a few bathroom questions

WA_surfer · Jun 13, 2017 6:21 pm

Hi guys,

Still pondering our reno options for our bathrooms. I know a lot of this is personal taste at the end of the day but still welcome input on our outstanding questions:

1. freestanding composite vs composite stone (resin) bath. 95% of freestanding baths these days seem to be acrylic and they are very popular. Do you think acrylic "cheapens" the installation compared to a composite bath? Some of the acrylics are like around $1000 in the EOY financial sales compared to $3000+ for the composite limestone/resin baths.

2. Frameless glass kits. Some online kits are sub $800, compared to $1500+ for a glassier to provide and install. Is there much of a difference in quality of the actual glass? I'd be keen to getaway with a generic online kit if I can but not sure of any shortfalls in glass clarity or strength?

3. Tiling. We are looking to tile half height (1200mm) on the walls and top of glass height in the shower (2000/2100mm). However we see a lot of floor to ceiling installations these days. Keeping in mind future resale value perhaps we would be better to go with floor to ceiling rather than half height?

4. Tiling. On the walls 300 x 600mm in horizontal or vertical orientation? Seems that vertical is the trend these days?

Thanks again for any input.
Bryan

arcadelt · Jun 13, 2017 7:01 pm

WA_surfer

1. freestanding composite vs composite stone (resin) bath. 95% of freestanding baths these days seem to be acrylic and they are very popular. Do you think acrylic "cheapens" the installation compared to a composite bath? Some of the acrylics are like around $1000 in the EOY financial sales compared to $3000+ for the composite limestone/resin baths.

Had the same concerns with our build. Eventually went with acrylic because of a lot of comments online about comfort and heat retention (search on it). Other factor was that we never take baths and don't have small children, so really the bath was being put in because of future resale. Therefore, the cheaper option won out. That said, we bought a Caroma bath and it is good quality and shiny enough to give that impression.

WA_surfer

2. Frameless glass kits. Some online kits are sub $800, compared to $1500+ for a glassier to provide and install. Is there much of a difference in quality of the actual glass? I'd be keen to getaway with a generic online kit if I can but not sure of any shortfalls in glass clarity or strength?

After recently hearing horror stories from our builder about exploding shower panels, where not only did the glass disappear in a puff, but the shards caused a lot of collateral damage to other fixtures, we will be getting professionals to install, with all the expertise and warranty that brings.

WA_surfer

3. Tiling. We are looking to tile half height (1200mm) on the walls and top of glass height in the shower (2000/2100mm). However we see a lot of floor to ceiling installations these days. Keeping in mind future resale value perhaps we would be better to go with floor to ceiling rather than half height?

Our current house has half-wall tiling and up to the top of the shower as you describe and it looks great, but it is a heritage subway tile with lovely details that suits our 1930s cottage. In our new modern home, we are going with full height wall tiles all round, except on the wall with the vanity. I really believe that the tiling needs to suit the style, so determine your bathroom's style and tile accordingly.

WA_surfer

4. Tiling. On the walls 300 x 600mm in horizontal or vertical orientation? Seems that vertical is the trend these days?

Again, I think it depends on the style. Also,the dimensions of the bathroom have a part to play, and how the wall and floor tiles will blend. Vertical tile orientation in a long thin bathroom might make it feel like a tunnel, a tube or a pipe?

Our Build123 · Jun 14, 2017 8:32 am

WA_surfer

Hi guys,

Still pondering our reno options for our bathrooms. I know a lot of this is personal taste at the end of the day but still welcome input on our outstanding questions:

1. freestanding composite vs composite stone (resin) bath. 95% of freestanding baths these days seem to be acrylic and they are very popular. Do you think acrylic "cheapens" the installation compared to a composite bath? Some of the acrylics are like around $1000 in the EOY financial sales compared to $3000+ for the composite limestone/resin baths.

2. Frameless glass kits. Some online kits are sub $800, compared to $1500+ for a glassier to provide and install. Is there much of a difference in quality of the actual glass? I'd be keen to getaway with a generic online kit if I can but not sure of any shortfalls in glass clarity or strength?

3. Tiling. We are looking to tile half height (1200mm) on the walls and top of glass height in the shower (2000/2100mm). However we see a lot of floor to ceiling installations these days. Keeping in mind future resale value perhaps we would be better to go with floor to ceiling rather than half height?

4. Tiling. On the walls 300 x 600mm in horizontal or vertical orientation? Seems that vertical is the trend these days?

Thanks again for any input.
Bryan

Hi Bryan

My thoughts below -

1. Acrilic look just as good, had mine for a few years now with 2 young kids and still looking new.

Try these guys, they have reasonable prices -

http://www.highgrovebathrooms.com.au/

2. If you go with the kit just make sure they can supply you with a glazing certificate to say it complies with Australian standards.

3.With those size tiles I'd go full height, the extra labour will be marginal.

4. Vertical.

Where are you at with a start date?

Regards James Mason

www.renovationjunkies.com.au