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July 12, 2006
Looking Ahead: Bathroom Dept.
Although at this point this is mostly a demolition blog, we are thinking about building too! Our budget is limited (clearly) and we are looking to be efficient with our plumbing and heating (save water and gas) and creative but frugal with our materials.
Here's an early taste of finishes, bath department - G and I are keeping our tiling budget to $5/sq ft (or under). We went to Nemo Tile in the city and saw this great floor tile there. G was into the small hexagonal tiles, which she thinks is really a classic New York thing, and the sort of abstracted floral pattern. This floor tile rings in at $7/sq ft, but coupled with a $3/sq ft wall tile, we still average out to $5/sq ft.
Also, since G hails from Europe, where two-button flush toilets are standard issue, and since I've grown to appreciate their sense and economy, we want one. Or two. We've done some preliminary research into it, and came up with this Australian company, who apparently supplies to the US. Does anyone have any experience on the topic?
http://www.caromatoilets.com/
Comments
We just instaled a new Toto Aquia, a 2 button job that's new to the Toto line. Works like a charm, is good looking with a pretty sleek profile, and wasn't too costly. We ordered from Deco-Ware and the cost was somewhere in the $250 range.Our plumber wasn't thrilled- appareantly they're a bit of a hassle to install. Deco Ware, BTW, rules - they beat every price I could find and were a pleasure to deal with.
For tile we found a good selection of reasonably priced options at A&K Tile on 9th between 5th and 6th aves in Park Slope.Might wanna check 'em out before pulling the trigger.
Posted by: houseowax at July 12, 2006 3:36 PM
I love that tile. classic NY.
Posted by: victor at July 12, 2006 5:33 PM
a litte tip on tile purchasing - let them know you're a designer and that the stuff's for a personal project (bring a business card) & get the trade discount (works at some fixture/furniture/finishes retailers) - Nemo cut me a nice deal for my bath tile....love those guys...
Posted by: Bobby Peru at July 13, 2006 9:44 AM
thanks Bobby. that's a great tip and I will try it.
Posted by: Peter at July 13, 2006 12:21 PM
You are aware that the installation cost of tile vary with the complexity of what you want installed right? Or is this another do it yourself job for you?
Posted by: Blabber at July 13, 2006 2:47 PM
Growing up in Australia Caroma was pretty much a standard brand, i.e American Standard. I'm pretty surprised to see their rather "samll company" looking web site, as you'd find them in a vast number of Australian homes. Can't vouch for reliability, but given their long history and ubiquity there shouldn't be a problem. We also like Toto.
Posted by: Adam at July 16, 2006 11:07 AM
Toto loos are terrific. We switched out a new American Standard on the ground floor for a toto where the waste pipe was at an odd angle causing the loo to not flush efficiently. No problems with the toto. We also have one in our 4th floor bathroom where it performs flawlessly and we appreciate its quiet operation too.
Posted by: neo grec at July 17, 2006 2:10 PM
I bought some matt black and white tiles at Bergen Tile for $3 and change (I think that's what it was). They have squares and hexes. They may not be as nice as these, but they do look great with my subway wall tile. Tiling is actually a very pleasant DIY job.
Posted by: yente at July 19, 2006 6:51 PM
BathroomMachineries.com has recently put out their own line of carefully perfected low-flo toilets that are perfect vintage styling. The cost is $795 but much more attractive.
http://www.deabath.com/Hightank/Lowtank/lowtank.htm
P.s. Hello from your neighbors on Decatur, also recently from 14th and B. hee hee...
Posted by: rendak at July 19, 2006 10:02 PM
Duravit makes a beautiful European toilet (Happy D) that we love. It's a bit pricier, but in the long run, we'll forget how much it cost (about $450 I think) but will always love the look of it.
Posted by: Rusty at July 20, 2006 3:57 PM
Adam (and Peter). That is not the Caroma URL. It belongs to someone called Plumingwall.com. Here is the real website, much more pro looking: http://www.caroma.com.au/index.html
Posted by: GM at July 27, 2006 1:10 AM
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