Man-Made vs. Natural Materials

Host Joan Kohn explores the decorating options of man-made materials that mimic the look of natural materials without the cost and maintenance. She discusses ways to incorporate them in the bath with experts Dominic Tango and Paula Conway.

Ceramic tiles have finishes that mimic the aged, tumbled look of marble and slate.

This floating plastic laminate floor gives the look of wood in the bathroom but withstands humidity much better than the natural material.

• Natural stones like marble, limestone and granite need to be sealed regularly, and since they are soft, they scratch easily.
  
• Stone tiles average two to three times the price of ceramic tiles and cost twice as much to install.
  
• Ceramic tiles hold up well to traffic and moisture once they are properly grouted and sealed. They will also have a more uniform color than natural stone.
  
• Solid surface materials can give the look of a slab without the grout headaches. The color goes all the way through the material, so scratches can be buffed out, and the sink can be integrated seamlessly. The price of solid surface is comparable to many natural stones.
  
• Cultured marble is a man-made marble that costs one-half or one-third less than solid surface. You can have an integral bowl and backsplash with no seam like solid surface, but the color does not go all the way through the material.
  
• Vinyl and laminate manufacturers are producing products that closely imitate the look of wood. They cost much less and are much easier to maintain.

Resources

• Guests

  • Dominic Tango
    Designer, Bathrooms Etc.
    Rte 28 545 Main St.
    Reading, MA 01867
    Phone: 781-944-5600
    
  • Paula Conway
    Designer, Bathrooms Etc.
    Rte 28 545 Main St.
    Reading, MA 01867
    Phone: 781-944-5600