I love a good before and after. There is something so satisfying about seeing a space go from bare walls to finished and beautiful. This bathroom is one of my favourites, so I wanted to walk you through what happened between the two photos.
The before
In the before photo, you can see the room in the middle of the build. The walls are covered in moisture resistant drywall, the green board you see in a lot of bathrooms. The built-in niche is already framed and wrapped in an orange waterproofing membrane. On the floor, the tiles are going down with small levelling clips, which help keep every tile flat and even with its neighbours.
This stage is not pretty, but it is the most important part of the whole job. Good prep is what keeps water where it belongs and stops problems years down the road.
The after
And here is the finished look. Large white marble-look porcelain tiles now cover the walls, with a clean black trim around the niche. The floor is a soft grey stone-look tile that ties everything together. The room feels brighter, bigger, and so much more calm.
Why large tiles work so well
- Fewer grout lines. Less grout means less scrubbing.
- A bigger feeling space. Large tiles make a room look more open.
- A high end look. Marble-look porcelain gives you the style of stone without the upkeep.
One thing to know: large tiles are heavy and less forgiving. The walls and floor need to be very flat, which is why the prep work matters so much.
Why a built-in niche is worth it
A niche gives you a place for shampoo and soap without bulky shelves or caddies. It looks clean and keeps clutter off the floor. Just make sure it is planned early and fully waterproofed, like the one in this project.
Planning your own bathroom renovation
- Start with how you use the room. Who uses it, and what bugs you about it now?
- Pick your tile early. Some tiles take time to order, and size affects the prep.
- Do not skip waterproofing. It is hidden once the tile goes on, but it protects your whole home.
- Think about lighting. Good lighting makes a bathroom feel finished.
- Plan for storage. Niches, vanities, and cabinets keep things tidy.
Thinking about a bathroom update?
From new vanities and faucets to full bathroom renovations, our team handles the plumbing, electrical, and finishing work all in one. See more of our work in the gallery or learn about our renovation services.
Let’s talk about your space. Call 905-924-4904, email info@mahcontracting.ca, or get your free estimate.
