Bathroom Remodel Materials Guide
A comprehensive look at tile, vanity, countertop, fixture, and waterproofing options for Boise-area bathroom remodels — with pricing, pros and cons, and Idaho-specific recommendations.
Tile is the most visible material in any bathroom remodel. Your choice affects appearance, durability, maintenance, and cost. Here are the four most popular tile categories for Boise bathroom projects, with honest assessments of each.
Ceramic Tile
$3 – $8 / sq ftAdvantages
- Most affordable tile option for floors and walls
- Widely available at Boise-area suppliers with no lead time
- Easy to cut and install — reduces labor cost
- Vast selection of colors, sizes, and patterns
Considerations
- Less dense than porcelain — more prone to chipping at edges
- Higher water absorption rate (not ideal for shower floors without proper waterproofing)
- Can feel cold underfoot in Idaho winters without radiant heat
Idaho Insight: Ceramic is a solid choice for bathroom walls and floors in Boise homes. Pair it with in-floor radiant heating for comfort during cold months. Ensure proper waterproofing under ceramic in wet areas — its higher absorption rate demands a reliable membrane system.
Porcelain Tile
$5 – $15 / sq ftAdvantages
- Extremely low water absorption (less than 0.5%) — ideal for showers
- Harder and more durable than ceramic — withstands heavy use
- Available in large-format sizes that minimize grout lines
- Can mimic natural stone, wood, and concrete at a fraction of the cost
Considerations
- Harder to cut — requires a wet saw with a diamond blade
- Heavier than ceramic — may need additional subfloor support in older Boise homes
- Higher material cost than ceramic
Idaho Insight: Porcelain is our most recommended tile for Boise bathrooms. Its near-zero water absorption makes it the best choice for shower walls and floors. In Idaho's dry climate, the low maintenance requirements are a real advantage — porcelain does not need sealing like natural stone.
Natural Stone
$10 – $35 / sq ftAdvantages
- Unique, one-of-a-kind appearance — no two pieces are identical
- Adds significant luxury and resale value
- Available in marble, travertine, slate, and limestone
- Timeless aesthetic that does not go out of style
Considerations
- Requires annual sealing to prevent staining and moisture absorption
- Softer than porcelain — scratches and etches more easily (especially marble)
- Higher material and labor costs
- Longer lead times for specialty stone
Idaho Insight: Natural stone works beautifully in Boise master bathrooms. Idaho's low humidity is actually an advantage — less ambient moisture means less maintenance between sealings. However, hard water deposits from Boise's mineral-rich water supply can be visible on dark stone. A water softener helps.
Glass Mosaic
$15 – $40 / sq ftAdvantages
- Stunning visual impact for accent walls, niches, and borders
- Completely waterproof — zero absorption
- Reflects light beautifully in small bathrooms
- Available in iridescent, matte, and textured finishes
Considerations
- Most expensive tile option per square foot
- Labor-intensive to install — many more pieces and grout lines
- Best used as accents rather than full-wall applications to manage cost
- Shows imperfections in the wall surface behind it
Idaho Insight: Glass mosaic is most often used as a feature element in Boise bathroom remodels — shower niches, accent bands, or a single statement wall. Full-coverage glass mosaic is a luxury budget item. We typically combine glass accents with porcelain field tile for the best balance of beauty and value.
The vanity anchors your bathroom design and provides essential storage. Choosing the right tier depends on your budget, timeline, and how long you plan to stay in your home.
Stock Vanities
$300 – $800Pre-manufactured vanities available off the shelf from home improvement stores and local Boise suppliers. Standard sizes (24", 30", 36", 48") with limited configuration options.
Thermofoil over MDF, laminate, or engineered wood. Cultured marble or laminate countertops included.
Guest bathrooms, powder rooms, rental properties, and budget-conscious projects where you want a clean, updated look without the custom price tag.
Immediate — in stock at Boise-area suppliers.
Semi-Custom Vanities
$800 – $2,500Factory-built vanities with configurable options: door styles, finish colors, countertop materials, and hardware. Available in more sizes and configurations than stock.
Plywood construction with solid wood doors. Quartz, granite, or cultured marble countertops. Soft-close hinges and drawers standard.
Hall bathrooms, primary bathrooms, and any project where you want the quality of custom without the lead time and cost.
2–4 weeks from order. Some popular configurations stocked locally.
Custom Vanities
$2,500 – $5,000+Built to your exact specifications by local Boise-area cabinet shops or national custom manufacturers. Any size, configuration, material, and finish is possible.
Solid hardwood (maple, oak, walnut, cherry), furniture-grade plywood boxes, dovetail drawer construction. Any countertop material available.
Master bathroom suites, unusual room dimensions, floating vanity installations, and homeowners who want a true one-of-a-kind piece.
6–8 weeks for fabrication. Local cabinet shops may offer 4–6 weeks.
Bathroom countertops face constant moisture exposure, making water resistance the most important factor after appearance. Here is how the most popular options compare.
| Material | Price | Durability | Water Resistance | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Laminate | $10 – $25 / sq ft installed | Low-Medium | Medium | Budget-friendly. Modern laminates look surprisingly good but can be damaged by heat and standing water at seams. |
| Cultured Marble | $20 – $40 / sq ft installed | Medium | High | One-piece integrated sink and countertop — no seams, no leaks. Very popular for Boise guest baths. |
| Quartz | $50 – $90 / sq ft installed | High | High | Engineered stone. Non-porous, never needs sealing. Most popular premium countertop in Boise bathroom remodels. |
| Granite | $45 – $80 / sq ft installed | High | Medium-High | Natural stone with unique patterns. Requires sealing in bathroom environments. Beautiful but higher maintenance than quartz. |
| Concrete | $65 – $120 / sq ft installed | High | Medium | Custom poured for a modern industrial look. Can be colored and textured. Best suited for contemporary Boise homes. |
Fixtures are the hardware you touch and use every day. The difference between builder-grade and mid-range fixtures is substantial — both in feel and longevity. Here is how the three tiers compare.
Builder Grade
$300 – $800 totalCommon Brands: Glacier Bay, Pfister, Project Source, American Standard (basic lines)
Functional and code-compliant. Adequate for rental properties, secondary bathrooms, and budget projects. Chrome finish is standard.
Mid-Range
$800 – $2,000 totalCommon Brands: Moen, Delta, Kohler, American Standard (upper lines)
The sweet spot for most Boise bathroom remodels. Better materials, longer warranties, more finish options (brushed nickel, matte black, brushed gold). Significant quality jump from builder grade.
Luxury
$2,000 – $5,000+ totalCommon Brands: Brizo, Hansgrohe, TOTO, Duravit, Watermark
Designer finishes, smart features (touchless, temperature memory, self-cleaning), and industry-leading build quality. TOTO smart toilets and Hansgrohe rain showers are the most requested luxury items in Boise.
Waterproofing is the most important part of any bathroom remodel that involves a shower or tub surround. It is invisible once the tile goes up, but a failure here means mold, rot, and a costly redo. Idaho's dry climate means that moisture trapped in walls dries very slowly — making a reliable membrane non-negotiable.
Schluter Kerdi
Sheet membraneA polyethylene waterproofing membrane bonded directly to the substrate with unmodified thinset. Kerdi is the gold standard for shower waterproofing — it creates a continuous, crack-bridging barrier that keeps water out of the wall and subfloor assembly.
- Industry-leading warranty when installed as a complete Schluter system
- Vapor-permeable — allows wall assembly to dry inward
- Fast installation — no cure time before tiling
- Integrated components for corners, seams, niches, and drains
Idaho Insight: Schluter Kerdi is our preferred waterproofing system for Boise bathroom remodels. Idaho's dry climate means moisture that enters a wall assembly has limited opportunity to dry — making a reliable membrane critical. The complete Kerdi system (membrane, bands, corners, and drain) provides the most consistent results.
RedGard
Liquid-applied membraneA liquid waterproofing and crack-prevention membrane rolled or sprayed onto cement backer board. Two coats are applied and must cure before tiling. RedGard is widely used and accepted by most building codes.
- Lower material cost than sheet membranes
- Easy to apply on irregular surfaces and complex geometries
- Visual indicator — color changes from pink to red when properly dried
- Available at every Boise building supply store
Idaho Insight: RedGard is a reliable option for budget-conscious projects. The key is proper application thickness — too thin and waterproofing fails. In Boise's dry climate, cure times are typically faster than humid regions, but always allow the full manufacturer-recommended drying time before tiling.
Traditional Hot Mop / PVC Liner
Pan linerThe traditional method of waterproofing a shower pan using a PVC or CPE liner membrane over a mortar pre-slope, with a mortar bed on top. This method has a decades-long track record and is still required by some inspectors.
- Proven long-term performance — some last 30+ years
- Familiar to all Ada County inspectors
- No manufacturer system lock-in
- Excellent for custom shower bases and unusual drain locations
Idaho Insight: Some Ada County inspectors still prefer to see a traditional liner with a flood test for the shower pan inspection. Iron Crest is experienced with all methods and will use whichever system best fits your project scope, budget, and local inspection requirements.
Choosing the right supplier matters as much as choosing the right material. We work with established Boise-area suppliers who offer quality products, competitive pricing, and reliable inventory for remodeling projects.
Tile & Stone
Boise has several dedicated tile showrooms and distributor warehouses. We recommend visiting a showroom to see and feel tile options in person — screen colors never match reality. Our team can schedule a guided showroom visit with you.
Plumbing Fixtures
Local plumbing supply houses carry professional-grade fixtures from Kohler, Moen, Delta, and specialty brands. Unlike big-box versions, supply house fixtures come with full manufacturer warranties and contractor-grade components.
Vanities & Cabinets
Boise-area cabinet shops build custom vanities in 4–6 weeks. For semi-custom, we work with regional distributors who stock popular styles and can deliver within 2–3 weeks. We help you compare options at your budget level.
Countertops
Local fabricators in the Treasure Valley cut and install quartz, granite, and marble countertops. Template-to-install turnaround is typically 7–10 business days. We coordinate scheduling with your project timeline.
Waterproofing & Substrate
We source Schluter systems, RedGard, and cement backer board from professional building supply distributors in Boise. These products are always in stock locally, so waterproofing never delays a project.
Lighting & Electrical
Boise lighting showrooms allow you to see fixtures in person and compare finishes. We guide clients through selections to ensure fixtures meet both design goals and electrical code requirements.
Material selections connect directly to cost, timeline, and design. Explore these companion guides for a complete view of your project.
Common questions about bathroom remodel materials for Boise homes.
What is the best tile for a bathroom in Boise?
Porcelain tile is the best all-around choice for Boise bathrooms. Its near-zero water absorption rate makes it ideal for showers and floors, it requires no sealing, and it withstands Idaho's temperature swings without cracking. For budget projects, ceramic tile performs well on walls and floors when paired with proper waterproofing. Natural stone adds luxury but requires annual sealing.
Should I get a stock or custom vanity for my Boise bathroom remodel?
It depends on your bathroom size, budget, and timeline. Stock vanities ($300–$800) are available immediately and work well for guest and hall baths. Semi-custom vanities ($800–$2,500) offer the best balance of quality, options, and lead time (2–4 weeks). Custom vanities ($2,500–$5,000+) are best for master suites and unusual dimensions but require 6–8 weeks for fabrication.
What countertop material is best for a bathroom vanity?
Quartz is the most popular countertop for Boise bathroom remodels. It is non-porous, never needs sealing, resists staining, and is available in hundreds of colors and patterns. Cultured marble is an excellent budget option — the integrated sink-and-countertop design eliminates seams where water can collect. Granite offers natural beauty but requires annual sealing in wet environments.
Do I need heated floors in my Boise bathroom?
Heated floors are not a necessity, but they are one of the most appreciated upgrades in Boise bathroom remodels. Idaho winters routinely see morning temperatures below freezing, and stepping onto a warm tile floor transforms the daily bathroom experience. Electric radiant floor heating adds $500–$1,500 to the project cost depending on bathroom size — a modest investment for year-round comfort.
What waterproofing system do you recommend for Boise bathrooms?
We primarily use Schluter Kerdi sheet membrane for its industry-leading reliability and warranty coverage. For budget projects, RedGard liquid-applied membrane provides solid waterproofing at a lower material cost. Idaho's dry climate means that any moisture entering the wall assembly dries slowly — making a quality waterproofing membrane essential rather than optional. We never skip or shortcut waterproofing regardless of budget level.
Let Us Help You Choose the Right Materials
Schedule a free consultation and we will walk you through material options that fit your style, budget, and Boise home. Showroom visits included.