How to create your natural stone bathroom on a budget…

First of all, you may not think that the words natural stone and budget go together, but here at Stone Deals they certainly do. You won’t find better quality natural stone tiles for less anywhere else.  And even in these difficult ‘credit crunch‘ times you be surprised to know that your dream bathroom can actually come at a very affordable price.  In fact, nowadays your natural stone tiles will probably be the cheapest thing on your bathroom shopping list. There are showers that can double up as tanning booths, toilets that can clean themselves and even baths that will massage you whilst you bathe?  Whatever you’re looking to do to your bathroom we have some great offers on that can help you achieve the look you want, at a price that you can afford. If you’re struggling to take the measurements or want to know how to maintain your natural stone tiles, then just give our friendly sales staff a call, they’ll be happy to help.

Your bathroom is an important room. It could be argued that it is one of the most used rooms in the house. It’s important because not only do you use it, but your visitors do to. And if you’re in the 99.9% of who care what people think then you’ll know that a good bathroom should be appealing, pleasant to use, easy to keep clean, practical yet attractive and a good selling point when you want to sell.

The good news is updating your bathroom doesn’t need to be expensive, with a few minor changes and a bit of new plumbing your bathroom could be as good as new. You can pick up a modern bathroom suite for as little as £ 200 and if you’re any good at DIY, you could save yourself even more on the fitting. And with a great range of floor and wall tiles natural stone and porcelain tiles available from us, Stone Deals, you may be surprised just how little a new bathroom could really cost.

The first step…

Planning. Get a note book and pen and start scribbling down some ideas of how you would really like your bathroom. Can you imagine sinking into a deep Victorian bath surrounded by highly polished marble tiles or do you want an uber-modern wet room with chrome finishes? Have a good look around all the DIY shops and choose a bathroom suite that suits your taste and your budget. There’s some great online stores that do interesting accessories such as funky taps or shower heads.

Next, decide where you want everything. If you want to move things around a lot bear in mind that will increase the plumbers price as it will involve a lot of extra plumbing. When you’re planning your new bathroom don’t forget to allow space for ’standing room’ around each item. drawing the floor plan to scale will help you work out the correct spacing.

If you have lots of room why not opt for a separate deluxe shower? If you haven’t, a shower can always be incorporated over the bath, which will take up much less room. Other ideas include his and her sinks, heated towel rail, underfloor heating, cupboards for towels etc. Once you’ve finalised your plans order the bit and bobs you want then, begin choosing your tiles etc.

Choosing the correct tiles.

Stone Deals have a beautiful range of natural stone wall and floor tiles to choose from. Tiles will be the main decorating item in your bathroom so it’s an important decision. Going for something neutral will definitely help give you a good base to start from. Travertine looks stunning and you can imagine lounging in the bath looking at the different patterns, equally marble will create a luxurious feel.

Once you’ve got your neutral base adding a mosaic strip or boarder will add colour and draw your eye to a different level. We have a full range for you to choose from.

You should always check that the tiles you have chosen are suitable for floors/ walls. The ones for walls should be much thinner than the ones for floors. Natural stone such as marble is great for wet rooms as it gives more grip and won’t show water marks which can be seen a lot easier on polished tiles. We recommend that all natural stones should be sealed before they ate installed, especially in a bathroom environment.

Glass mosaics tiles, patterned porcelain and odd shaped mosaics can all help you add your own personal vibe to the bathroom.

Choosing a bath.

Personally I think there’s nothing better than a large hot bath, overflowing with bubbles, candles, fresh flowers, fluffy towels (flake optional)- see pictures below for inspiration. But you’ll find a full range of baths on the market, including ones that clean themselves! Acrylic baths are light weight. which makes them easier to move than iron or steel baths. They don’t chip either which is always a bonus. Any surface scratching is easily removed with a liquid metal polish. You can get baths with matching side panels or wood effect panels.

Electrics.

The only type of plug you should have in a bathroom is a specially fitted razor socket. You will need a double pole isolating switch for other electrical appliances such as electric shower heater or shower booster pump. There are several rules and regulations that you have to comply to when doing your wiring so we suggest you check with your local Building Control Department before starting.

Don’t forget an extractor fan to help avoid condensation. It will need ot be fitted to a window or an outside wall. It will help keep your bathroom mildew free.

Storage.

There are load so great ideas for storage in small rooms such as bathrooms. Chests that can double up as storage for your towels, under sink cupboards, units around the toilet to store your cleaning products. Don’t forget your mirror- why not make it a mirrored wall cabinet? - a good place to stash all thing things you’d rather people didn’t see! We also see demystifiers for mirrors- just see in our underfloor heating range.

Some inspirational looks to try….

Create a classic look with small mosaic tiles on the walls and larger tumbles tiles on the floor. Team up with large wall art and bold curtains.

bath shot

Wet, wet, wet…

Wet rooms have increased in popularity and it’s easy to see why. Using different size tiles, create a space to forget the world and sit back and relax.

Wet room shot

Ideal bathroom…

If your current bathroom is in need of an update - go for this contemporary look. Mix a small mosaic border with medium tiles on the wall then opt for larger tiles for the floor.

Bathroom shot 1

Modern style bathroom…

In this shot the tiles are all the same size- it gives a very balanced view. Team up with new accessories like a stand-alone bath, modern shower and towel heater.

Antique creme bath

For more inspiring pictures and ideas visit our website at www.stonedeals.co.uk