In addition to sustainable materials, freestanding soaker tubs, large walk-in showers, and earthy tones that bring the outdoors in, there is one bathroom design trend gaining traction: solid surface walls, and in particular, solid quartz shower walls. Solid surface showers simply cannot be beat. There are no grout lines, no caulk, no mildew, and little to no maintenance, not to mention they are gorgeous to look at. The NKBA 2024 Bathroom Trend Report shows that over the next three years, an overwhelmingly high percentage of homeowners looking to remodel their bathrooms want large format tiles or a slab surface. While tiles remain a popular shower wall covering choice, quartz is gaining momentum since there are a number of benefits to this design choice. Let’s dive into a few.
Durable and Consistent
When we think of bathrooms, one of the first words that comes to mind is “tile”. Tile materials can be ceramic, porcelain, stone or glass, and the size and shapes can vary as well. Additionally, tile can vary significantly in quality, texture, and durability. In fact, not all tile is ideal for shower use. Natural stone requires sealing, and ceramic tile may crack over time. Essentially, not every tile will offer consistent results in this wet area.
Enter quartz slabs. They’re uniform in durability, texture, thickness, and maintenance. You can rest well knowing this is an easy to care for material that won’t change over time. In fact, many homeowners are installing vanity tops in quartz as well with undermount sinks. This offers a low maintenance choice that can extend into a backsplash for that truly seamless look.
No Grout Lines
By incorporating the slab design for your showers, tub surrounds or flooring, you’ll minimize or eliminate unsightly grout lines, and everyone knows that grout lines are synonymous with upkeep. Grout is necessary to protect the edges of the tile from cracking or moving. Grout is porous, and will absorb water and stains over time unless you are meticulous about keeping up with resealing on a regular basis. As grout ages it can become brittle and may crack or even fall out, requiring repair.
Since quartz slabs are installed in one large piece per wall section, the edges are sealed using an epoxy material far more flexible than grout. This material does not stain, peel, or crack. The result: smooth, clean walls without grout lines to break them up and cause additional maintenance over the years.
Aesthetics
Single slab quartz walls are simply stunning. There are a variety of colors and designs to choose from, and homeowners can select the colors and pattern that complement the rest of their bathroom space. Single slab quartz will give you an elegant look that elongates your walls and makes your bathroom appear taller and larger. Quartz can be used outside the shower as well (such as a tub surround) for a cohesive look. In order to unify the space even more, you can incorporate the same quartz material for countertops. Whether you prefer a classic or modern look for your bathroom makeover, quartz suits any style.
The Star of the Show: Quartz
While there are other materials we could use for single-slab walls, quartz is the clear winner. At J&J Construction we confidently use Cambria and Hanstone, both with a stunning portfolio of styles. Quartz is more durable and scratch, stain and chip resistant than other solid surfaces. Unlike tile, quartz is naturally nonabsorbent, which means it will resist mold, mildew, and bacteria. We are constantly looking for ways to live healthier lives, and this is one way to create a more hygienic experience in your bathroom. Quartz will provide you with a watertight, low-maintenance, gorgeous surface for your bathroom.
Inspired by Luxury
When you look at examples of these stunning quartz slab pieces, you might feel as though you’ve stepped foot into a luxurious resort. In fact, this design trend was borrowed from hotel and resort experiences. When away on a trip, vacationers crave a spa-like atmosphere. One way to achieve this is with smart color palette choices. Additionally, the quartz slab design element allows homeowners to achieve that “just stepped into a spa” vibe with the added benefits of a material ideal for high-traffic areas. Who says you need to go on vacation to experience luxury?
Consider J&J Construction your go-to expert contractor for home renovation projects. Our designers are eager to meet in order to discuss your needs whether they include a bathroom remodel or a different space in your home. If you’d like more information about our renovation process, we would love to hear from you. Take a look at our project gallery for inspiration, and reach out to us for a free phone consultation: You can schedule one with our experienced team today!
Photo credits: Cambria USA
