5 Materials to Avoid in Your Bathroom Design (and What to Use Instead)
Over the years we have seen many examples of common bathroom remodeling mistakes.
Many of them have come from people wanting to DIY to fit in with what they see on TV and in magazines.
Of course, we all want a bathroom that looks great and fits in with the latest home design trends.
When designing any space it is important to remember both aesthetics and function.
Everyone wants a beautiful design but function should always be a priority, especially in the bathroom.
The activities that happen in the bathroom ultimately revolve around water, and moisture is the enemy of many building materials.
Unfortunately, many of the common bathroom remodeling mistakes involve using the wrong materials!
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Common Bathroom Remodeling Material Selection Mistakes:
Bathroom Remodel Mistake #1 - Wallpaper In The Bathroom
Wallpaper has definitely made a comeback.
There are so many beautiful patterns, textures, and different looks for any homeowner to love.
Unfortunately, steam from a shower can cause enough humidity that the edges will bubble up or curl and negatively effect the look.
What to use instead: If you must go for a wallpaper in your bathroom, there are some brands that are moisture resistant.
Otherwise, we recommend using it in a powder room or half bath where there will not be humidity from bathing which can reduce the risk of exposure to too much moisture. Stenciling on paint can add a designs similar to what you will find in wallpaper and is often less expensive!
Bathroom Remodel Mistake #2 - Carpet In The Bathroom
People may have a variety of reasons for using carpeting in their bathroom: to avoid slipping, the look, warmth, etc.
The reality is that if carpet is getting wet it is a prime place for mold to grow.
The adhesives in carpet may also disintegrate and cause rapid deterioration of the material.
What to use instead: If a cold bathroom floor is too hard to face, we recommend buying cozy washable rugs for the bathroom floor and possibly installing in-floor heating or a heating lamp and fan combo.
Bathroom Remodel Mistake #3 - Hardwood Floors In The Bathroom
It may seem like an easy and attractive solution to run hardwood flooring from a hallway or bedroom into a bathroom.
The risk of doing this is that water is the enemy when it comes to wood.
Additionally, the harsh cleaners often used in a bathroom could dull or damage the finish of the flooring.
What to use instead: A good alternative would be vinyl flooring that has a wood-look
Either of those options would be a more durable choice long-term and also give a similar aesthetic feel.
Bathroom Remodel Mistake #4 - Wood Paneling In The Bathroom
We love wainscoting but would caution against putting wood paneling in a bathroom.
Even if it looks great right after installation, with time the panels could warp as a result of the humidity.
The moisture trapped in the panels can also cause mold to grow which can he a health concern.
What to use instead: If you want the look of a wood wainscoting without the risk of using real wood there are tile panels that resemble headboard.
Otherwise, installing porcelain tile that looks like wood can be a great option!
Bathroom Remodel Mistake #5 - Cement Tiles In The Bathroom
We know this may be a controversial item on the list being that all over on TV and Instagram there are images of bathrooms with cement tile floors.
We get it, cement tiles are a cool look and add a ton of style.
What you don't often hear about is that they need lots of maintenance because of the nature of the tile.
It is porous, etches easily, and does not hold up well to the water staining.
What may look good for a few months will quickly start to look worn and unattractive, especially in a high traffic area like a bathroom.
Tile in general is a big cost and a lot of work to replace. Avoiding a tile that will not wear well will be beneficial to the long term enjoyment of your space.
What to use instead: Today you can find many similar patterned tiles that are porcelain and will wear better long term.
You could also opt for a vinyl flooring that looks like cement tile which is also much more cost-effective!
Related: 6 Stages of a Bathroom Remodel
Conclusion
Avoiding these materials can help you avoid the most common bathroom remodeling mistakes we see. When you spend time and money remodeling a bathroom, you want to make sure you make a good investment! We hope you found the alternatives to the above items helpful so you can have a better result and ultimately a more positive outcome long-term for your bathroom.
Do you have experience with a material you would never use in a bathroom again? What would you add to this list? We want to hear from you!
