Advice for small full bath remodel in my 1967 rambler - Traditional
Some may think I'm crazy, but I'm tackling my 2nd bath remodel of 2020 (thank you Design Girl & other HOUZZers who contributed). This one serves as my personal bathroom, guest bath and powder room in my 1967 rambler. My style is traditional. My budget is $10,000 - $15,000 and I've got subs lined up. Here we go!

The bath is 57" wide + the shower/tub alcove and just short of 9 ft long. I love the current wallpaper but I'm removing the wall tile. The tile is original to the home and while I love the floor tile, it's old. The vanity was built about 15 years ago and the granite counter installed 6 years ago. I'd consider re-using it and the granite if I could change out the doors to be more similar to the updated linen closet in the hall. But I don't want to thrown good money after bad either. I like the black and white theme and want to use that again. I love white subway tile and would like to use it behind the tub with a design in the middle (no niche). We'd like a deeper soaking tub (acrylic). Plan to remove the false ceiling over the tub. What bothers me? When standing at the kitchen island, I have a view of the end of my toilet at the other end of the house. Is it worth changing the vanity and adding a knee wall to hide it and is the room even wide enough to do so? The vanity style of door not matching the adjoining linen closet drawers/doors also bothers me. I'll be planning the remodel in February and March with the goal of scheduling the work in April. Thank you for following along and offering your advice!



Comments (87)
- 5 years ago
@Ann - They keep reducing the flushing volume on toilets every few years. Pretty soon we won't be able to flush at all. I think that both toilets are very pretty. It really would depend on the tub you select as to which color would work better, If getting a Kohler tub, the Kohler toilet would be best to match the whites. If going another route, then there may be a choice. IMO, both are very nice looking. My daughter bought this one because she needed a smaller footprint, but also may return it if it doesn't work out and get the Kohler. In terms of tile stores, I have a Tile Store close to me so I can stop there. I'll look up the others, but none sound familiar. I do want to respect the budget so let me know if you had a figure in mind, or if it was simply the total that matters. Sometimes we spend more in one area, because we can save in others. It's always a juggling act. On another note, since one of my neighbors was not receptive to our asking for a variance, I've got the architect working on another plan. I think I might be crazy.
Ann thanked Design Girl - 5 years ago
@Ann - I've looked up the tile stores. I obviously have a Daltile and I have a "Tile Store". The other stores are not showing up with the exception of 2 but they are on Long Island. However, there is a ProSource showroom that seems to carry Emser and MSI - Home Depot also carries MSI - If you find something you like at any of these stores, there will hopefully be a name, etc on it where I may be able to find it here. There are a lot of places on line with decent prices, but it's a gamble to order something like tile online where returns may not be feasible due to shipping cost.
Related Professionals
Portsmouth Architects & Building Designers · Freehold Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Long Beach Furniture & Accessories · Champlin Furniture & Accessories · Moraga Furniture & Accessories · Davidson General Contractors · De Pere General Contractors · Fitchburg General Contractors · Kilgore General Contractors · Leavenworth General Contractors · North Tustin General Contractors · Wheeling General Contractors · Brentwood Bathroom Remodelers · Aspen Hill Cabinets & Cabinetry · Rockledge Window TreatmentsAnn
Original Author5 years agoDesign Girl - I'm sorry that your neighbor objected. Do they live next door on the side of the addition? I hope your architect comes up with a solution you like! A friend of mine had a neighbor who lorded over their new house build on a corner lot in the city. They had to make some major changes due to his objections. He lives in the next block, so not even next door. Craziness must be a common feeling among "remodelers".
If I could do remodel this bath for $10K, it would be ideal, Since I told Michael that this one should be less expensive (a new shower isn't in the mix, was planning to keep my counter and get a inexpensive tub) - so I'm trying to keep it somewhere under $15K.
What is my budget?? While watching the primary results, I pulled together a high level budget. I need to do more research to firm up the numbers.- Tile - $1000 (large format) - $2000 (marble floor guesstimate)
- Tiling - $2200 (large format) - $3000 (small format/marble guesstimate)
- Handyman - $2000
- Sheetrock - $500
- Painting & wallpaper - $150 - $1000 (replace wallpaper) guesstimate
- Tub fixtures, t bars - $750
- Toilet - $300
- Fan - $200
- Vanity - $3000 - $3500
- Counter - 0 (keep granite) - $3000 quartz/marble
- Disposal - $160
- Tub -(29" x 58") $1000 Koehler acrylic- $1300 Koehler acrylic- Koehler cast iron options were all too shallow. Est 2000 for cast iron
Cost estimate range $11,210 - $19,110
The big differences in cost are: tile - large format or small (I'll ask the tiler about 12 x 12 sheets and the price difference, counter (keep or replace) and tub type. I need a better feel for wallpaper cost.This is a good exercise. I have some work to do to get more accurate estimates before I make any decisions. Looking forward to feedback!!!
- 5 years ago
@Ann - Good for you pulling this together. Your measurements above suggest you'll need 45 sq ft of floor tile based on 5 ft x 9 ft. Usually they recommend 10-15 % overage so that would put you up to 50 Sq ft, but of course your subs will let you know if that's correct. I'm assuming white subway in the shower which should be very inexpensive (so that's good). Daltile (or wherever you get the subway) should be able to give you a pretty firm price on final cost for that with the bull nose needed. It's usually around $3 sq ft so my guess for the tub/shower tile would be $300 or less. Marble for the floor is probably going to put you in the $20 sq ft range so that would be $1000. Let's see where you land and what you find that you like. My gut would be that you would not be as happy with an acrylic tub but I don't know what you've seen in cast iron. When getting a soaking tub for a unit that will also be used for showering, the depth is key. It can't be as deep as a regular soaker or it can become more difficult to step in and out of. Finding the right tub will probably be the most difficult decision you make in this bath, as sometimes it's hard to find (and lay in ) what you're looking for. Have you been able to see/get in any tubs yet. I''m sure you have a Kohler showroom near you where you can a least see a couple. If you haven't yet visited, I'd encourage you to go and take a tape measure. See if it's easy to get in and out of if showering. Sometimes it can be eye opening. I'll take a look as well, as I have 3 Kohler showrooms within 15 minutes. Hope Michael is recovering nicely.
Ann
Original Author5 years agoDG - I also have a ProSource close by. I saw basketweave marble at the Tile Shop. Some designs are prettier than others. I’ll check out MSI, Daltile and Emser too and we can compare notes!
I do like my granite counter, but it may break when it’s removed. What do you think of a plain black granite if it does? The room is very sunny. I know you prefer white. I would love marble and am pursuing a quote.
As for bathtubs, I see your point about depth. Michael really wants a soaking tub. I could always shower in the master bath. I did find a Koehler cast iron tub that’s one inch deeper than my current one. Not sure that would make a big difference, but I’d prefer a cast iron one too.
Chatting with you is what I needed to get excited again. Thank you.
- 5 years ago
@Ann - I'm going to go out shortly and see what I can find. I'm going to return the sample to Datile, so I'll start there and then move on to some others. The problem with the depth of the tub is really the leg swing when getting in and out of an alcove installation. I'm sure you are aware that it is just not the actual height of the tub but the height to the overfill line. I actually have the Kohler Vintage in my master and when I looked up the specs, the fill line was 15 inches. The actual tub height was 21+. I have to say that the 15 is plenty deep. It will be difficult and you may have to get an acrylic tub. I have no idea why someone doesn't make a cast iron tub a bit deeper for these types of installations. I'm going to keep researching. You'd have a ton more choices with a 60 x 32. Although I like black granite in a kitchen, it wouldn't be my choice for a bath. I like bathrooms clean and fresh looking. I'm confident we will find things that work. I had a piece of marble cut for a 66 inch long dresser last year (no sink obviously) and it cost me $800. I just picked a slab and I paid by the square foot. I did however, use a shop where you go out into the yard and select the slab from what is onsite. Keep me posted of your findings and I will do the same.
Ann
Original Author5 years agolast modified: 5 years agoDG - I should be paying you! I caught a cold from my dear granddaughter and I’m now fighting another site infecction so I’m home today. I measured my current tub again and it’s only 58” long. I could go wider as the front wall could accommodate. This morning I spoke with the sales per person at the plumbing supply store and he thought perhaps the tile made up the difference (60”), but my tile isn’t 1 inch deep. We’re meeting with him on Monday.
Sherrie - really pretty tile! It looks to have a lot of grey, can you confirm?



- 5 years ago
Yes, there is a lot of grey. Probably more than you're looking for. We used Whisper Grey grout also.
Ann
Original Author5 years agoHas anyone had experience with American Standard's "Americast" tubs? They're not acrylic.https://www.build.com/american-standard-2461-002/s132305?uid=1051487#reviews
My neighbors installed a Duravit acrylic tub - very deep - great for soaking, but they don't use the shower so it likely won't wear as quickly. I would prefer to find a deep cast iron that would last as long as I do! I could install an attractive Kohler grab bar. DG, you're right, this is likely my most difficult decision!
- 5 years ago
@Ann - You poor thing - sick again. I've got enough hand sanitizer and wipes in my car it's like a hospital. In regards to the tub, the americast is kind of like an in between option. If you have 32 inches, you may have other options as well. It seems like you've got room on the toilet end and that you have a few inches on the entry door end, This is good news for you if wanting a cast iron. I will get on this tonight to see what I can find in 60 x 32. The difference in measurements between 58 + 60 is likely the tile (on each end) and the cement board the tile gets adhered to. I have some tile options I will DM you.
Ann
Original Author5 years agolast modified: 5 years agoDG - Good idea about the hand sanitizer. Hard to babysit a sick toddler who wants to be held and not get sick! I got an antibiotic right away this time so hopefully can kick this fast. I'm making good use of my shut-in time - I found this one. I think I could convince M that this is deep enough - 12.8" and cast iron. What do you think? https://www.homedepot.com/p/KOHLER-Highbridge-5-ft-Right-Hand-Drain-Soaking-Tub-in-White-K-878-S-0/202514903?mtc=Shopping-B-F_D29B-G-D29B-29_23_TUBS_AND_SHOWERS-Multi-NA-NA-PLA-NA-NA-NA&cm_mmc=Shopping-B-F_D29B-G-D29B-29_23_TUBS_AND_SHOWERS-Multi-NA-NA-PLA-NA-NA-NA-71700000032906557-58700003861657818-92700048661548385&gclid=Cj0KCQiAwP3yBRCkARIsAABGiPq7iPfpCMnW9Crx_5IbVAdA-FRBnG4PE4h7yPx3Xq0-qxHN-otc5HIaAru3EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds
- 5 years agolast modified: 5 years ago
If you want to simply back the nose of your toilet up behind the edge of the vanity so you don't see it, you could get a toilet with an in-wall tank and a round bowl. That will back you up far enough that you will probably not be able to discern your toilet anymore from the kitchen. That will bring the nose of your toilet back, up to 12".
That will be a bit pricey though, you don't want to cheap out on an in-wall, because every time something goes wrong you are ripping the wall open.
Also, I don't know about where you live, but I'm pretty certain your bath fan/light combo actually above your tub is illegal as hell(it is almost everywhere). You're going to have to move that anyway when you take out the fake ceiling, so don't put it back there.Ann thanked Super Lumen Ann
Original Author5 years agolast modified: 5 years agoSuper Lumen, I'm not sure I'm following you on the toilet. Are you suggesting I look at a more expensive in-wall toilet because if something goes wrong, I'll have to rip open the wall? That sounds very expensive. From what I've learned so far, the in-wall toilets several times more expensive than a regular toilet with installation. Too bed.
On the fan, you may be right. I had an electrician install it but he might not have pulled a permit. My brother suggested it was illegal. So I called my electrician and he didn't think so. I'll definitely check this out before I start my remodel. I'd prefer to keep it above the tub as I use the light, but wont' do so if it's out of code. Thank you very much for pointing this out!
- 5 years ago
@Ann - great call on the tub - it looks great. Maybe they'll have it at a Kohler showroom and you can lay in it. I'll keep looking, but this Highbridge looks great. As far as the fan/light codes may have changed but since you are removing the ceiling, the fan/light will be up higher. There should be no problem with a fan/light combo but perhaps not the one you currently have. We used the fantech (linked below) in the kids bath and it's great. We have the light on a dimmer and the fan on a timer but that's not necessary. It's got a nice unobtrusive look. https://www.supplyhouse.com/Fantech-PB110H-PB110H-Premium-Bath-Fan-w-Dimmable-Halogen-Light-Single-Grille-Uses-4-Duct
Ann thanked Design Girl Ann
Original Author5 years agoI had saved this one from your earlier (you're right, very unobtrusive) but I may go ahead and order two now as I need one for my master bath too. Light on dimmer and timer on fan sounds good too. I just realized that my old fan in my master bath is rectangular so I may have to find one that fits the hole for that bath. Thanks! I'll go to the Koehler showroom as soon as I can..that's one place that's not real close to me.
Ann
Original Author5 years agoDG - one think I noticed about the Kohler Highbridge is that it has a recessed apron. One of reviewers pointed this out and returned it for the same model without an apron. I’m not sure how that would look, but I would have to finish the surface. Seems many are tiling their aprons. Thoughts?
- 5 years agolast modified: 5 years ago
@Ann - I'm not sure about that, and maybe they can answer that question at the Kohler showroom (or a bath store that sells Kohler). I think the specs of the tub look great - deep enough for a soak but not too deep for a shower. I've seen aprons tiled, and paneled but this may add to the cost. Is there a cost difference between the tub with the apron vs. without? That could make things equal. Some pics I found of the tub -

Framing for tile apron (I'm guessing) Ann
Original Author5 years agoDG - Exactly! Isn’t that awful? According to Koehler, this tub isn’t available without an apron front. So I either keep looking or add cost for framing and tiling.... sure glad I’m researching before I start!!!
Ann
Original Author5 years agoDG - ok, the Kohler Bellwether might work. It’s cast iron, has a flat apron, 44 gallon vs 49.5 gallon. Customers complained that the spout end is angled so makes for a shorter length and requires a longer spout. Hopefully they’ll have this one at the Koehler showroom. I’ll check American Standard too.
- 5 years ago
Ok, well that is the most bizarre apron I've ever seen. I'm thinking that with it being a cast iron tub that they did that to keep the weight down. I love the tub and think it would work well for your needs. There is usually some kind of framing in place on the alcove walls for the tub they are taking out. My thoughts are that they would have to frame and cement board the front in preparation for tile. I wouldn't think it would be too much work, but I'd be curious to find out. Hopefully there can find savings found elsewhere. A carrara marble vanity top would be much less expensive in CT than what you have allotted above. I'd price that out with a few suppliers. I have spoken with Alexis at ProSource in Stamford CT and she is working up some additional prices for me on some marble I think could work. If you decide to go with the Kohler tub and will be tiling the front, some options may be better than others. I would think that after lunch, She would have made the call for you. I'll leave her name and number in a DM
- 5 years ago
@Ann - I'm looking at the Bellwether too. It does say that you need a special drain because the tub has a weird slope. ($200) - It also says that the slope makes the tub small so I'm wondering if M (who wants a soaker) would fit. Also, not as deep as the Highbridge. AS only makes the Americast which is probably better than acrylic but not cast iron. Some report "give" which is common for acrylic. Toto makes a tub #`1525 that has the same water depth as the Bellwether and that is a much better design. If going that route, I'd totally get the Toto over the Bellwether.
- 5 years agolast modified: 5 years ago
@Ann - I have to load only 2 pictures at a time. I will do front and back of each option from Daltile. 2 inch mosaic hex in white carrara

Ann
Original Author5 years agoDesign Girl - I like all of the them, but the arabesque (same pattern as I have now) and the basket weave are my favorites. This is the first time I've seen the arabesque in white. As you suggested, the herringbone is tricky to lay and the hex reminds me of shower tile. The whiter the better. I want to replace my black and white wallpaper with something similar so I don't want too much "movement" on the floor. Monday, I'll have a price for installation of mosaic vs large format tile. I like the Toto tub you showed me...approximated $2050 with the drain. It weights 350 lbs! I can also get prices next week on Carrera marble for my countertop. I know each piece looks different so if I decide I can afford marble, I'd be looking for slabs at different yards. By the end of next week, I should have a good idea of what my perfect bathroom would cost. If I have to compromise, at least I'll be doing it BEFORE I start the project. If I have to compromise,
- 5 years ago
@Ann - I'll double check the price on the arabesque tile that you like. I have a print out that reads $18.78/sq ft. For the 50 SF you need total should be $939.00 - if they want you to have 55 Sq ft. $1033. This arabesque is a mosaic which comes in 12 x 12 sheets so the installation should not be that difficult. The basketweave price is out of the question, but I'll ask her to check that again. I don't know why it would be so much more expensive. It doesn't make a lot of sense to me. She could have made a mistake and priced a different more expensive basketweave. The herringbone is also a mosaic on a sheet and that runs $15.27 sq ft so $763 - $840 depending on the amount you need. Installation shouldn't be difficult as it is on the sheet, so very different than the look-alike that you have for your bath, which was individual tiles. Since you have the photos of the DalTile marble choices and the stock numbers, I am hoping you can see them in person. Maybe you could get samples and take them with you while looking for a carrara vanity top. I will check on any other patterns they have in the Glacier White variety. The only one I saw was the hex, but they must have more. I feel that is going to give you the whitest option. In terms of the Toto tub, that price seems high but I don't know what the drain costs. Prices I'm seeing for the tubs online with free shipping are $1200- $1300. I have that tub in the 60 x 30 size (couldn't fit the larger one in the kids bath without ripping out the closet in the bedroom next door. I'm kicking myself for not doing it. It is a nice classic tub. So far, the numbers don't seem horrible.
Ann
Original Author5 years agoDG - you’re right on the tub. Plumbers Stock’s price is almost $1800 but Faucet Depot closer to $1300; however they charge extra $750 for shipping. I’ll dig in deeper tomorrow. The drain is about $250 at Plumbers Stock. I’ll stop at DalTile again tomorrow with the stock numbers you provided for the tile too. Goodnight!
- 5 years ago
Your floor tile may be old, but it is in a style very popular right now. You did not address the possibility of having it professionally cleaned. If there is a glaze on the tile (the hard, baked-on finish on porcelain and ceramic tile), it is likely that paint spots will come off with a bit of scraping.
Your vanity has a completely different build style than your hall closet. Your hall closet has a face frame and drawer fronts that recess flush into the face frame. Your vanity looks to be frameless. You cannot put drawers like your hall closet unless you have a face frame in the fundamental design of your vanity. This can’t be changed.
You now have a cast iron tub that seems in great shape. They can stay that way for a hundred years. Cast iron holds the heat of the water. Fiberglass tubs lose heat fast. If you haven’t talked to a plumber to see if the drain and other hardware can simply be exchanged for new ones, why? Instead you are considering changing out a better tub for plastic. ( The term “acrylic” represents a family of petroleum-based thermoplastics made from the derivation of natural gas.) Acrylic tubs last 10 to 15 years and are known for discoloration and finish degradation.
Your reason for remodeling is that you can see your toilet from the kitchen, yet when someone suggests a toilet that might change that, you dismiss them out of hand with a mistaken complaint of repairs mean the wall must be opened. Then you say why would you do that just to hide the toilet - when a month ago you were ready to build a wall and change out a good vanity to hide the toilet.
You now have baseboard tiles with cove bottoms to prevent mop water or spills from getting in that crack between the floor and wall. Your tile is all in good condition. Why not steam clean it, remove the caulk entirely, and have caulking more professionally installed, and possibly replace grout if it is in bad shape? You won’t get a more solid, sturdy bathroom out of your remodel. You won’t get the attention to detail and probably not the workmanship. You are looking to downgrade materials for...what?
Ann
Original Author5 years ago@Nancy in Mich - Thank you for following along. While I find your tone to be critical, I'll assume your feedback is meant to be helpful. You may have missed some of my reasoning. There are many reasons why I'm remodeling the bathroom. I've remodeled the rest of my house and this bathroom is my last room.
First of all, the tile is from 1967. I've tried scraping paint from the floor to no avail The wall tile will all be removed and not replaced except in the bathtub surround. I've asked about professional cleaning but good idea to get a quote on re-grouting. HOWEVER, I've been warned that the tile near the tub will likely be ruined upon removal.
Yes, I'm replacing the vanity so I have one that matches the hall vanity. It was my cabinet maker who suggested we use the same face frame. I had him over yesterday to have him take a closer look and he agreed that it wasn't possible to re-use the frame.
My cast iron tub is really low and doesn't hold much water. My husband and I both want a deeper tub. Design Girl convinced me to replace it with a cast iron one. The Toto cast iron one she identified is several inches deeper than my current one.
I would like my toilet to be invisible from the kitchen. In an earlier post, Originally, I though I'd have a knee wall built, but several people nixed the idea. I may have mentioned that I explored the wall hung option and found that a wall-hung toilet costs at least $1000 and the plumbing can be twice that. Design Girl helped me through my last bathroom remodel and whose taste I admire, thinks they look industrial. However, in the grand scheme, that may be worth exploring before I make a final decision. Thank you.Ann
Original Author5 years agoWhat I learned today:
Carrera counter and 4” backsplash estimate is $1550 with material, measure, installation, & cutouts.
I haven’t been able to find the Toto cast iron tub yet, but I’m going to test an American Standard Americast soaking tub later this afternoon. It’s not plastic, rather a quartz/enamel mix over steel. Gets good reviews.
Awaiting new pricing on tiling the floor - marble mosaics vs large format. They can tile just under the new vanity to save money.
I asked again about cleaning the existing tile and for the first time about re-grouting . They said no way is it possible because it adjoins to the wall tile which is being removed and the area next to the tub will crack when the tub is removed.
I need to get an estimate on installing a new tub with a cement base. I’ll ask my handyman and also get an estimate from a plumber.
This Stratus White hex tile from DalTile is nice and white in person. I don’t like marble with a lot of grey. I’m not giving up on
Basketweave though.
- 5 years agolast modified: 5 years ago
@Ann - You've been busy today. How do you feel about the price of the marble vanity top? Is that acceptable? At least you know now that the floor tile can not be saved and you need to move on. I really like the hex you found in the picture above. It's classic without a lot of gray. Definitely would look great in your space. I stopped in at Daltile after the doctor and the rep was just leaving. I rummaged through the drawers and sent her an email asking her to price out a few more options, but I'm not hopeful. Most of the other stuff is special order and I feel will be too pricey. I like this option you found as it seems like it is going to be less gray. It's a strong contender. How did you like the tub this afternoon? I have read some very interesting things about it and am wondering if they are true. Many reviewers have said that in order to get the 14 inch soaking depth, you need to have the special soaker drain/waste kit and turn the drain upside down so the overflow is on top instead of underneath. They said that drain is only available in plastic and when it breaks you have to go thru the wall to fix it. It makes me wonder if any drain can be installed upside down to get a deeper soaking level. Someone also said that there is a large lip on the back of the tub where you can place shampoo bottles, etc. and that it took up length in the tub. Make sure M can fit in it. Also, when installing in a mortar bed make sure to put heavy plastic between the mortar and the tub as the mortar can delaminate the styrofoam underneath. My kids tub was not set in mortar because I remember insulation underneath the tub. Is this an additional step because it's not cast iron? I have a great girl at my Frank Webb Home showroom who knows everything and they sell both American Standard and Toto. I'll call her Monday and get her take. Hope you have a great weekend.
Ann thanked Design Girl - 5 years ago
@Ann - I forgot to say that I know you are still holding out for a basketweave. I think you'll need a Thassos marble basketweave with the black dots. Thassos marble is very white, so you won't get the gray tones you don't like. Perhaps next week you could visit some tile stores and ask specifically for that. They may not have it but I bet one of the vendors they work with carries it. I will ask ProSource here, and I know you have a bunch of tile shops around you. I think you'd really like it.
Ann
Original Author5 years ago@Design Girl - I'll shop around for Thassos tile next week! I think the one I found at Virginia Tile may have been Thassos but it was over $40/sq ft. The American Standard tub - I really liked it, but it did seem shorter than mine. I sat in it and my toes came just to the end of the tub, then I sat in my own and it was a little longer. I'd definitely have M sit in it. Water depth is 14" without the special drain and 16" with it. It's a very nice looking tub. Disappointing that the plastic drain needs replacing. I read many reviews and never read either of your comments. Your research is much better than mine. Thanks for asking your contact what she thinks. This could save a few hundred dollars over cast iron and would be a much easier installation. My brother gave me the name of his plumber and I'll remember your advice about using plastic over the mortar. I also realized that since I'm going from a 29" tub to a 32" one, I'll need the plumbing re-centered above the tub.
I'm working on my budget spreadsheet. I'll add in the cost of a marble counter and tile labor and new vanity when I get it. I'm trying not to make any judgements until I have all the estimates.
I saw a good-looking wall-mounted toilet from Villeroy Bosch that I think you'd actually like, but I had coffee with my mechanical brother this morning and he laughed when I told him I was considering this option. He told me in no uncertain terms not to even consider it due to the cost of installation and the inability to fix once installed.Ann
Original Author5 years agoDG - this may be Thassos. The salesperson at Virginia Tile said she’d get back to me about country of origin. The retail was $41.73 sq ft + freight special order. Gorgeous.

- 5 years ago
@Ann - Ok I'll reach out to ProSource to see if I can find a Thassos basketweave on this end. Thassos usually comes from Greece so I'll dig a bit and see what I can find. However, your find is totally great too. I am going to keep that one in mind if we proceed with our addition.
I'm glad you like the tub. I found that information on the Home Depot reviews for the tub, but I believe it was in the "asked questions" section. I find a ton of useful info from the questions as well as the reviews. The plastic drain is only necessary when flipping the overflow upside down to get the extra 2 inches. I'll reach out to my rep here who is extremely knowledgeable and has been helping me with my daughters bath. It's so great that you are doing a spread sheet. My CPA husband would LOVE you, haha. I think your brother is wise about the toilet. Installation is ridiculously expensive and repair difficult.
I can't wait to see pictures of your new walnut vanity. I'm sure you will be thrilled with it. Have a great weekend. - 5 years agolast modified: 5 years ago
@Ann - yup, that looks like Thassos, and it is gorgeous. I know you can find it online much cheaper, but I'd be afraid to go that route. I'm wondering about Tilebar. Many on this forum love that site. Anyway, I'll dig around to see what I can find. Wondering if Virginia Tile gives discounts to the trade. If so, I could open an account for a better price I'm sure.
Ann
Original Author5 years agolast modified: 5 years agoDG - I’ll check out TileBar. My May have an account at Virginia Tile - will check!!
Ann
Original Author5 years agoDG - on first search, I don’t find Thassos Tile on Tilebar. Here is the information on what we have a hunch is Thassos tile in a basketweave pattern. I’ll go back to Virginia Tile next week to inquire about country of origin.

- 5 years ago
@Ann - I've also found two at Akdo - Thassos Basketweave and Dolomite Basketweave both very white. Prices there tend to be high as well but I'll look into it - It says Minnesota Tile and Stone is an Akdo dealer. I'm going to open a trade account for myself if they allow it as the main showroom is not far from me (i've been there before) and they have gorgeous tile.
Ann
Original Author5 years agoDesign Girl - Minnesota Tile & Stone is 3 miles from me! I’ll stop by and inquire about those too. Thx!
Ann
Original Author5 years ago@ Design Girl - The only affordable option at Minnesota Tile was a porcelain matt basketweave with black dot. I stopped at two other places. I did find a marble basketweave without a black dot that I really like at Kate Lo Tile. It’s pure white. Every other tile is matt with a wavy pattern and every other is gloss. It’s GM Dolomite White. It’s $20.50 sq ft and in stock.


Ann
Original Author5 years agoDG - This is the porcelain basket weave I found at Virginia Tike. It’s under $10/sq ft

Ann
Original Author5 years agoOther tile I looked at today.Bianco Arabesca 12x12 & 12 x 24” and Emzer Winter Frost lantern mosaic in marble




Ann
Original Author5 years agoHere is a sample of the latest tile I'm considering. It's a Thassos & Nero Marquina marble in a honed finish. Thanks to @Design Girl girl who once again found this for me at a local tile shop.

Ann
Original Author5 years agolast modified: 5 years ago@Design Girl - I asked the rep to order a larger sample of the Thassos Bold Basketweave.
The largest rectangular piece is representative of the size of the white pieces. When I put them up against the subway tile I plan to use, I notice the ratio of L x W is very different. Would that bother you? I'm attaching the large patter and the small. Anyone else care to comment? Thanks!
Scale of bold basket weave Cz subway · More InfoPhoto of Bold Basketweave floor tile and subway wall tile






















Design Girl