Water Resistant Bathroom Remodel

When remodeling the bathroom, finding ways to enhance the room's water resistant qualities can be a good decorating approach. Because the bathroom is designed with many different water features, it can be quite important to do everything you can to keep things dry and in good condition. Although most bathroom building materials are designed with water resistance in mind, there are some materials that are just naturally better choices than others. If you'd like to remodel your bathroom to make it more impervious to water damage, here are a few tips that you will find helpful.

Water Resistant Bathroom Walls

Most walls in the bathroom are going to get at least damp from time to time, even if it's only from condensed steam. Because of this, choosing a paint that is designed to stand up to water can help protect your walls from damage. In most cases, a semi-gloss paint finish will be more durable than a flat finish. Before painting the walls, use a good primer underneath to help increase paint adhesion. Using "green board" or other water resistant wallboard materials in the bathroom instead of simple drywall can also be a good way to avoid water damage. Using a water resistant and mildew resistant paint around shower areas can also be quite helpful. Of course, paint isn't the only wall surface that can add water resistance to the bathroom. Ceramic or glass tiles are also excellent materials to use, since they are naturally water resistant and durable. Always apply a sealant to grout to enhance the overall water resistance of tile walls.

Choosing the Perfect Flooring

Because bathroom floors frequently get wet, choosing water resistant flooring is also important. Although carpeting can be warm underfoot in the bathroom, it is not particularly water resistant. Tile, whether it is stone, glass or ceramic, can be a great water resistant material to use on the bathroom floor. Of course, it's important to choose a flooring material that will not be overly slippery when it gets wet. Vinyl flooring is also a great water resistant option to use in the bathroom. Not only is it quite water resistant, but it's also very easy to care for and keep clean. Whichever flooring you choose, you should take care to seal all cracks around the edges of the floor with caulk to prevent water from seeping in.

Water Resistant Countertops

Because countertops and backsplash areas frequently get wet in the bathroom it's important to always use water resistant materials. Proper installation and careful caulking techniques can also help to ensure that your sink and vanity areas are as water resistant as possible.

Important Electrical Considerations

Although not strictly in the category of water resistance, it's important to take electricity into consideration when designing the bathroom. Because water and electricity do not mix, you should always use GFCI outlets in the bathroom for the sake of safety. Even when using GFCI outlets, you should take care when using electrical appliances such as razors, hair dryers and curling irons around water. After all, as the saying goes, "an ounce of prevention can be worth a pound of cure."

Other Considerations

When it comes time to choose accents wall decor, it’s important to choose items that will hold up well to the heat and humidity generated in a steamy bathroom. Instead of paintings, photographs or prints that can be ruined by moisture decorate with sturdy metal art, like Mexican metal wall art, awrought iron scroll grilles or other metal art selections that suit your style.