Informed Choices for Your New Bath from Floor To Ceiling®

Evaluate the Options. 
When the size of the bathroom is considered, a remodel project here costs more per square foot than any other room, making it all the more important to choose wisely and with your ultimate goals well established.  Taking time to research products and procedures is the best way to insure that you will be delighted with your newly remodeled bath.

Floor To Ceiling® has carefully selected products for the bathroom to represent the best in their category in both design and quality.  Spend time visiting your Floor To Ceiling® bath showroom, touching the quality and viewing the style.  Be sure to ask a Floor To Ceiling® designer to show you other options that may not be on display.

Evaluate the Room’s Function.
Will you replace the existing bathroom or do you have dreams of expanding its horizons?  Will it be a product and style upgrade remodel or a full-blown re-do and re-construct?  Once you have decided on the goals you want to achieve, use the tips below to help you evaluate the products you’ll want. Whatever the scope of your project, make your local Floor To Ceiling® bath showroom a primary destination. 

Evaluate Bath Fixtures
Since they are very seldom replaced, it makes sense to select fixtures for your new bathroom with care. Be sure to consider the quality as well as the style to be sure you are purchasing real value.

More and more people are choosing tubs with air-jet features. It may even be the prompt for the bath remodel you plan. It is a temptation to choose a jetted tub because it looks fabulous and fits the available space. To be sure you are satisfied with your selection for a long time to come, it is equally important to consider the quality of what lies out of sight, in the plumbing fittings and pump. Access to the system is another important consideration if repairs are needed.

Will you choose a tub that features a calming effervescent bubble system or the invigorating massage of a whirlpool?  Some tubs integrate both systems.

Highly polished acrylic is used to create tubs that can be installed in almost any location because of its light weight.  If space is limited, ask about models that have air-jet features, yet fit in the space of a standard older tub – usually 30" X 60”. 

Some tubs have integral aprons that allow easy access to the plumbing system.  Other models require podiums created of matching tile, cabinet fronts or other materials.  Whatever you choose, easy access should be a priority.

Whether you prefer relaxing or invigorating massage, either can be a finer experience without motor noise. Be sure to select a tub with a very quiet or silent motor and pump.  In addition to comfort and quiet, personalize your selection of jets for exactly the bathing experience you want. Some tubs offer a color therapy feature with softly colored integral lighting.

For a tub combined with a shower, matching integral surrounds are an option. Or you may opt for tile, solid surface or other material for the surround.  For easy care,  an acrylic surround is unmatched since there are not grout or other joints to collect soap scum or calcifications from hard water. 

Showers and glass shower enclosures come in numerous sizes and with dozens of possible functions.  Some include glass doors in the package, or you might select a glass enclosure separately.         

Multiple showerheads placed at various levels are becoming more popular every day. An acrylic shower may be available in one, two or three pieces to make it easier to bring into and install in an existing home and may include the pan (floor).  A one-piece pan can be installed separately with tile or solid surface shower panels.  For ultimate showering convenience, consider installing a shower floor that is slightly sloped toward the drain and without a lip or impediment to enter.  This kind of barrier free shower floor is available in a one-piece unit or can be created with tile. (In either case, certain construction alterations are required for proper draining and water resistance.) 

Be sure to include a grab bar for both a new shower and tub.  Grab bars should be installed firmly anchored to supporting wall studs.

Select faucetry for a new tub, shower and lav by using many of the same criteria used to select a kitchen faucet.  In addition, there are differing types of spouts such as cascades, fast fill spouts and others.  Be sure to select a faucet system that features temperature control.  Match or complement the selection of lavatory faucets in both style and finish. 

Bath lavatories are available in more styles and materials than ever before. Consider style, function and ease of care for your selection.  Newest on the lav scene are a vast array of vessels.                   

A vessel is usually a bowl shaped  bathroom lav that sits on the counter rather than recessed into it. Vessels come in everything from metals like brass, stainless steel and copper, to pottery, glass and mosaic tile.  Some are china or porcelain and may feature beautiful handpainted designs. 

Pedestals continue to be a favorite choice for lavs.  Both contemporary and traditional styles are available.  A pedestal lav is best for small powder rooms or other baths that do not require much storage or for very large baths that have plenty of other room for storage cabinets.  If you choose a pedestal style, be sure to plan storage for towels and other personal care items.           

Drop in or undermount bowls remain the usual choice.  Let shape, color and function be your guide to making a selection that makes sense for you.

Shape:  Round, square, oval, oblong?  What shape works best with your design theme?  Round and oval are usually considered more traditional than bowls with sharper lines.  Whatever you choose, be sure the bowl or vessel you select complements the style of the tub and toilet you select.                       

Color:  White is chosen most often, but consider a lav with a handpainted design or in a color contrasting with other white fixtures.

Function: Must the bowl be large enough for shampooing, shaving or hand washing delicates? Decide what is more important: bowl size or counter space?  One or two?  Separate lavs with plenty of counter space are preferred whenever two people share a bathroom whether it’s a couple or the kids!  If your current bath has only one, ask your Floor To Ceiling® designer about the feasibility of adding another lav in your new bath.

Select a toilet that fits both you and your style.  Some manufacturers offer ensembles of china fixtures - toilets and lavs with complementary styling features. With the advent of laws governing the volume of water toilets can use to flush, there has been a flurry of design innovation.  Some newer water tanks are higher and bowls are offered in new heights for seating that is not only more practical, but more comfortable for most adults. Be sure to select a toilet that has an efficient waste control system and is comfortable as well as stylish.