formed from crushed marble with resin and coated with gelcoat. Although scratches and stains can easily be removed from this type of material, cracks could no longer be repaired. […]
Read more