Bathroom
As you’ve probably already noticed, there’s a wide range of products on the market, to suit all tastes and budgets. There are a number of features to consider when making your purchase. Maintenance and durability are among the aspects to consider when making your choice.
SHOWER WATERPROOFING
The foundation of your dream shower investment. Waterproofing is undoubtedly the foundation not to be overlooked. Several options are available. Rigid and liquid membranes.
Rigid membrane (Summex recommendation)
Rigid membranes are currently the safest way to waterproof your shower. The majority of these membranes are cemented to the surfaces.
Advantages :
- 100% waterproofing
- Allows for proper sealing of custom applications
- Allows installation of a heating cable on the shower floor when covered by the rigid membrane.
- Allows same-day installation of ceramic tiles
Disadvantages :
- More expensive than liquid membranes
- Longer installation period
Liquid membrane
Liquid membranes are used in certain applications. We do not recommend liquid membranes.
Advantages:
- More affordable
- Quicker to install
Disadvantages:
- Risk of cracking over time
- Less durable than rigid membranes
CHOOSING YOUR SHOWER BASE
The two most popular options are acrylic and ceramic bases.
Acrylic base
Probably the most popular option on the market. Many factors influence the choice of an acrylic base. The warranty, the thickness of the finish and the solidity of its construction. Choose carefully if you want a good quality base.
Advantages:
- Quick to install
- More affordable
- Several possible layouts
Disadvantages:
- May become scratched over the years, trapping dirt
- Less durable finish than ceramic
- Risk of squeaking when in contact with other materials
The ceramic base
The high-end base that lets your imagination run wild. These bases are made of high-density foam. Several applications are possible according to your needs.
Advantages:
- Dimensionally stable
- Pre-made slope
- Possibility of installing a linear drain, allowing us to install large-format tiles on the shower floor. This reduces maintenance and cleaning of grout joints.
- Custom size
- Rigid membrane integrated into the base
- 100% waterproof
Disadvantages:
- More expensive
- Longer installation time
Choosing the right plumbing
Choosing the right plumbing items is very important. Particularly those found inside walls, such as shower faucets, undermount sink faucets and undermount bathtub faucets. Quality is essential. If these elements are not reliable, water will dissipate into the walls rather than onto the surface.
The bathtub and toilet must match your design, but above all be comfortable and of good quality.
Flooring and subflooring
Mostly porcelain ceramic, for its durability and performance when the room is subjected to frequent exposure to water. Porcelain is more durable than other types of ceramic. There are also ceramic grades. The more precise the ceramic, the smaller the grout joints can be. For those who want small grout joints, we recommend rectified porcelain tiles. This means that the sides of the tile are perfectly square.
For subfloors, we recommend cemented membranes. These membranes generally replace the 5/8 plywood required for tile installation. Some of these membranes can even accommodate a heating wire.
Lighting
Lighting is an essential element in any interior or exterior design project. Natural and artificial light are fundamental functional and aesthetic considerations in any interior design project.
Light is an essential part of our daily lives, making us feel safe, allowing us to see what’s around us, and giving us visual comfort.
Lighting can make a big difference between a bland room and one with an inviting ambience. Summex will be happy to help you make the right lighting choices for your space.
Our team will help you plan, design and build the bathroom of your dreams.