Select Bathroom Materials
The materials you choose will define the look, feel, and durability of your new bathroom. Take time to visit showrooms and see materials in person.
Quick Summary
Why Material Selection Matters
Bathrooms are high-moisture environments that demand durable, water-resistant materials. The right selections will look beautiful and hold up for years. The wrong ones can lead to costly repairs, mold issues, or a renovation that looks dated within a few years.
Tile Selection Guide
Tile Types Comparison
| Type | Cost/SF | Best For | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Porcelain | $3-15 | Floors, walls, showers | Low |
| Ceramic | $1-10 | Walls, light-traffic floors | Low |
| Natural Stone | $5-50 | Floors, walls, accents | High (sealing) |
| Glass | $7-30 | Backsplash, accents | Medium |
| Cement/Encaustic | $8-25 | Floors, statement walls | High (sealing) |
Tile Size Considerations
Large Format (12"+)
- • Fewer grout lines = less maintenance
- • Makes small bathrooms feel larger
- • More waste during cutting
- • Requires very flat subfloor
Small Format (4" or less)
- • Better grip for shower floors
- • More design flexibility
- • More grout to maintain
- • Can feel busy in large spaces
Fixture Finish Guide
Pro tip: Choose one finish and use it for all fixtures: faucets, showerheads, towel bars, toilet paper holder, and cabinet hardware. Consistency creates a cohesive look.
Chrome
- Pros: Budget-friendly, timeless, easy to clean
- Cons: Shows water spots and fingerprints
- Style: Works with any design
Brushed Nickel
- Pros: Hides water spots, warm tone
- Cons: Mid-range price
- Style: Transitional, contemporary
Matte Black
- Pros: Modern, dramatic, hides water spots
- Cons: Shows dust, can scratch
- Style: Modern, industrial
Polished Brass / Gold
- Pros: Warm, luxurious, on-trend
- Cons: Higher price point
- Style: Traditional, glam, transitional
Countertop Options
Quartz (Engineered Stone)
Cost: $50-150/SF installed
Non-porous, no sealing required, highly durable. Wide range of colors and patterns. Best overall choice for bathrooms.
Granite
Cost: $40-100/SF installed
Natural beauty, heat resistant, durable. Requires annual sealing. Each slab is unique.
Marble
Cost: $75-200/SF installed
Timeless elegance, unique veining. Porous and prone to staining/etching. Requires regular sealing and care.
Solid Surface (Corian)
Cost: $40-80/SF installed
Seamless appearance, repairable, non-porous. Can be scratched or burned. Good budget-friendly option.
Laminate
Cost: $10-40/SF installed
Budget-friendly, many patterns available. Not as durable, can swell if water penetrates seams. Good for guest baths.
Materials Checklist
- □Floor tile (with 10-15% overage)
- □Wall tile (for shower/tub surround)
- □Accent tile (if using)
- □Shower floor tile (small format for drainage)
- □Grout color selection
- □Vanity (confirm dimensions)
- □Countertop material and edge profile
- □Sink (undermount, vessel, or integrated)
- □Faucet (single-hole, widespread, or wall-mount)
- □Toilet (height, bowl shape, flush type)
- □Shower/tub fixtures (valve, showerhead, controls)
- □Shower door or curtain rod
- □Lighting fixtures
- □Mirror or medicine cabinet
- □Hardware (towel bars, hooks, TP holder, robe hooks)
- □Paint color