Bathroom Remodeling in Northern NJ
It's time to transform your bathroom !
The bathroom is one of the most important spaces in your home — it’s where you start your day and where you unwind after everything life throws at you. This room should make you feel good every time you use it, and that’s why professional help highly recommended. A bathroom is a complex space with multiple electrical and plumbing fixtures that are expected to last 20 years or more, so proper planning is essential.
At Alexander Kitchens & Baths, we bring years of experience in design and bathroom remodeling in Northern NJ. Our Denville showroom offers excellent service, high-quality tile and vanity selections, fixtures, and everything else needed to complete your renovation project. We prepared this helpful information so you know exactly what to expect during a bathroom renovation process.
Bathroom design
The easiest way to begin planning your bathroom is to look through photos online and decide which styles appeal to you. Pay attention to colors, tile patterns, and the types of fixtures you’re drawn to. Once you understand what you like, it becomes much easier to create a clear vision for your project.
Next, think about your overall style. Do you prefer something classic, contemporary, or a mix of both? Your choice will naturally guide the color theme of your bathroom.
For example, contemporary designs often use cooler tones such as white, black, silver, and grey. Classic bathrooms, on the other hand, typically lean toward warm shades like light brown or beige.
You’ll need to choose several key items for your bathroom renovation: vanity, tile, grout color, shower door, plumbing fixtures, and accessories. Each element affects the overall style and function of the room.
We will review every item with you and offer helpful suggestions to make the selection process easier.
Vanity
Determine the largest vanity size that comfortably fits your space. Choose the style you prefer—whether you want a wall-hung vanity, a model with an open bottom, or a traditional design. If the vanity sits between two walls, you may need filler pieces.
Next, select the color and door style you love. Don’t worry about “what a future buyer will like” — this bathroom should reflect your taste.
Finally, check the location of your plumbing supply lines. Their placement can impact the vanity configuration and optional accessories.
Determine the largest vanity size that comfortably fits your space. After that, choose the style you prefer—whether you want a wall-hung vanity, a model with an open bottom, or a traditional closed-bottom design. If the vanity sits between two walls, you may need filler pieces.
Next, select the color and door style you love. Don’t worry about what a future buyer might like—this bathroom should reflect your taste.
Finally, check the location of your plumbing lines. Their placement can impact the vanity configuration and determine whether optional accessories can be installed.
Optional vanity accessories
All of our cabinet lines offer vanity designs
Tile Options
Choosing tile for your bathroom can feel overwhelming at first. Today’s market offers products from all over the world in countless shapes, finishes, and colors. However, the quality can vary a lot from one manufacturer to another.
Some of the best porcelain and ceramic tiles come from Spain and Italy. These countries have centuries of experience and invest heavily in modern technology, which gives the tile exceptional consistency and durability.
Turkey supplies most of the travertine, limestone, and marble used in the U.S. market.
- Pros: Porcelain tile is one of the hardest and most durable materials you can use for bathroom floors and walls. It requires very little maintenance and is available in both small and large formats, including panels up to 8 feet long. The material is highly resistant to harsh chemical cleaners and also suitable for outdoor applications.
- Cons: Porcelain is difficult to cut, so it extends the installation time. Thin/low-quality tiles (less than 1/4″) are fragile and prone to cracking. High-gloss finish is rare.
- Pros: Ceramic tile offers a true high-gloss finish, which makes it an excellent choice for creating a bold accent wall. It is much easier to cut than porcelain, even in thicker 1/2″ formats, which makes it suitable for many DIY installations. The material is lighter in weight and easier to handle. High-gloss finish is very common.
- Cons:
Ceramic tile is more fragile than porcelain and not recommended for bathroom floors. The material is naturally porous and requires sealing to prevent staining or moisture absorption. Although sealing is simple, it adds an extra step to the installation process—one that many homeowners struggle to find time for.
- Pros: Travertine, limestone, and marble offer a beautiful natural appearance with a unique character in every piece. These stones come in polished, matte, honed, and distressed finishes, allowing for a wide range of design styles. Their timeless look has been used for centuries and works especially well as an accent when combined with glass or porcelain mosaic tiles.
- Cons: Natural stone is soft and fragile, which means it requires frequent maintenance. Installers must seal all stone before and after installation to prevent staining or moisture absorption. We do not recommend using natural stone as the primary surface in wet areas; a porcelain tile with a stone-look finish is a much more durable and practical alternative.
- Pros: Glass tile offers unique designs that work perfectly for accent walls or decorative borders. It comes in both glossy and matte finishes, giving you flexibility in style. The reflective surface adds depth and brightness to any space. When used in dry areas, glass tile requires virtually no maintenance.
- Cons: Glass tile costs more than most other materials on the market. It requires special blades for cutting and has specific installation requirements, making it unsuitable for DIY projects. Only a few glass tiles are rated for floor use, and even those can become extremely slippery when wet. Water spots show easily when you install glass tile in a shower.
- Pros: Metal tile is rarely used, mainly because there aren’t many styles available. When you do find a suitable option, it delivers a unique look and creates a very distinct design accent. Most metal tiles are made from aluminum and are typically used in mosaic applications.
- Cons:
Metal tile can rust if manufacturers use materials other than aluminum or stainless steel. Cutting this material requires professional tools, and in some cases it cannot be cut at all. It is also expensive, hard to find, and usually offered in very limited selections.
Come to our tile showroom and view the latest tile trends from around the world. Look at our stunning displays of quality imported and domestic porcelain and ceramic tiles, beautiful natural stones like travertine, onyx, limestone and an endless selection of glass and mosaic in just about every color and style. We offer everything from high-end luxury tile to affordable options for every budget and style. With the help of our in-house designers you will create the space you love.
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Grout
Grout is an important part of bathroom design, yet its quality is often overlooked. The joint lines can highlight the tile pattern or help it to blend in, depending on the color you choose
Most major manufacturers offer three to four different types of grout, each with its own performance level.
Here’s a quick overview:
- Sanded grout contains fine sand and is designed for wider joints. It should be used when the grout lines are larger than 1/8″. Unsanded grout is smoother and works best for joints 1/8″ or smaller.
Glass tile should not be paired with sanded grout, as the sand can scratch the surface. For best results, mix the grout with a recommended additive instead of plain water. This helps reduce shrinkage and discoloration as the grout cures.
Both types require regular sealing, and because these are the most affordable options on the market, their performance generally matches the price.
- Polymer-enhanced grout is a step above standard cement-based products. This type works best for joints between 1/8″ and 1/2, although exact specifications vary by brand and should always be checked before installation.
Manufacturers often claim that this type of grout does not require additional sealing. In practice, we’ve seen it darken when it gets wet. This color change means the grout is still absorbing some moisture, even if it doesn’t penetrate fully.
For that reason, we always apply a sealer after installation to ensure better long-term protection.The amount of water used during mixing is extremely important. Too much water can weaken the grout, reduce durability, and lead to future discoloration.
- Ready-mixed grout comes ready-to-use from the manufacturer. This eliminates the common mistake of adding too much or too little liquid, which often happens when instructions are ignored. The material can be used for joints ranging from 1/16″ up to 1/2″.
Some premium brands use colored quartz instead of traditional pigments. This technology helps prevent discoloration over time or when the grout becomes wet. Once cured, ready-mixed grout does not require sealing and remains slightly flexible, which helps absorb minor floor movement.
For decorative projects, certain versions include glass particles that create a subtle sparkling effect and add a unique design touch.
- Epoxy grout is the most durable option for wet areas. It does not stain, shrink, or change color, and it is sticky enough to act as an adhesive during installation. After the grout cures, it forms a solid waterproof bond..
This type of grout comes as a two-part compound that must be mixed in precise proportions. It also has a short working time, which makes installation more challenging. Many contractors avoid using epoxy because it takes longer to apply, but the added durability is a major benefit for the homeowner.
Need help with the design?
Drain Options
- Standard center and off-set drains are the most common options found in residential bathrooms. The floor tile should be 3″ × 3″ or smaller to create a smooth slope toward the drain.
The main drawback is the large number of grout lines, which means more cleaning and maintenance. For the best results, this setup should be paired with epoxy grout to reduce staining and improve durability.
- This is a variation of the standard center drain that allows the use of larger floor tiles. Instead of a curved surface, all four sides of the shower floor slope independently toward the drain.
The tile cuts must be precise for the layout to look clean and even. This method creates fewer grout lines, which makes maintenance easier. However, it does not perform well when the drain is off-center.
- A linear drain is a sleek, modern option that has become very popular in recent years. It allows you to use tiles of almost any size, including large-format styles, without disrupting the layout.
With this system, the entire shower floor slopes in one direction. We usually recommend sloping it toward the wall with the shower head. This helps maintain better balance, especially when your eyes are closed under the water.
Overall, a linear drain is one of our favorite choices for both style and functionality.
Curbless showers create a clean, modern look and make the bathroom easier to access. With no step or threshold, the space feels larger and more open.
This design requires precise planning and proper waterproofing. When installed properly, curbless showers are comfortable to use and simple to maintain.
Shelves
Shelves play an important role in the shower. The right size and layout improve daily comfort and help keep everything organized. And as many people say, there is never enough storage.
There are several options, including recessed niches, corner shelves, and floating designs. Each style offers different advantages for space, appearance, and ease of cleaning.
Heated floor
Heated bathroom floors add comfort and create a warm, pleasant feel under your feet, especially during colder months. The system distributes heat evenly across the tile, making the room more enjoyable every day.
Electric heating mats are the most common option. Wiring goes directly under the tile and gives you full control through a wall thermostat. These systems are safe, energy-efficient, and easy to use.
Shower door
The style, hardware, and glass thickness can change the cost significantly, even though the door itself seems like a simple choice.
Framed design is a builder-grade option. It usually comes with only two or three glass choices. The glass is very thin (about 5/32″), so it needs a full metal frame for stability.
That metal edge makes the door harder to clean, and the overall quality matches the lower price point. These are the most budget-friendly options on the market.
Semi-frameless doors are the most common choice for bathrooms. The glass is usually 1/4″ to 3/8″ thick and does not require framing along the edges, which makes these doors much easier to clean.
Most models will fit standard opening sizes and work well for DIY installations. They also offer a wide range of glass and hardware finishes.
Frameless shower doors offer the cleanest and most modern appearance. The glass is typically 3/8″ or 1/2″ thick, so no metal framing is needed for support. This creates an open look and makes the door much easier to clean.
These doors require precise measurements and professional installation because even small gaps can affect the performance. It increases the cost but delivers the highest quality result.
Most people choose clear glass with a low-iron upgrade. Standard glass has a natural green tint along the edges, which can affect the overall look. Low-iron glass removes that tint, leaving the edge light blue or almost completely clear. This makes the tile and shower design look much cleaner and more premium.
Schedule Your Bathroom Remodeling Estimate Today !
Bathroom remodeling
Before beginning any bathroom remodeling project in Northern NJ, it’s essential to have all materials and fixtures delivered to your home in advance. Having tile, lighting, plumbing fixtures, and accessories on-site reduces construction time and prevents stressful last-minute decisions. With everything ready ahead of time, your renovation will end with exactly what you selected — not whatever happened to be in stock.
- Selecting a reliable contractor is one of the most important steps in the remodeling process. A properly renovated bathroom should last 20 years or more, so take time to compare companies carefully. Always request a detailed scope of work when reviewing estimates. This allows you to understand why one contractor may quote $13k while another quotes $15k for the same project. Reviewing a transparent, itemized estimate—like the sample provided by our company—helps you make an informed decision.
- Most bathroom remodels require only a simple electrical permit, especially when adding recessed lights, new switches, or a dedicated 20-amp line to meet code. If plumbing fixtures remain in the same location, a plumbing permit is typically not required.
- Before committing, take a moment to review your contractor’s online reviews and browse their project gallery. This provides insight into the quality of their workmanship and their experience with bathrooms similar to yours.
- A professional remodeling company should have a clear plan for protecting your home. For example, we cover all floors with heavy duty RAM Board to prevent scratches or damage during construction.
Dust control is especially important, as demolition and drywall sanding create the most debris. To keep your home clean, all doorways should be sealed with plastic. Our team uses a 1200 CFM exhaust fan to pull air out of the house rather than spreading dust into living areas. During drywall sanding, we rely on the Festool Planex system, which removes up to 99% of airborne dust.
- Ask how your contractor plans to waterproof shower or bathtub walls. Quality waterproofing is essential for preventing mold, leaks, and future repairs.
- Insurance is a must.
Any contractor working in your home must carry both types of insurance: General Liability Insurance — protects your home from accidental damage. Workers’ Compensation Insurance — protects workers in case of injury .
A standard bathroom remodel typically takes 10–12 business days to complete. A larger master bathroom renovation can take up to 4 weeks, depending on design complexity and material selections.
Bonus
Take a look at this great video from Julie Khuu – the interior designer!
Schedule Your Bathroom Remodeling Estimate Today !