A bathroom renovation takes more than just a dream of your perfect bathroom.
Having worked in this area for more than 10 years, we’ve gained an understanding of bathroom renovation in Perth.
We know what it means to choose the right materials for your renovation project. Especially living in Perth, choosing the perfect materials to work in Perth’s climate is crucial.
The longevity of your bathroom fixtures and fittings is affected by Perth’s high humid conditions, among other things.
So you’ve decided to renovate your bathroom, the first thing you should think about is how much Perth’s climate is going to affect whatever materials you choose.
Perth’s hot for most of the year, with summers getting very dry and winters getting really wet. Temperatures can hit over 40°C during the hot months which causes heaps of thermal expansion and contraction in fixture materials.
This is especially important for bigger tiles, benchtops and wall panels where movement from temperature changes can cause cracking or warping if you haven’t thought about it properly.
Another thing to note is Perth being a large coastline city with lots of coastal towns. Even if you’re not right on the beach salt in the air can affect your home up to 20 kilometres inland, which is pretty much most of Perth.
Salt air causes metals in hardware to corrode must faster than you would like. Chrome-plated fixtures might look good but they often need replacing more frequently in coastal areas compared to stainless steel or PVD coated ones.
Humidity in Perth can be really challenging. Despite most areas being pretty dry, bathrooms create their own little microclimate with high humidity levels. The humid conditions are a big cause of dampness in bathrooms and if you don’t plan for it properly you’ll get mould growth, especially if your ventilation isn’t great.
You really need to plan for good ventilation systems to stop dampness and mould building up.
Wooden vanities and cabinets need to be chosen carefully and will also need frequent treatment to stop them falling to pieces because of environmental changes. Treated wood for vanities and cabinets handles temperature variations and wear much more efficiently.
Key things to remember when you’re selecting bathroom fixtures for your Perth renovation:
- High moisture resistance to handle seasonal humidity changes
- Good heat tolerance for temperature fluctuations
- Better corrosion resistance, especially if you’re near the coast
- Slip resistance that meets local building codes
- UV protection in bathrooms that get natural light
Making smart decisions about bathroom surfaces
Your bathroom’s look and how long it lasts depends heaps on the surfaces. That’s why what your bathroom’s made of matters so much.
What options have you got for each important surface area? Here’s what’s available:
Flooring materials
In Perth, the best flooring options for bathrooms are definitely porcelain and ceramic tiles. They offer really good quality.
Porcelain’s tough and resistant to moisture, which makes it perfect for Perth’s coastal areas. Both porcelain and ceramic tiles are really durable against foot traffic and stains, which justifies the higher price.
Ceramic tiles are usually the cheaper option and they give you heaps of design flexibility and consistent performance if they’re installed properly.
You can install underfloor heating beneath your tiles for the colder months in Perth, which is pretty nice. This addition doesn’t just keep humidity levels down in your bathroom but also makes the space feel more welcoming.
Natural Stone Options
Natural stone’s a bit delicate in Perth’s climate but it does add elegance to your bathroom. Marble with its individual veins gives a timeless look but it needs regular maintenance to keep looking good, especially in our hard-water conditions.
Granite’s more durable because it resists scratches and wear while keeping its natural beauty. Doesn’t need as much maintenance either, which is always good.
Lighter stones in Perth’s bright conditions can make natural light better in smaller bathrooms, while darker ones add class to bigger spaces. Think about using your favourite stone on other surfaces like floors and vanity tops to create a cohesive spa feel that’s pretty luxurious.
Natural stone floors can be paired with timber bits to create a more gentle and welcoming atmosphere, while matching floor and wall tiles gives a clean, modern look that’s especially good in smaller bathrooms.
Perth’s coastal environment should definitely be considered when selecting materials. It’s really important to seal all natural stone installations properly if you’re within 20 kilometres of the coast.
Vanity and cabinet materials
Your vanity design should look good and be durable against daily humidity exposure. Polyurethane-finished cabinets offer excellent water resistance and come in different designs. Quality melamine with ABS edging is a good deal when renovating, especially if you’re on a tight budget.
Marine-grade plywood in cabinet construction costs more upfront but it’s really tough for coastal Perth homes. This investment pays off big time in preventing moisture damage over time.
For benchtops, Caesarstone and Essastone – both engineered stone products – offer strength and durability without compromising on style. Natural materials like marble look amazing but their maintenance is a real pain.
Key things to consider:
- Match materials to your maintenance needs and lifestyle
- Think about how close you are to the coast
- Make sure construction quality meets local building standards
- Focus spending on high-impact areas
Local suppliers and what’s available
Perth’s got a good range of local suppliers who offer solutions tailored to our area.
Shopping locally’s great because it benefits the community and gives you insight into the best materials for our local conditions.
Showrooms let you experience material quality firsthand and chat with experts who understand local trends and challenges.
Use local knowledge by contacting suppliers who can suggest products that’ll work well in Perth’s specific climate.
Local suppliers often offer environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional building materials too.
In Perth, sustainability’s important and there are now lots of suppliers offering recycled materials, energy-efficient products and innovative solutions to reduce environmental impact. This doesn’t just make your project more sustainable but can also save you money long-term by reducing energy use.
Plus, dealing with local vendors often leads to networking within the community. Lots of suppliers run events and workshops that can teach you about the latest trends in construction and design.
Sustainability
Eco-friendly material options
For flooring and cabinets, bamboo’s a durable and attractive material that’s sustainably produced. Using recycled or reclaimed materials like vintage tiles and salvaged wood adds character and reduces waste.
Energy efficiency
Use ENERGY STAR-rated appliances to save on utility bills. If you are careful about your window placement you can save on light bills by relying on natural light, more than you may think.
Water conservation
Use low flow taps and shower heads to save water and be more environmentally conscious.
Local environmental rules
Make sure materials and installations meet Perth’s local environmental standards for sustainable renovations.
Installation and maintenance
The installation process can vary heaps depending on what materials you choose for your renovation. So it’s important to think about how complex installation will be for your chosen surfaces. Some materials like vinyl flooring are easy to handle, but natural stones might need expert installation.
You should also think about maintenance. Different materials need different levels of care.
Natural stone looks really beautiful, but it usually needs sealing and special cleaning. If you value beautiful architecture and are willing to spend the extra time keeping it nice, then go for it!
But if you are a busy family whose priorities are elsewhere right now, maybe opt for something more practical.
Wrapping up
Once you’ve considered everything we’ve talked about, it’s time to make the real decisions. Plan with your chosen expert but trust your gut too.
Start by looking at your options based on budget, style preferences and practical needs like maintenance and durability.
A mood board can help you visualise how different materials will work together in your bathroom design.
When renovating your bathroom, it’s not as complicated as you may think to choose the right materials.
If you want expert advice on your material selection for your new project, Complete Bathroom Solutions are here to help!!
FAQ
What materials work best in Perth’s climate?
Porcelain and ceramic tiles are best because they’re durable and handle humidity well, while natural stone like travertine looks great but might need sealing.
Can I use recycled materials for bathroom renovations?
Eco-friendly options include bamboo cabinets, recycled glass tiles and water-efficient fixtures.
How do I choose between natural stone and man-made materials?
Natural stone’s durable and looks unique but needs maintenance. Engineered quartz and other synthetic materials are more cost-effective and easier to maintain.
Which countertop material lasts longest?
Engineered quartz matches the bathroom’s look with durability, stain resistance and lots of design options.
