New Materials for the Bathroom like Large Format Quartz Slabs Are Changing the Remodeling Landscape

When it comes to creating your dream home, we're lucky to be living in a time when you have more choices than ever before in terms of innovative and beautiful materials. Today, from healthier, eco-friendly materials to easy-to-maintain anti-bacterial surfaces, homeowners have options our parents couldn't even begin to imagine!

Lately, a big trend has been interior designers and contractors adopting non-traditional materials and re-purposing them for new innovative uses. If you're looking for a way to make a unique statement, designers are bringing solid-surface materials that are traditionally used in the kitchen in the bathroom in exciting and innovative ways.

In this post, we will look at this trend and explore the pros and cons of using quartz slabs in bathroom design.

Quartz Slabs: An Engineered Stone Product With A Modern Aesthetic

Quartz is an engineered product that contains 93% natural quartz and 7% resin and pigment. Because it is an engineered product, it can be arranged to appear similar to materials like granite or marble. Because of its consistency, it allows designers and homeowners to customize designs without worrying about the variations of a natural stone product. 

Quartz slabs can give your bathroom a modern vibe, and as a bonus, they can last a lifetime. Because it is manufactured using stone and resin, it is not porous like natural stone. As a result, engineered quartz is one of the most durable surfaces available, making it a perfect choice for the bathroom. Because the bathroom is a high-use room, there is moisture everywhere. Quartz slabs can stand up to day-to-day use and look beautiful doing it!

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But beyond durability, one of the most impressive aspects of quartz slab walls and floors in the bathroom is their appearance. While quartz is noted for its strength, it's sometimes easy to forget just how stunning it can be in a vertical setting when used on shower surrounds and wall panels.

Because it is waterproof, it is the perfect material for use in wet areas like the shower, wet room, or bathroom flooring. Quartz offers flexibility in design with a wide range of colors, patterns, and designs that mimic natural materials like Cararra marble at a fraction of the cost! Quartz can be laser etched, carved, routed, or sandblasted to create a unique, exciting look.

The Pros and Cons of Quartz Slabs in the Bathroom

There are many advantages to using this durable and beautiful material throughout your bathroom design.

The Pros:

A Contemporary, Yet Classic Look!

Quartz stone shower walls can give your bathroom a sleek finished appearance with a minimalist feel. It is a luxurious material that can give your master bathroom a look and feel of a luxury five-star hotel!

It is Versatile and Flexible

One of the big advantages of quartz slabs is that they look like other high-end materials while keeping the benefits of an engineered surface at a fraction of the price of natural stone. With a wide range of colors, styles, and finishes, you can create your desired look. Choose from matte or glossy. Veining can be fine or distinctive. It's all up to you!

Quartz is Durable

Unlike natural stone, because quartz is non-porous, bacteria and germs can't penetrate and lodge into the material. It is also waterproof for the same reason. Quartz will not chip or break easily, and with minimal proper maintenance, it can last a lifetime.

Little Maintenance Required

With no grout lines, quartz slabs are easy to clean and maintain. Cleaning can be handled with soap and water. You can occasionally use glass cleaner for deeper cleaning.

The Cons:

Quartz slabs offer homeowners, designers, and contractors some pretty major benefits. However, there are a few things to consider if you're thinking about using them in your next project.

More Expensive Installation

The cost of materials is the same whether you are planning on installing slabs vertically or horizontally. However, vertical installation is more difficult and more expensive.

Chemical Sensitivity

When cleaning your quartz slabs, avoid using highly acidic or highly alkaline cleaning agents. They can permanently damage the surface of the quartz shower wall. Use water and a mild soap instead.

Weight

Full 1 cm thick quartz slabs weigh much more than traditional tile. Typically the thickest slabs are used for shower walls (1cm), so you may need to make sure that the supporting structure can handle the additional weight. Some manufacturers are producing 13mm thick slabs that are installed using adhesive, much like veneer. These thinner and lighter slabs are perfect for bathroom walls and kitchen backsplash materials. 

Quartz Slabs in the Bathroom Offer Unlimited Design Possibilities!

Today, designers are driving the trend for using this incredible material. Manufacturers like Cambria, MSI, Hanstone, and Silestone are manufacturing materials specifically designed for these new and exciting applications. Sheets come in ¼ and ½-inch thick slabs that are lightweight, easy to install, and perfect for vertical use.

Designers are using quartz slabs in many innovative new ways. Creating everything from storage recesses in the shower to inset shelving, shower seats, window sills, flooring, shower surrounds, and more! Quartz slabs offer homeowners versatility and are available in a wide range of colors, prints, and patterns, including slabs that mimic natural stone. As a result, designers have begun using it throughout the home, especially in the master bathroom. 

Quartz slabs are a worry-free, low-maintenance material that can provide you with a lifetime of functionality, incredible luxury, stunning style, and practically no maintenance!

If you live in the greater Madison, Wisconsin area and want to know more about installing quartz slabs in a bathroom remodeling project, give the experts at Degnan Design-Build-Remodel a call at (608) 846-5963. Their award-winning design team is ready to help! Let them help you realize your creative vision and create the futuristic bathroom of your dreams using stunning quartz slabs. Call today and arrange a free consultation to discuss your upcoming project.

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