Bathroom

In wet areas, waterproofing first, then covering

What determines the lifespan of a bathroom cladding is often the layer underneath. A surface laid in the shower area and on the floor without waterproofing will cause moisture problems over time, no matter how good the stone is. Before choosing the cladding, make sure the waterproofing has been done and the floor slopes toward the drain.

Different surfaces on floor and wall

• Floor: Choose a matte, honed or textured surface. It provides grip when wet and hides water spots.
• Wall: Glossy and polished surfaces reflect light and make a small bathroom look spacious. Slipperiness is not an issue on walls.
• Shower floor: Small-piece mosaic adapts to the slope toward the drain, and the number of grout lines increases grip.

Size and color in a small bathroom

In a narrow bathroom, large-format tiles make the floor look unified and wide because they reduce grout lines. On the wall, tiles laid with the long side horizontal widen the space, while vertical laying raises the ceiling. Light beige, white and gray tones reflect light and enlarge the area; using a dark color as an accent on a single wall is a safer choice.

If you will use natural stone

Marble, travertine and limestone are porous. After installation, apply a water- and oil-repellent sealer and renew it every two to three years. Shampoo, soap and limescale remover residues can leave dull marks on the stone; do not use acid-containing cleaners, a pH-neutral product is sufficient.

Grout and calculation

In wet areas, use mold-resistant, waterproof grout. Seal the corner joints inside the shower with flexible silicone, not grout. Tiles are priced per square meter and sold in boxes; mosaic sheets, borders and accessories are priced per piece. Enter the square meters you need in the calculator on the product page; it finds how many boxes you need and adds the waste allowance. The allowance we recommend is between 10 and 15 percent.