Choosing the best materials for bathroom remodel projects can make the difference between a renovation that lasts decades and one that becomes a costly repair nightmare.
At TBrothers Renovations, we’ve been helping Western New York homeowners create beautiful, durable bathrooms since 2015, and we’ve learned that material quality—combined with proper installation—determines the long-term success of every bathroom renovation.
Some kitchen and bathroom remodel contractors start a job, do it halfway, and leave more problems behind for you to clean up. Not TBrothers. We are high-quality home remodeling contractors in Buffalo NY that do the process right the first time, using the best materials for bathroom remodel projects and installing them with techniques that ensure lasting results.
Here are the seven essential material choices that separate successful bathroom remodels from expensive failures.
The most critical aspect of selecting the best materials for bathroom remodel projects is choosing proper waterproofing systems. This is where many contractors cut corners, leading to mold, rot, and structural damage that can cost thousands to repair.
Why Proper Waterproofing Matters: We do proper waterproofing whenever we do a shower or bathroom remodel. This ensures that if water gets behind the tile, it can drain out and will not grow mold behind. If you put tile directly on drywall, and the back of it gets wet, it is essentially a sponge that will stay wet, and mold will grow.
WEDI System: Our Gold Standard TBrothers Renovations is WEDI Certified, meaning we know how to waterproof with an amazing system that also cuts down on installation time. The WEDI system is a highly advanced waterproofing solution that has been used in Germany for a long time and waterproofs the bathroom 100%.
This system comes in panels that go on the walls and in the shower. We use WEDI adhesives, fasteners—everything from the WEDI system for complete moisture protection. Using the right materials adds to the cost of the bathroom remodel, but cheaper materials often take longer to install. In our experience, the WEDI system helps get the job done faster with less labor hours, so the costs even out while delivering superior results.
One of the best materials for bathroom remodel floor preparation that most homeowners never hear about is STRATA_MAT™. This underlayment represents the difference between tile that lasts and tile that cracks within years.
Why STRATA_MAT™ Is Essential: We use STRATA_MAT™ under tile and stone on all tile surfaces. This membrane helps if the house settles or there is shifting movement—it will move without cracking the tiles. It acts like a bridge between surfaces instead of attaching tile directly to the floor.
What Sets STRATA_MAT™ Apart:
Faster Installation:
The quality of your prep work greatly impacts the overall outcome of your bathroom remodel project. Skipping steps like proper underlayment can lead to expensive mistakes and poor results. This is one of the building processes we have in place that sets our work apart and ensures a quality result while keeping your project timeline efficient.
When choosing the best materials for bathroom remodel tile work, durability and water resistance should guide your decisions more than appearance alone.
Superior Tile Material Characteristics:
Professional Installation Makes the Difference: We double-check that we are level and square before any tile installation. If a wall is crooked, tiles will not line up and will look lopsided. We make sure that walls are level before installing tile, adding structural pieces to level walls when necessary. We want tiles to be the same shape and size because everything is square.
Among the best materials for bathroom remodel protection that homeowners rarely consider are the metal plates and protective systems that prevent future damage.
Protecting Critical Infrastructure: We use metal plates to protect pipes and electrical wires. So in the future, if someone moves something around or creates a hole in the wall, this won’t damage pipes or electrical systems. These protective measures are examples of what sets our work apart—building processes that ensure quality long-term results.
You probably won’t think of everything if you try to DIY the project. These details make the difference between a renovation that protects your investment and one that creates future problems.
One of the most overlooked aspects of selecting the best materials for bathroom remodel projects is ensuring proper ventilation to prevent moisture-related issues.
Essential Ventilation Considerations: If you have mold on your ceiling, there is usually a problem with ventilation, such as no fan or a fan that is not exhausted properly. Whenever we remodel bathrooms, we ensure there is a fan with exhaust to the outside—not just into the attic where moisture can cause problems.
Protecting your investment in your bathroom renovation is all about the prep work. The tile can look pretty, but if everything behind it is not done right, then the bathroom becomes problematic over time.
Many older bathrooms lack proper electrical safety features. Choosing the best materials for bathroom remodel electrical work includes modern safety devices that protect your family.
Critical Electrical Updates: Many older bathrooms don’t have GFCIs—electrical devices that can cut off power to prevent electrocution in wet areas. Bathroom outlets should have their own circuit with GFCI protection. This is a safety investment that also meets current electrical codes.
The best materials for bathroom remodel cabinetry must withstand humidity and temperature fluctuations while maintaining their appearance and function.
Superior Cabinet Material Characteristics: We use a leveling system on all our cabinets so they are not directly on the floor, and we can adjust them without using wood shims. Wooden shims decay or compress over time—we use metal hardware for lasting stability.
Quality cabinet materials include:
At TBrothers Renovations, we understand that the best materials for bathroom remodel projects are only as good as their installation. We’ve seen too many beautiful renovations fail because contractors used quality materials but skipped critical installation steps.
Our Comprehensive Approach Includes:
Our Material Selection Philosophy:
The building processes we have in place are so important for a quality end result. We don’t settle for less because we understand that proper material selection and installation protect your investment for years to come.
Selecting the best materials for bathroom remodel projects requires balancing quality, durability, and budget considerations. While premium materials may cost more upfront, they often provide better value through longevity, reduced maintenance, and fewer repair issues.
Your bathroom remodel represents a significant investment in your home’s value and your family’s daily comfort. At TBrothers Renovations, we’re committed to using the best materials for bathroom remodel projects while applying the installation expertise that ensures lasting results.
Since 2015, we’ve been helping homeowners throughout Western New York create bathrooms that combine beauty, functionality, and durability. Our WEDI certification, advanced material knowledge, and commitment to proper installation techniques set us apart from contractors who cut corners or use inferior materials.
Ready to explore how quality materials and expert installation can transform your bathroom? Contact TBrothers Renovations today to schedule your consultation. We’ll discuss the best materials for your specific bathroom remodel needs, explain our installation processes, and show you how our attention to quality details ensures your investment delivers lasting value.
During your consultation, you’ll learn about our material selection process, see examples of our quality installation techniques, and discover how our comprehensive approach protects your investment while creating the bathroom you’ve always wanted.
TBrothers Renovations has proudly served Western New York since 2015, specializing in quality bathroom renovations using superior materials and proven installation techniques. Our family-owned business combines expert craftsmanship with personalized service to create bathrooms that homeowners love for decades. Contact us to discuss the best materials for your bathroom remodel project.
Service Areas: All Western New York, including Buffalo, Amherst, Williamsville, Clarence, Kenmore, Tonawanda, Grand Island, Lancaster, Depew, Cheektowaga, West Seneca, Akron, Elma, Wheatfield, Lockport, Lewiston, and Niagara Falls.
