Stepping onto a freezing bathroom tile floor on a cold morning can literally send chills down your spine. If you dread the thought of getting out of your warm bed to face this cold reality, it very well may be time to ditch your bath mats and consider heated bathroom floors. This type of home improvement could well be the answer to keeping you warm on cold days and even saving you money in the long run. Read on to learn why heated floors are becoming an affordable luxury and may also have health benefits you never realized.
Photo credit: Daniel Ortega
Cold Facts
There are two types of heated flooring: electric radiant heat and hydronic heat. Here are the specifics of each.
Electric radiant heat – This type of heated flooring has an electrical current applied to a heating element. It’s the best choice for heating a small area like a bathroom, since it’s more cost-effective and less complex to install.
Hydronic heating – This type of heated flooring uses heated water which flows through a complex tubing system. This is the best choice for homeowners who are renovating their entire house.
For the purposes of this blog, we will discuss electric radiant heat because it relates to heated bathroom floors.
Photo Credit: Jennifer-Rambling Renovators
Benefits of heated bathroom floors
Did you know when your feet are warm, your entire body feels warm? Aside from the obvious underfoot comfort, there are several benefits of heated bathroom flooring that may impact both your life and your wallet more than you thought. Here are some benefits to consider:
Increased energy efficiency – Heating a small space instead of an entire house is an energy-efficient way to keep you warm.
Cost-effective– Using a programmable thermostat can help reduce your heating bill. And since ceramic, porcelain and natural stone retain heat, your bathroom floor will remain warm long after the system is turned off.
Unique level of comfort— Uniform heat distribution warms the entire surface of the lower half of the room compared to a conventional heating system which blows air.
May reduce dust and seasonal allergens – Hot air from a furnace can reduce the humidity in your home, leaving your air dry and your sinuses screaming for relief. In-floor heating heats the surface and not the air, thus eliminating the need to rely on air ducts, fans and returns to distribute hot air.
Heated Debate
There are pros and cons to almost everything, and heated bathroom floors are no exception. We’ve discussed the benefits, so here are some downsides you need to be aware of to make the right decision for your home:
Requires tearing out existing flooring, which may not be cost-effective in a recently built home.
A home with high ceilings, many windows or insufficient insulation is not a good candidate for in-floor heating.
Older homes will likely need extensive electrical work to meet manufacturers’ requirements.
Any future repairs might require sections of the floor to be removed.
Installation
Here’s what you need to know:
Contact an electrician and tile installer who are trained in heated floor installation.
The electrician and tile installer will work together to lay the heating cables, which are interlaced with mesh mats.
Flooring is placed over the system. The best flooring options are: ceramic, porcelain or stone since they are excellent temperature conductors. Wood, on the other hand, is not a good choice since it does not respond quickly to temperature changes.
The system is connected to an electronic control, consisting of a thermostat which allows you to adjust the temperature. A programmable timer may also be included, so you can set your bathroom floor to be heated on cold winter mornings or any time of day that it’s needed.
Thinking about a bathroom renovation? Contact Granite and Trend Transformations today for your free in-home design consultation.
Last Updated on October 15, 2018
Is your kitchen ready for holiday entertaining this season? If you’re thinking you don’t have the time or money to give your kitchen cabinets the facelift they deserve, you may be pleasantly surprised. Kitchen cabinet refacing from Granite and Trend Transformations is today’s answer to turning your kitchen from outdated to outrageous in less time than you think. With the holidays right around the corner, now is the perfect time to get your kitchen ready for the best entertaining season yet.
Quick turnaround time
It’s no secret the holidays are a busy time of year. Kitchen cabinet refacing is a great option when you’re short on time, but still want the beauty and look of a new kitchen. Here’s how kitchen cabinet refacing compares to a full cabinet replacement:
Depending on the size of your kitchen, the job can be completed in a few short days, compared to a full cabinet replacement which can take several weeks.
There’s no demolition, since only the cabinet doors and drawer fronts are being replaced. This means your kitchen is left intact and fully functioning.
No mess. You’ll have use of your kitchen, as opposed to a total renovation which can leave you sidelined for several weeks.
Easier on your wallet
Budgets can get stretched to the max during the holidays. The good news? On average, the cost of cabinet refacing can be about half the price tag of a full cabinet replacement. You’ll save money, which means you can use the difference to splurge on upgrades like new hardware, pull-out shelving- or a last-minute winter getaway.
Enjoy the benefits of cabinet refacing from Granite and Trend Transformations
We take the stress out of giving you the kitchen you want, when you want it. Here are just some of the benefits you’ll enjoy with a cabinet refacing renovation from Granite and Trend Transformations:
All-in-one pricing. No hidden fees, gimmicks or add-ons. One estimate includes everything.
Are you ready to make this holiday season one to remember? Contact us today for your free in-home design consultation and see how easy it is refacing your kitchen cabinets.
Last Updated on August 13, 2021
People often say they do some of their most inspired thinking in the shower. If you’re looking for even more inspiration, you may want to think about switching up your bathroom shower design. Will it help you solve today’s most pressing problems? Probably not, but it may help make your dreams of having a beautiful bathroom a reality.
This month, Granite and TREND Transformations is sharing some of our inspiring shower tile design ideas that can turn this space from drab-to-fab in less time than you may think. Are you ready to be inspired? Check out some of today’s most popular trends in shower tile design.
Mixing it up
Granite—it isn’t just for your countertops anymore. These elegant shower walls and tub surrounds are designed with our beautiful etherium® By E-Stone granite surface, which is specially engineered to resist stains, mold, and mildew. Additionally, we’ve changed things up a bit by adding a striking mosaic tile accent design in both the shower and on the tub to round out the look.
Modern meets classic
Who says you can’t have the best of both worlds? Here, modern-meets-chic, as we show off our creative side with this eclectic mosaic tile shower design. Notice how we chose grey? Not only is it one of today’s hottest design colors, but it was also chosen as one of this year’s “Pantone Colors of the Year” for 2021! Now is a great time to bring the timeless look of mosaic tile to your bathroom. Which one will you choose?
Finding your niche
Small spaces can have a big impact when you give them the credit they deserve. Let your shower niche pop with color and interest. It’s a savvy way to make the most of an unassuming place as well as lending character and beauty to your shower.
Size matters
Using tiles of different sizes and styles is a great way to create a dramatic shower tile design. Pairing smaller tiles with larger ones lends interest to the space. You can even go all out and use an inlay of multiple tiles on the floor to create your own design. Think of it as artwork for your feet!
Colored grout
Who said grout must be white? Today, grout can be found in a rainbow of hues to add a pop of color where you would least expect it. Whether you want to keep it subtle or go all out with a striking cobalt blue or scarlet red, colored grout can be the best-kept secret to today’s shower tile designs. This may well be the newest tile accessory of today!
Does your shower need a refresh? Contact us today for your free in-home—or virtual—design consultation. Want to get a head start? Check out our cool Visualizer tool, which allows you to see how your bathroom will look before the renovation. We look forward to hearing from you
Last Updated on August 12, 2021
With baseball season upon us, man caves will be in full swing this year (socially distanced, of course). Whether you’re hanging out with the guys watching your favorite teams on television or striking up a friendly game of pool or darts, your man cave will be the center of attention.
This month, Granite and TREND Transformations has some cool man cave ideas that may even make the ladies jealous. We’ve even “thrown” in some cool bar ideas that can make your man cave feel like your own personal sports bar! Oh, did that “catch” your attention? Were you aware that the Granite and TREND Transformations’ amazing line of etherium® By E-Stone countertops and surfaces, cabinets and mosaic tile backsplashes are a “grand slam” when it comes to designing your ultimate man cave?
Modern Day Bar
This modern-day bar is the perfect setup for a fun time with the guys. Ample seating and plenty of counter space for your favorite beverages make for a carefree and casual hangout. Worried about spills? Don’t be. The quartz countertops are virtually maintenance-free and hold up like a champ when it comes to spills and stains.
Corner bar/Corner pocket
This spacious man cave sets the tone for a friendly game of billiards. It’s a great space for everyone to do their own thing while hanging out together. And the corner bar is the perfect gathering place to meet in between shots—while waiting for your turn, that is.
Basement Sports Bar
When your favorite teams are playing at once, this multi-screen man cave puts you in the center of the action. This man cave bar has plenty of shelving for your favorite beverages, and the high back bar stools make it a great hangout spot for viewing.
The Gaming Room
Not a sports fan? No problem. Gamers will be in their glory when you make it all about them. Whether you’re into flying solo for some “me gaming time,” or hanging out with your best buds, this fun man cave will have your friends saying, “Game on!” (The first rule of game club: Stay safe, as COVID-19 is still a concern.)
Gambler’s den
Ante up! A friendly game of cards is a fun way to let off some steam after a long week. Creating a casino-style man cave starts with a great poker table. Set up a bar for your favorite beverages and some additional seating for on-lookers to check out the action.
The Garage Theme
Do you love what you see but you’re not sure if you have the space to create your very own man cave? Why not consider the garage? With a remodel from Garage Transformations, you can easily turn your garage into a man cave of your own!
Are you looking to up your game in your man cave? Contact us today for your free in-home design consultation, and learn how Granite and TREND Transformations can help create your ideal man cave bar, just in time for your favorite sports season.
