Remodeling a bathroom doesn’t have to feel confusing. This guide walks you through each material choice step‑by‑step so you can make confident decisions without getting overwhelmed.
Choose your shower system first. The shower is the centerpiece of most bathroom remodels.
Tile Shower: Custom look, many patterns and colors, great for niches and accents
Onyx Shower Systems: Extremely durable, low maintenance, clean seams, fast installation
Acrylic: Budget friendly, simple and clean
Pro Tip: If you want low maintenance, choose Onyx. If you want a custom look, choose tile.
Shower wall materials.
Subway
Large Format (12x24)
Stone Look
Mosaic accents
Smooth
Wavy
Stone Tile Look
Pro Tips:
White - clean and timeless
Gray - modern
Beige - Warm
Multiple sizes and colors
Low, Mid, Full Height curb height
Custom Shapes
Extremely durable
No grout
Built over a waterproof pan or mortar bed
Gray, beige, white most widely used neutral colors
Custom sizes
Multiple design options
Non-slip textured floor - standard on most acrylic pans
Tile flange prevents water intrusion behind walls
Budget-friendly
Pro Tip: Onyx pans are the most reliable and easiest to maintain.
Oil Rubbed Bronze
Traditional, warm, rustic
Dark brown/black base/copper undertones
Chrome
Bright, reflective, modern
Mirror-polished finish
Matte Black
Modern, bold, high-contrast
Non-reflective powder coat
Brushed Nickel
Warm, satin, fingerprint-resistant
Soft metallic tone/subtle texture
Pro Tip: Handheld wands are the most practical for cleaning and daily use.
Vanity Styles
Shaker
Clean Lines, timeless, most popular in remodels
Vanity Styles
Modern
Sleek, minimal hardware, flat-panel
Vanity Styles
Traditional
Raised-panel doors, ornate trim, warm wood tones
Counter Top Styles
Marble
Distinct veining pattern
Classic polished finish
Common in traditional and luxury bathrooms
Counter Top Styles
Quartz
Clean, consistent pattern
Often lightly veined
Non-porous
Popular in modern remodels
Counter Top Styles
Granite
Natural, multi-color mineral pattern
Speckled or mottled appearance
Polished surface with visible crystalline texture
Common in traditional and mid-range remodels
Pro Tip: White or gray shaker vanities match almost any bathroom style.
Luxury Vinyl Plank/Luxury Vinyl Tile
Modern, traditional, or farmhouse bathroom styles
Installed with tile, Onyx or acrylic showers
Endless color choices
Waterproof, durable
Tile Floor
Multiple styles (hex, mosaic, large format)
Endless color choices
Modern, shaker, farmhouse, traditional bathroom styles
Classic, long-lasting
Pro Tip: LVP or LVT is the best choice for durability and comfort.
Toilet Options:
Standard height
Comfort height
Round or elongated
The primary differences between round and elongated toilet bowls are shape and space efficiency:
Elongated Bowls: Feature an oval shape extending roughly 18½ inches from the mounting bolts. They offer a larger seating surface and are generally considered more comfortable, but they take up more space in the bathroom.
Round Bowls: Are more circular, extending about 16½ inches from the bolts. Their compact footprint makes them ideal for smaller bathrooms, powder rooms, or tight spaces where clearance is limited.
A standard height toilet typically features a bowl rim height of about 14½ inches from the floor (reaching roughly 16 inches with the seat attached), whereas chair height (or ADA-compliant) toilets measure around 17 inches to the bowl rim.
Accessories:
Towel bars
TP holder
Towel ring
Grab bars (if needed)
Pro Tip: Comfort height toilets are easier for most adults.
Popular Colors:
Light gray
White
Soft beige
Finish:
Satin or eggshell for easy cleaning
Trim Options:
Keep existing
Replace baseboards
Pro Tip: Light paint colors make small bathrooms feel larger.
Onyx or tile shower
Shaker vanity
Quartz or cultured marble top
LVP flooring
Matte black or brushed nickel fixtures
Clean, modern, durable, and easy to maintain.