HB expert Sexy bathroom surfaces
THAT NATURAL LOOK IS A HUGE TREND IN BATHROOM FINISHES, BUT DO YOU REALLY NEED THE REAL DEAL? WE EXPLORE THE OPTIONS
Today we’re spoilt with a smorgasbord of stunning materials to choose from when planning our dream bathroom, and when it comes to major surfaces such as floors, walls and vanity tops, you want to get it right. For some purists, natural materials top the wish list, yet modern engineered products can be ingeniously deceptive, with various finishes resembling marbles through to tactile concrete and rich timbers. Many of these look-alike materials can also withstand the rigours of a high-use wet area, making them worth your serious consideration. Whether you opt for the real thing or an engineered alternative often comes down to personal preference, cost and upkeep. >
THE REAL DEAL
Whether you decide to go white, classic grey or choose a custom tint, rendered concrete walls and floors create a sleek wet-room vibe. “Beyond its functionality, concrete makes a statement, with bespoke options ranging from concrete baths to basins, freestanding vessels and vanity tops,” says Kate Lett of Concrete Nation.
In wet areas, concrete walls and floors need to be waterproofed and sealed, while slip resistance should be considered when choosing how floors are finished. Aside from its good looks, a major consideration is concrete’s sheer weight. “If your bathroom is on an upper level, check with your builder or architect to see if any extra reinforcing is required to support the load,” says Kate. Caring for concrete finishes is similar to natural stone. “Use a mild spray and wipe with a soft cloth and avoid harsh and abrasive cleaners, which can break down sealants and leave scratches,” advises Kate.
Pricing for custom concrete varies based on thickness, size and shape of the area or surface chosen, but you can expect to pay upwards of $1100/sqm for a basic benchtop.
ENGINEERED ALTERNATIVES
An innovative product to hit the market is a cement finish overlay system called X-Bond. “It’s a mixture of stone, liquid polymer and colour pigment applied onto floors, walls, ceilings and joinery,” says national manager Laura Di Bartolo of Alternative Surfaces. A hand-trowelled finish adds texture and colour variation, and its minimal depth mirrors the concrete look without the weight. “It can be applied over plasterboard, tiles, FC sheeting, laminate and brick, so it’s a great, cost-effective retrofit option,” adds Laura.
Concrete’s popularity has inspired Caesarstone’s range of tactile engineered stone surfaces for all areas of the bathroom (pictured in this shower recess is ‘Airy Concrete’). Linda says, “It’s chip and stain resistant, making it very user-friendly and easy to maintain.”
Cement-look tiles are another option for floors and walls. Prices start at $900/sqm for Caesarstone Concrete; concrete-look ceramic tiles start at around $30/sqm. >
ENGINEERED ALTERNATIVES
A great substitute for natural timber are wood-look finishes that can withstand bathroom conditions. “For vanity units and inbuilt/freestanding furniture, brands like Laminex and Polytec have some fantastic options with woodgrain textures,” explains Jenefer Gordon. Underfoot, timber-inspired products are increasingly popular. Plankstyle tiles, waterproof vinyls and laminates, such as Quick-Step’s Impressive Ultra range from Premium Floors (pictured right), replicate the colours and patterns of woodgrain. “Porcelain tiles that resist water are ideal as they can be used on every surface, including walls and floors,” says marketing manager Josh Earp of Earp Bros. A key consideration with timber-look tiles is size. “For larger formats on the floor, it’s a good idea to plan the design and slope of the floor directed to a strip drain, resulting in easier installation and a better overall aesthetic,” advises Josh. Timber alternatives are available in qualities, formats and designs to suit any budget.
THE REAL DEAL
Genuine timber, particularly on horizontal surfaces, can be problematic in wet areas. “Water can penetrate natural timber causing marks, swelling and movement,” says Jenefer Gordon. “This can happen even if the timber is sealed, because in a high-use area like the bathroom, seals can be easily damaged.” If your heart is set on natural timber, Jenefer suggests limiting it to vertical surfaces on vanity cabinets, incorporating it through mirrors, wall hooks and lighting, or adding decorative items such as freestanding timber ladders and stools. Alternatively, create a truly luxe interior using timber wall panels, like those shown here, by architect Luigi Rosselli and Alwill Interiors. Ensure surfaces are sealed and that the area is well ventilated to keep it in tip-top condition. >
ENGINEERED ALTERNATIVES
An abundance of solid-surface products evoke marble’s appeal. Many manufacturers use quartz as a key ingredient to create a highly durable, virtually non-porous finish. “Some people like the colour and pattern consistency of engineered materials like SmartStone or Caesarstone, and the design possibilities of products like Dekton’s ultra-slim slabs, which can be used on walls, bathroom furniture and cabinet doors,” explains designer Jenefer Gordon of Eat Bathe Live. Boasting scratch, stain, chip and heat resistance, engineered finishes are ideal in busy bathrooms susceptible to make-up and lotion spills. A recent Silestone addition are sinks made from a single piece of quartz, which marketing manager Kate Deakin-Bell of Cosentino says creates a sleek look when paired with a benchtop in the same material (see the Silestone Silver Lake and Iconic Black bathroom, above). Another option is porcelain and ceramic tiles, in polished, matt and textured finishes that cleverly resemble their genuine counterparts and don’t require sealing. “For supply only, marble-look tiles range between $60-$250 per sqm, while engineered surfaces start from around $350 per sqm,” says Jenefer Gordon.
“A custom-fabricated surface offers unlimited design options, from flowing vanities to sleek inset shelving and seamless shower walls”
~ Linda Hannah, Caesarstone Australia
THE REAL DEAL
“For centuries, natural stone has been the pinnacle of luxury,” says director David Onesti of CDK Stone. “As each slab is unique it offers exclusivity and inherent natural beauty – whether it’s translucency, a certain sparkle, or distinctive veining variation – which can’t be replicated with engineered products,” he explains. Marble’s biggest drawback is its porousness, making it susceptible to staining. To maintain its grandeur and provide protection, David advises using an impregnating sealer after installation and a natural stone specific cleaner. Prices vary depending on quality, variety, availability and natural features, yet David says you can expect to pay upwards of $200/sqm for a natural marble slab, with marble tiles starting at about $100/sqm.