The Cost of Materials for a Typical Bathroom Remodel

A bathroom remodel is a great way to update your home and increase its value. However, it's important to understand the cost of materials before you begin planning your renovation. Knowing the cost of materials can help you create a realistic budget and ensure that you don't overspend. In this article, we'll break down the different types of materials required for a bathroom remodel and provide tips for saving money.

Tiles

Tiles are one of the most important materials in your bathroom remodel. They have a major impact on the design, and serve as the solid surface throughout the whole bathroom. Popular options include ceramic tile, porcelain tile, and natural stone. Ceramic tile is the most affordable option, with an average cost of $1-15 per square foot. Porcelain tile is more durable and costs on average between $3-20 per square foot. Natural stone, such as marble or granite, is the most expensive option, with an average of between $7-30 per square foot.

Ceramic tiles aren't normally rated for use on floors, but can be used as wall tiles or a backsplash element behind your sink. Using ceramic for these items and porcelain for the floor tiles is the most popular way to save some money while ensuring the longevity of your bathroom.

While marble and natural stone are sought-after, they will tend to wear down over time and won't last as long in comparison to manufactured tiles. They are also significantly more difficult and costly to install compared to manufactured tiles because they require special equipment and know-how.

Aim for tiles around $6-8 per square foot for the best balance between quality and value.

Fixtures

Fixtures are another important material in your bathroom remodel and are often the most expensive parts. They are the main items that connect to your water sources and are typically expected to last a very long time. The main fixtures are toilets, sinks/vanities, shower sets, and bathtubs.

A basic toilet can cost as little as $200, while a high-end toilet can cost over $1,000. Some toilets come with build-in bidets, which are a nice feature and can be inexpensive. One-piece toilets tend to be more expensive, but are easier to clean and tend to last longer. Consider something in the mid-range around $400-600 for the best value.

A pedestal sink can cost as little as $300, while a high-end vanity with amble features and storage may cost over $3,000. The costs will vary depending on if you get a pre-fabricated vanity or a custom one. The type of wood and hardware will also impact the price. Consider what you need out of a vanity and look for ones that will fit your space.

A simple shower set may cost as little as $300 if you're on a budget, but if you want a more luxurious set, you can find beautiful products with unique features that are upwards of $3000 or more. You can expect to spend around $800-1000 for a good mid-range shower set.

A basic steel bathtub can cost as little as $200, while a high-end cast-iron soaker tub might cost over $4,000. A good quality tub that balances costs and features should cost around $600-1000.

It's clear that the quality of the products and the brand will impact the cost dramatically. Try asking your contractor what items they recommend. They work with different products all the time and are the best source to tell you which items will last the longest for the best price. 

Expect to spend around $4000 for good quality mid-ranged fixtures, including the tub, shower set, toilet, and vanity.

Lighting

If you start your day by looking into your bathroom mirror, you know how important lighting can be. Every bathroom normally has at least 2 types of light sources - a vanity or sink light which is normally forward facing, and ceiling lighting in the way of pot lights or recessed lighting. Vanity lights help to brighten up your face when doing your makeup, brushing your teeth, or styling your hair.

A simple vanity light might run between $200-300, but if you decide to purchase something more modern or elegant you could spend upwards of $500 or more. You may want to combine your vanity light with recessed ceiling lights, which tend to be quite affordable - you can buy a 5 pack for under $30.

Another option is to get an LED backlit vanity mirror to combine the costs of your mirror and lighting. This gives a very modern look to your bathroom and they are usually similar in cost to typical vanity lights. If it fits your design needs, this might be a good option to save some money.

Keep in mind that the more lights you plan to install, the more work the electrician will have to do, and they aren't cheap!

Additional Storage

Storage is an important consideration in any bathroom remodel. Popular options include vanities, cabinets, shelves, and medicine cabinets. In addition to the cost of vanities which we mentioned earlier, you may have the space or need for some additional cabinets or shelves. Cabinet manufacturers can usually make matching vanities and wall-mounted cabinets for a cohesive style throughout your bathroom. This may double the cost of your storage, expect to spend between $500-1000 on additional storage if you have the need.

Several additional factors can impact the cost of materials for your bathroom remodel. The size of your bathroom is one of the biggest factors. A larger bathroom will require more materials, which will increase the overall cost of your remodel. 

Conclusion

Understanding the cost of materials is crucial to planning and executing a successful bathroom remodel. By breaking down the different types of materials required for your remodel and considering what matters most to you, you will have a better understanding of where you can save some money.

Use your contractor as a sounding board to ensure the materials you're buying will work for your space, and get their opinions about where you can save money.