best materials for bathrooms
Choosing bathroom materials is all about balancing durability, moisture resistance, maintenance, safety, and style. Bathroom is high-humidity environment, so materials must resist water, stains, and wear
*and, of course, it must look beautiful!
1. Countertops
Quartz (Engineered Stone)
Non-porous → no sealing required, Excellent stain and moisture resistance, Wide range of colors/patterns, Durable and consistent
Granite (Natural Stone)
large format for drama, by asteri
heat and scratch resistant, Unique veining, Requires periodic sealing
Porcelain / Sintered Stone (e.g., Dekton, Neolith)
Extremely water, stain, and heat-resistant, UV stable → great for bright spaces
Solid Surface (e.g., Corian)
Seamless appearance, Repairable if scratched, Slightly less heat resistant
2. Shower & Wall Cladding
Porcelain Tile (Glazed)
Water-tight *when grouted properly, Easy to clean, Endless styles and sizes
Natural Stone (Marble, Slate, Travertine)
Beautiful, luxurious, Variation adds character, Requires sealing and careful maintenance
Porcelain Slab / Large Format Tile
Minimal grout lines → cleaner look, Very low maintenance
Glass Tile (Accent or Full Wall)
Reflects light → brightens space, Great for accents
3. Floor Materials
Porcelain Tile
Top bathroom floor choice, Water-proof, slip-resistant options available, Durable
Natural Stone (Textured Finish)
Premium look, Needs sealing and careful selection to avoid slipperiness
Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) / Waterproof Vinyl Planks
wood for softness
Affordable and waterproof, choice for rental bathrooms
4. Vanity Cabinets & Millwork
Moisture-Resistant Plywood or MDF with Water-Resistant Coating
Better than basic particleboard, good for humid bathrooms
Solid Wood with High-Quality Finish
Valuable and beautiful, Must be properly sealed and ventilated
Thermofoil / Lacquered Cabinetry
Affordable, sleek finishes, Moisture-resistant surface
5. Fixtures & Hardware
porcelain to add color
combining materials to add interest
Stainless Steel / Brushed Nickel → hides spots & corrosion
Matte Black → dramatic, modern
Polished Chrome → classic, reflective
Brushed Brass / Gold Tones → warm and luxury
Choose hardware finishes that complement tile and countertop tones for a cohesive look.
Material Pairing Recommendations
Classic & Timeless
Porcelain marble-look large tile (walls)
Quartz countertop (white or gray)
Matte porcelain floor tile
Polished chrome fixtures
Modern & Minimal
Large format matte porcelain (cool gray)
White quartz countertop
Matte black fixtures
Floating vanity
Warm & Organic
Textured porcelain wood-look floor
Warm quartz or sintered slab countertop
Soft brass fixtures
Light natural wood vanity
Luxury Spa
Natural stone feature wall (marble/onyx)
Porcelain elsewhere
Quartz countertop
Brushed brass fixtures
My Top Overall Recommendation
For most bathrooms that balance style, durability, and low maintenance:
Porcelain tile on walls and floors
Quartz countertop
Moisture-resistant cabinetry
Matte or brushed fixtures (brass, nickel, or black depending on style)