Our bathroom makeover plans were going along great – and then we hit a bump in the road. I’m the queen of finding bumps and potholes, just ask my poor little smart car ;-) Remember the beautiful moonstone tiles we were planning to use for the floor?
Saltillo will have to order new stock from their supplier, and the tiles won’t arrive for at least ten weeks. Booooo! Hubby doesn’t want to start the reno until we have the floor tiles on hand, seeing as they have to go in before we can do pretty much anything else once the demo is done. Which means the reno won’t start till November – I want the reno finished by November!
So last Friday, I embarked on a hunt for the elusive 12" x 24" moonstone floor tile. I had a list of 10 stores to hit, and I made it as far as… one. Lewis & Clark, I ain't. My expedition ended at Westboro Flooring. They don't have moonstone tiles, but they have lots of beautiful porcelain tiles. These are two that caught my eye – Midgley & West Volcano on the left and I-can’t-remember on the right.
I like that they both work with the striped accent tile and the Super White quartzite that we’re going to use. But now I’m thinking that it might be better to use the “sunflower” mosaic instead of the glass tiles for the accent so I can still get some moonstone in the room.
As much as I love and want the moonstone floor tiles, I think we’re probably going to go with the Volcano tile (or something similar) for a few reasons:
- They’re half the price of the moonstone tiles (big thumbs up from hubby!)
- Quick availability (7-10 days after ordering)
- Textured/honed finish is for better traction
- Porcelain is more durable than moonstone, which scratches easily
The only real negative is that they’re not as pretty & unique as the moonstone tiles.
A big reason for doing the bathroom reno is for resale value. So pretend you’re a potential buyer and let me know – would you prefer a bathroom floor that’s pretty and durable and not slippy, or a bathroom floor that’s beautiful & unique, but scratches easily and is slippy?

Hmm... I think I'd go with durable and not so slippy, although both options are so pretty!!
ReplyDeleteOh boy.....that is a touch decision Kelly! I think i might go with the pretty, unique....as you said the resale value will be higher and usually buyers gets excited when they see a nicely decorated home/room/bathroom. However, i think the tiles you guys chose in the photo looks really good. Good luck Kelly and Husband!
ReplyDeleteby the way here is an interesting article, it's about 6 different upgrades that add value to your home (www.eieihome.com/blog/6-upgrades-that-add-value-to-your-home.html) hope this is helpful!
DeleteThanks for the link - we've done four of the six things so far. Thanks for your feedback on the tiles. Hubby and I have pretty much decided to use either the Volcano porcelain tile on the bathroom floor, or a blue limestone that I found online yesterday. The moonstone is beautiful, but the more I think about it, the more I realize it really isn't the best choice for a bathroom floor. At least not a master bathroom - it would be fine in a powder room, which doesn't get used as much and the floor won't get wet.
DeleteKelly
Definitely pretty, durable and not slippy! The choices above look great!
ReplyDeleteIts a no brainer for me Kelly! Definately pretty, durable and non slippery tiles. They are stunning regardless they are half the price of others. I do not want high maintenance tiles that are slippery and hard to keep clean. That to me is a deal breaker. The new tiles you have are gorgeous...everything you pick is perfect anyway!
ReplyDeleteMrs B xxx
Moonstone or not, I would buy your bathroom ! The Volcano will lure in the buyers I am sure !!
ReplyDeleteI always think everything happens for a reason, so I think you should go for the volcano, which is still stunning. The fact that it's more durable and less slippery is the icing on top!
ReplyDeleteKeep the beautiful and unique on the wall where it won't be slippery or scratch. With your puppies, it's safer there anyways. Love your choices and I'm sure any homeowner would be thrilled with it!
ReplyDeleteOpps forgot to mention, my blog post today is all about choosing bathroom tiles and slippery is definitely a no no!
ReplyDeleteI agree with Lisa! Keep the beautiful and unique on the wall. I love your choices so much! I am pinning this for the bathroom renovation we are about to start :)
ReplyDeleteblessings,
karianne
I'm going for safety first, especially in the bathroom. You have to consider that a family with young kids may be the buyer of your lovely home.
ReplyDeleteGood point, Paula. Thanks for your input!
DeleteKelly
Resale = safety first. It's an added feature on top of the newly renovated feature you'll be able to 'feature' in your marketing piece when you list!
ReplyDeleteAlways nice to finish under budget.
ReplyDeleteDoes that EVER happen?
as someone who would be looking for a home I would definitely prefer bathroom tiles that are pretty and durable and not slippy, especially if I had children at home and/or a retired person who need to be careful about balance. Love your choices.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely the non-slippy option -- and it will look great!!! And the moonstone accents will be fab!
ReplyDeleteKelly, I am in a similar situation as my upgrades that I am contemplating also includes elements that target resale. Therefore as beautiful what the Moonstone is; IMHO when it comes to flooring you are best to go with something that constitutes a safety factor. The alternative option is still beautiful! :) -Brenda-
ReplyDelete