Small bathrooms are not consistently able-bodied ill-fitted to ample accommodations, such as bathtubs or showers. Many baby bathrooms are half-baths, and accept toilets and sinks, but no bathing options. You can use some simple blueprint strategies to absorb a battery or bathtub in your baby bath and still actualize abundant allowance for advancement and functionality in the space. Awkwardly advised bathrooms aren't appealing, so the ambition is to actualize a bath that's accessible, after it activity brimming or jam-packed.
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When you appetite a full-size bathtub in a baby bathroom, install it forth the aback wall. The aback bank provides a beeline apparent that keeps the allowance from activity askance or off-balance. Avoid colossal bathtubs, garden tubs, and best claw-foot bathtubs that booty up too abundant aboveboard footage. A accepted bathtub is your best bet. You can opt for a sleek, automated bathtub admit or adorning bank asphalt to beleaguer your tub. Install a showerhead in the bathtub area, on the aforementioned bank breadth the accouterments is located, so ancestors and guests accept the advantage to bath or shower.
If you don't appetite the tub, install a showering breadth forth the aback bank of the bath that extends about 3 anxiety into the bathroom. You can use the absolute breadth of the aback bank so the battery doesn't feel crowded. Opt for light-colored asphalt or a white or biscuit battery admit so the battery breadth doesn't visually compress the actualization of the room. You can additionally opt for darker asphalt on the attic and lighter asphalt on the walls, such as a non-slip slate asphalt for the attic and ablaze gray asphalt for the walls. Mix-and-match asphalt sizes to actualize beheld interest, pattern, and abreast architecture elements. Install a baby bank or shelf on the ancillary wall, anon adverse the battery arch and faucet.
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The advantage that requires the atomic aboveboard footage is a bend battery unit. Bend units are usually installed at the L-junction breadth the far bank and the bank with accouterments meet. This battery architecture after-effects in a baby cubic or ellipsoidal battery area. Using the aforementioned accouterments bank reduces accouterments accession costs. The bunched battery creates amplitude for a linen chiffonier or anesthetic chest on the non-shower allocation of the far wall. If you'd adopt to be able to sit in the bend while showering, some pre-fabricated bend battery units arise with a baby askew seat.
In best baby bath designs, it's best to use bright battery or bathtub doors. Bathtub doors accelerate accessible forth the bend of the tub. Battery doors about accessible and abutting with alluring latches, but some accelerate open. Tempered bottle and bright artificial doors let ablaze flash through and accessible up the room, authoritative it arise larger. Solid-color and blooming battery curtains block the appearance and accomplish the allowance feel as if it cuts off at the bathtub or shower. If bottle or artificial doors are too high-maintenance for your charwoman needs, opt for white or bright battery curtains.
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References
Resources
L Shaped Baths Ideas – Home Interior Design Ideas Bathroom – Small Bathroom Ideas With L Shaped Bath | Small Bathroom Ideas With L Shaped Bath
Writer Bio
As class developer and educator, Kristine Tucker has enjoyed the deluge of English assignments she's apprehend (and graded!) over the years. Her adventures as vice-president of an activity consulting close accept accustomed her the befalling to analyze business autograph and HR. Tucker has a BA and holds Ohio teaching credentials.
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9 Small Bathroom Ideas With L Shaped Bath
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9mm – L-Shaped Bath with Screen, Rail & Panels – Right Hand – Small Bathroom Ideas With L Shaped Bath | Small Bathroom Ideas With L Shaped Bath
9mm Left Hand L-Shaped Bath with 9mm Screen, rail & front – Small Bathroom Ideas With L Shaped Bath | Small Bathroom Ideas With L Shaped Bath
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February 16, 2021
Let's talk about SmartCore flooring. Is Lowes' in-house brand of LVP worth purchasing? Or is it simply another product in the already-crowded world of vinyl plank?
We've discussed a lot of types of flooring here, including many of the best vinyl plank flooring brands. And below, we're going to take an in-depth look at SmartCore Pro and SmartCore Ultra to see how they stack up.
Then, we'll take a deep dive into SmartCore flooring reviews, talk about its pros and cons, and help you decide whether it's worth purchasing.
Table of Contents
1 What is SmartCore Flooring, Exactly?
1.1 SmartCore Flooring Is Lowes' Private-Label Brand
2 SmartCore Pro vs. SmartCore Ultra: What's the Difference?
2.1 SmartCore Ultra Has a WPC Core…
2.2 …While SmartCore Pro Has an SPC Core
3 Which LVP Is Better: SmartCore Pro or SmartCore Ultra?
3.1 Most SmartCore Flooring Reviews Favor SmartCore Ultra
4 What About SmartCore Naturals?
4.1 But Reviews for SmartCore Naturals Are…Not Great
5 What Colors Does SmartCore Flooring Come In?
6 Who Actually Makes SmartCore Flooring?
6.1 COREtec Makes Both SmartCore Ultra and SmartCore Pro
6.2 But COREtec is Owned By USFloors… Which Is Owned by Shaw
7 SmartCore Flooring Reviews Are Mixed Overall—But Most Say the Product Is Decent
8 The Pros of SmartCore Flooring
8.1 SmartCore Flooring Is Waterproof (Like All Vinyl Plank)
8.2 How Much Does SmartCore Flooring Cost? It's Pretty Affordable!
8.3 SmartCore Flooring Reviews Usually Say That DIY Installation Is Easy
8.4 And Professional Installation Isn't Too Expensive Either
8.5 Cleaning and Maintaining SmartCore Flooring Is Also Pretty Easy
8.6 SmartCore Ultra and SmartCore Pro Are Both Low-VOC Certified
8.7 SmartCore Flooring Can Be Used Outside (Though it Will Wear Out Faster)
9 The Cons of SmartCore Flooring
9.1 SmartCore Flooring's Underlayment Does Not Protect it from Moisture
9.2 SmartCore Flooring Reviews (Surprisingly) Say it Scratches Easily
9.3 SmartCore Flooring May Dent Easily Too (Especially SmartCore Pro)
9.4 SmartCore Pro and SmartCore Ultra Only Have One Wear Layer Thickness Option
9.5 SmartCore Flooring's Lifetime Residential Warranty Is Very Limited
9.6 Again: You Can Not Install SmartCore as a DIY Project Within Warranty
9.7 SmartCore Flooring's Commercial Warranty Is Even Worse
9.9 The Core of SmartCore Flooring Isn't Particularly Special
10 Where Can I Install SmartCore Flooring?
11 SmartCore Flooring Installation: How Does it Work?
12 Which is Better: LifeProof or SmartCore Flooring?
13 So: Is SmartCore Flooring Good? It's Alright.
14 SmartCore Flooring Reviews Suggest it Doesn't Stack Up Against High-End LVP Brands
15 Conclusion: SmartCore Flooring Is Decent—But There's Better LVP On the Market
What is SmartCore Flooring, Exactly?
Lowes' SmartCore flooring is (with one exception) composed entirely of rigid-core luxury vinyl plank—aka LVP. It comes in two main collections which we'll talk about in detail below:
SmartCore Ultra (which has an SPC core)
SmartCore Pro (which as a WPC core)
SmartCore Flooring Is Lowes' Private-Label Brand
Once again, SmartCore flooring is Lowes' private-label brand. That means you can only buy it at Lowes.
There's nothing wrong with that—many national chains have their own private-label brands. But we wanted to mention it because there have been many attempts by stores like Lowes and Home Depot to sell proprietary flooring products. And the results have been mixed, at best.
For example: Lowes cork flooring is…well, it isn't exactly the best cork flooring out there. And if you're hesitant about buying the product because of the well-documented disadvantages of cork flooring, the stuff isn't going to change your mind.
Look, we're not trying to pooh-pooh the product by association. We're just trying to give you some context before we talk about it.
SmartCore Pro vs. SmartCore Ultra: What's the Difference?
The only major difference between SmartCore Pro and SmartCore Ultra is the material each product uses for its core—plus a little bit of design detail. Aside from that, there aren't many differences in color, variety, even protection.
Both products look good, both offer a great water-resistant wood flooring alternative, both can be used to create classic wood floor patterns… the point is, they're very similar products. Here's how they differ:
SmartCore Ultra Has a WPC Core…
SmartCore Ultra features a WPC (Wood-Plastic Composite) core. WPC incorporates an ultra-fine sawdust called wood flour into its construction. This gives the floor some extra "bounce" and makes it feel a bit more like authentic hardwood species. It also makes it a bit more sound-dampening, for a quieter surface.
Additionally: Lowes markets SmartCore Ultra as "Hi-Def" flooring—meaning there's more detail in its design layer.
…While SmartCore Pro Has an SPC Core
SmartCore Pro, on the other hand, features an SPC (Stone-Plastic Composite) core. SPC incorporates limestone powder into its construction, making for a (supposedly) more durable product.
In general, SPC is more rigid than WPC—but that also means it's not as shock-absorbing. Translation: the floors are going to be a bit louder.
SmartCore's website says SmartCore Pro sacrifices a smidge of detail in the design layer for its enhanced durability. However: many SmartCore flooring reviews question this—not because the detail is affected, but because SmartCore Pro apparently isn't that durable.
Obviously, that's a huge issue for any PVC flooring product marketed for its strength.
Which LVP Is Better: SmartCore Pro or SmartCore Ultra?
Obviously, the best vinyl plank flooring for you is the one that fits your lifestyle. But, given all the SmartCore flooring reviews we read through, we'd say that SmartCore Ultra probably has a bit of an edge over SmartCore pro. Why?
Most SmartCore Flooring Reviews Favor SmartCore Ultra
It's just that simple. Not all of the SmartCore Pro reviews are bad, but if you're looking for the safer option, SmartCore Ultra may be the way to go. Its design layer is a little more detailed, and you're not paying more money for an SPC core that apparently adds very little benefit.
What About SmartCore Naturals?
In addition to SmartCore Pro and SmartCore Ultra, Lowe's also sells a third collection: SmartCore Naturals. This line is made of real wood with a bamboo veneer. Lowes markets it under the SmartCore brand name because, like SmartCore Pro and SmartCore Ultra, it's supposedly waterproof.
But Reviews for SmartCore Naturals Are…Not Great
However: nearly all SmartCore flooring reviews we dove into mentioned that this waterproof claim was… perhaps a little less than accurate. One SmartCore Naturals reviewer mentioned that "…it's like SmartCore looked at all the pros and cons of engineered bamboo flooring—and only kept the cons." Yikes.
Out of the dozen-or-so SmartCore Naturals products that Lowes offers, only one product has a 5-star rating—and that's on Lowes' own website. The remainder top out at 3.5 stars or fewer.
Ultimately, this prefinished hardwood flooring collection is probably one to skip—it just doesn't stack up against any of the best hardwood floor brands.
Our opinion? At the end of the day, the best hardwood floors should be durable, beautiful, and comfortable—but they shouldn't have to be waterproof. Even the best engineered wood flooring is water-resistant at best. That's why most people debating between tile vs. wood floors end up going with something like wood-look tile instead—it's just more practical.
What Colors Does SmartCore Flooring Come In?
SmartCore offers a pretty decent color selection as far as faux-wood flooring goes. From the light touch of ash flooring to the jet-black of ebony flooring, SmartCore comes in a lot of hues and patterns.
Love hickory but spooked after reading the pros and cons of hickory flooring? Get a hardwood floor alternative like SmartCore—it'll give you the look you're going for, without the actual, you know, disadvantages of hickory flooring. There's a reason hardwood floor alternatives like SmartCore are so popular, after all.
Who Actually Makes SmartCore Flooring?
Lowes slaps its name on SmartCore flooring—but who actually manufactures it? As it turns out, that's a little complicated.
COREtec Makes Both SmartCore Ultra and SmartCore Pro
COREtec manufactures both SmartCore Ultra and SmartCore Pro. If that name sounds familiar, it's because COREtec has been one of the top vinyl plank flooring brands for quite some time.
But COREtec is Owned By USFloors… Which Is Owned by Shaw
That said, COREtec is actually owned by USFloors. And USFloors is actually owned by Shaw Industries—the second-largest flooring manufacturer in the world. Shaw offers everything from low-VOC vinyl flooring to just about every wood flooring type in the world, so at least you know SmartCore flooring is being made by people who know what they're doing.
SmartCore Flooring Reviews Are Mixed Overall—But Most Say the Product Is Decent
Now that all the "paperwork" is out of the way, let's get into the meat of this thing. Is SmartCore flooring good?
Overall, SmartCore flooring reviews are pretty mixed. We already mentioned that SmartCore Ultra generally has better reviews than SmartCore Pro, but there's a lot to consider.
But since we didn't want to just copy-and-paste endless blocks of info and hundreds of comments, we've used them to create this guide to SmartCore flooring pros and cons!
The Pros of SmartCore Flooring
First, let's talk about the perks of SmartCore flooring—which, to be fair, are pretty much the pros of vinyl plank flooring in general.
SmartCore Flooring Is Waterproof (Like All Vinyl Plank)
SmartCore flooring, like virtually every LVP product, is almost completely waterproof (we'll revisit this later on). You should still clean up spills promptly, but SmartCore is a great option to use for bathroom or even mudroom flooring.
That said, waterproof flooring isn't as exclusive as it once was. Even laminate flooring comes in waterproof options now, like Mohawk's RevWood (and you can check out this vinyl plank vs. laminate guide out if you're curious about the differences between the two products).
How Much Does SmartCore Flooring Cost? It's Pretty Affordable!
The big appeal of SmartCore flooring, of course, is the price tag. You can generally buy SmartCore for about $3–$4/sq. ft., which is a bit cheaper than what many of the best vinyl plank flooring brands charge, on average.
To put that in context: buying SmartCore floors is head-over-heels more affordable than buying hardwood floors. Even moderately-priced wood flooring costs can get pretty high once you factor in installation.
SmartCore Flooring Reviews Usually Say That DIY Installation Is Easy
A good number of SmartCore flooring reviews confirm that SmartCore flooring installation is easy to DIY. It's probably not as easy as peel-and-stick carpet tiles, but the interlocking click-together flooring tabs and optional adhesive don't require a ton of experience.
And Professional Installation Isn't Too Expensive Either
Even if you hire someone, the cost to install vinyl plank flooring is usually pretty reasonable. In most cases, it won't even come close to the cost to replace carpet with hardwood or the cost to install engineered hardwood floors.
Basically, unless you're planning on using it to create some super-intricate parquet flooring patterns, you're probably looking at a relatively inexpensive install.
Cleaning and Maintaining SmartCore Flooring Is Also Pretty Easy
All the best vinyl plank flooring is easy to clean. In fact, as far as fake wood flooring goes, LVP is probably one of the easiest surfaces to maintain.
Seriously—even some traditional types of floor tiles can be harder to clean than LVP because they're more porous.
Side note: if you're ever comparing tile vs. laminate, make sure to factor in your cleaning habits. They can make or break the lifespan of almost any types of tile.
Vinyl plank, and by extension SmartCore flooring, doesn't have any special care requirements beyond a vacuum and the occasional mop. Just don't use a vacuum with a beater bar or you'll scratch your wear layer!
SmartCore Ultra and SmartCore Pro Are Both Low-VOC Certified
The "VOC" in low-VOC flooring may seem like just another silly acronym—but this one's actually super important. VOCs stands for volatile organic compounds, which are harmful chemicals released into the air by many plastics and adhesives.
Reducing VOCs is a priority in the industry and it shows in newer products like low-VOC carpet and non-toxic laminate flooring. SmartCore Ultra and SmartCore Pro are no exception, and are Greenguard Certified as low-VOC options.
SmartCore Flooring Can Be Used Outside (Though it Will Wear Out Faster)
Here's one thing that separates SmartCore flooring from some other budget LVP brands: you can use it as an outdoor flooring option. You can even use it as sunroom flooring!
Some types of vinyl will fade quickly in direct sunlight, but SmartCore flooring reviews seem to suggest that this isn't a huge problem. However, it will wear faster if you put it in the elements.
Overall: we'd still recommend certain types of hardwood over LVP for outdoor use. If you look into some teak flooring pros and cons, for example, you'll find that its natural resins make it great for patios, decks, and so on.
The Cons of SmartCore Flooring
And here's where we talk about the bad stuff. SmartCore doesn't do much to address the common disadvantages of vinyl plank flooring—which means the product doesn't really bring anything new to the table. And because of a couple of big design flaws, it can actually add to them.
SmartCore Flooring's Underlayment Does Not Protect it from Moisture
While most products sold by the best vinyl plank flooring brands have an attached underlayment, SmartCore does not.
That's not a problem in itself, and Lowes pairs a recommended underlayment with the product. But: for some reason, this underlayment doesn't protect it from moisture. So you'll still need to buy and install another protective layer before putting SmartCore flooring in a basement, kitchen, or bathroom.
SmartCore's flooring's installation directions note this is only relevant when it's going over concrete subfloors, but SmartCore flooring reviews disagree (and you can check out our comparison of underlayments vs. subfloors to see why this matters to begin with).
Side note: if you want an innovative type of underlayment that also makes for easy installation, it's worth checking out magnetic flooring.
SmartCore Flooring Reviews (Surprisingly) Say it Scratches Easily
Something very unusual about SmartCore—and particularly SmartCore Pro—is that it's weirdly prone to scratching.
Scratch-resistance is supposed to be one of the big advantages of vinyl plank flooring. but apparently, Lowes didn't get that memo. Way too many SmartCore flooring reviews mention this issue for it to be a fluke occurrence; there's clearly something wrong with the design.
With that in mind, if you're looking for scratch-resistant flooring or a synthetic alternative for the best wood flooring for dogs, SmartCore probably isn't it.
SmartCore Flooring May Dent Easily Too (Especially SmartCore Pro)
And on that note, SmartCore flooring reviews also mention that the floor can dent easily. Again: dent-resistance is supposed to be a basic part of vinyl plank flooring. And SmartCore Pro's SPC core is supposed to be extra dent-resistant.
But again, the reviews disagree.
If you want something tough, consider looking for some of the most durable wood flooring, or frankly, a better LVP product.
SmartCore Pro and SmartCore Ultra Only Have One Wear Layer Thickness Option
SmartCore Pro only comes with a 12-mil wear layer. and SmartCore Ultra only comes with a 20-mil wear layer. Those are your options, take 'em or leave 'em.
A 12-mil wear layer is actually pretty good (ignoring the durability concerns mentioned in SmartCore reviews)—but considering that so many top brands offer different wear layer options, it's odd that SmartCore doesn't.
SmartCore Flooring's Lifetime Residential Warranty Is Very Limited
And here's where things go from not-great to really not-great. The residential warranty for SmartCore flooring only applies if you hire a professional contractor. If you do a DIY installation and it breaks: no warranty.
That's not good.
There are also loads of other exceptions to SmartCore's warranty policy. For example, the warranty doesn't cover manufacturer defects once it's installed—which is absurd. Also, the warranty only applies indoors.
Oh, and If you were discouraged from buying wood because of the cost to refinish hardwood flooring, you should know that if your SmartCore gets marked up, your only option is to replace all of it. Because replacing individual SmartCore planks is almost impossible without taking the entire floor apart. And just try not to damage planks when you're taking them apart—hah!
Again: You Can Not Install SmartCore as a DIY Project Within Warranty
SmartCore is marketed like it's the easiest flooring to install, so you're supposed to be able to install it almost anywhere. But, if you want to stay within warranty, you can't make it a do-it-yourself flooring project. So…basically, DIY-ers are out of luck.
SmartCore Flooring's Commercial Warranty Is Even Worse
The commercial warranty for most LVP products that have a 12-mil-or-thicker wear layer is roughly 10 years. SmartCore's commercial warranty is only 5 years—and all of the "exceptions" outlined above still apply.
This kind of suggests that SmartCore flooring simply isn't the best for commercial locations—or perhaps anywhere that sees consistent foot traffic.
SmartCore Flooring Isn't Environmentally Friendly
Earlier, we noted that SmartCore flooring is low-VOC certified. But there's no way around it: this isn't environmentally-friendly flooring. Of course, this isn't a SmartCore issue as much as it is an LVP issue in general. Still, there are some vinyl plank brands—like Proximity Mills—that are more focused on recyclability.
Either way, if eco-friendly flooring is a priority for you, we'd recommend going with sustainable wood flooring or hemp flooring instead. Even the best bamboo flooring is notably greener than LVP—and you can even refinish bamboo flooring when it's worn out instead of having to replace the whole thing.
The Core of SmartCore Flooring Isn't Particularly Special
If you're researching the best types of vinyl flooring, you've probably found a lot of acronyms (EVP flooring, LVT flooring, PVC, WPC, etc.)
It can be overwhelming to compare them all, especially because so many brands use rigid cores these days.
However, SmartCore flooring doesn't really do anything here that's outside of common industry practice. That's not to say the WPC core of SmartCore Ultra isn't good—it just isn't special.
And, well, reviewers aren't fond of SmartCore Pro's SPC core.
Where Can I Install SmartCore Flooring?
Technically speaking, you can install SmartCore Ultra or SmartCore Pro anywhere you would install any other type of vinyl flooring. But like we said, you're going to need an additional moisture barrier to protect your subflooring if you want to put it anywhere it might deal with excessive moisture (you know, like anywhere you'd usually want to install LVP?)
SmartCore Flooring Installation: How Does it Work?
We briefly mentioned this earlier, but installing SmartCore flooring is pretty similar to installing snap-together tile flooring. Because both SmartCore Pro and SmartCore Ultra can be installed as floating floors. What is a floating floor? It's a surface that clicks together and doesn't have to be attached to the subfloor.
Or, if you don't want to deal with the disadvantages of floating floors, you can glue your SmartCore flooring down too.
Which is Better: LifeProof or SmartCore Flooring?
If you read our review of Home Depot's LifeProof vinyl flooring, you might have noticed that this review is relatively similar. Both SmartCore and LifeProof flooring are private-label LVP floors offered by big box stores, right?
Yes and no. To be blunt, SmartCore and LifeProof are close in price—but SmartCore is absolutely the better of the two. It doesn't offer as many varieties, but the SmartCore flooring reviews we've read are much more positive regarding quality and DIY-friendliness. LifeProof flooring reviews are…lukewarm at very best.
So: Is SmartCore Flooring Good? It's Alright.
Is SmartCore flooring good? To paraphrase Hamlet, "that is the question." Ultimately, you might say SmartCore flooring is a good budget option.
However: if you ask us, it's… average. And more importantly, there are better options out there for the price.
SmartCore Flooring Reviews Suggest it Doesn't Stack Up Against High-End LVP Brands
If it wasn't clear, we'll spell it out here: SmartCore flooring is fine, but it's not the best. If you want something great, we'd recommend that you check out some Pergo Extreme reviews or a top brand like Raskin or Proximity Mills.
Many of these top brands offer a much wider variety of unique and wood floor designs that are more durable and only marginally more expensive. And they offer better warranties, too.
Conclusion: SmartCore Flooring Is Decent—But There's Better LVP On the Market
There's really no other way to say it: SmartCore flooring, including both SmartCore Pro and SmartCore Ultra, is just decent. SmartCore flooring reviews agree: it'll get the job done but better options exist.
We mentioned Proximity Mills before, but really, you have a lot of options.
If you want excellent LVP for virtually the same price, find a top-rated flooring store in your area! To be honest, independent flooring stores will be able to sell you a much better product at a much better price than any box store.
Alternately, check out some more articles to learn more!
Wide Plank Wood Flooring 101: Your Total Guide
Advantages & Disadvantages of Engineered Wood Floors
Carpet or Hardwood in Bedrooms: Which is Better?
The Pros and Cons of Cork Flooring
Laminate vs. Hardwood Floors: Which are Better?
Linoleum vs. Laminate vs. Vinyl: Differences, Pros, & Cons
Bamboo Flooring vs. Laminate: Which to Buy?
Douglas Fir Flooring Pros and Cons
Carpet vs. Laminate: The *Real* Pros & Cons
Why Concrete Flooring That Looks Like Wood is So Darn Cool
Definition: A Bathroom Extractor Fan is a ventilation appliance used to expel moisture and odours from domestic bathrooms. Almost always utilising a 4 inch (100mm) Axial Impeller, they should extract an air volume between 80 - 95m3/hr (cubic metres per hour or 22.22 to 26.39L/s (Litres per second). Most models are available in 5 different switching options: basic, over run timer, humidistat, pull cord and occupancy sensor.
Choosing a Bathroom Extractor Fan
We only stock leading brands with a reputation for quality:
Electricity and water make for a dangerous combination so the UK Electrical Wiring Regulations divide the bathroom into three zones relating to their proximity to water sources. This determines the type of fan you may install in each zone.
Let us first look at the zones:
Zone 1 is in the shower or the area vertically 2.25m above the bath.
Zone 2 extends in all directions for 0.6m (60cm) from Zone 1.
Zone 3 extends laterally for a further 2.4m from zone 2.
Anything outside this area, or outside the bathroom - for example the loft above, is outside the zones.
So where can I put my extractor fan?
Zone 1 and Zone 2
There are only two types of fan which may be installed in Zones 1 and 2. They are:
ALL SELV fans (Safety Extra Low Voltage). Also known as 12v fans or LV fans, they require a transformer, (housed in zone 3 or outside the zones) to reduce the mains voltage (240v) to 12v. Usually, but not always, the transformer is supplied with the fan.
Any fan, regardless of voltage, that has an IP45 rated motor. 'IP' means 'Ingress Protected' and a rating of IP45 signifies that the motor, and indeed all electrical parts, are 'resistant to jets of water from all angles'.
The important advantage an IP45 rated fan has over a SELV fan is cost. SELV fans tend to be expensive because of the extra cost of the transformer. Furthermore, installing a SELV fan is a bigger, and thus usually more expensive job, due to the fact that two electrical components - the fan and the transformer - must be installed separately.
Any fan rated for zones 1 and 2, by default, may be installed in zone 3.
Zone 3 and Outside the Zones
Any extractor fan, regardless of voltage or IP rating may be installed here as these areas are deemed a safe distance from the principle sources of water, the bath and shower.
Inline fans are another type of extractor fan which are installed in the loft space above the bathroom. A length of ducting connects the fan to the bathroom. Since the fan itself is housed remotely,outside of the zonal area, with only a plastic grille in the bathroom ceiling, they too are suitable for extracting from any bathroom zone.
A number of fans, such as the Vent Axia Silhouette, Manrose XF range and Airflow Icon are available in both SELV and 240v versions.
Remember: all electrical works must be carried out by a fully qualified, professional electrician.
Impeller Size and Air Extraction Rate
Domestic fans come in two sizes: 4 inch /100mm and 6 inch / 150mm. In almost every case a 4 inch model will suffice. Six inch fans need only be considered in bathrooms greater than nine metres squared, or where special circumstances require a more powerful fan, such as those with no natural ventilation or particularly cold, north facing rooms.
Bathrooms with very intense usage - for example in households with large families who all use the shower in the morning, or wet rooms may also benefit from a larger six inch fan.
Measured in 'Litres per Second' (L/s) or 'Metres Cubed per Hour' (m3/hr), the air extraction rate is one of the most important considerations. The Building Regulations stipulate that a bathroom extractor fan must extract at least 15L/s in a standard domestic bathroom. Most 4 inch models far exceed this minimum requirement, and nowadays the standard is 85m3/hr.
However, all other considerations being equal (noise, power, cost etc) we would always recommend installing the most powerful fan available. The Silent Tornado, for example extracts at 97m3/hr - the highest extraction rate for an axial fan. While the Turbo Tube Pro - an inline fan - extracts a magnificent 245m3/hr. At this flow rate, steam is extracted before it even condenses.
Switching and Operation Options
All fans maybe wired into the lighting circuit, so that they turn on and off with your lights, or a separate remote switch, allowing them to be operated independently. Further to that, extractor fans have a range of extra switching options which suit different applications and requirements. Many fans are available in three versions - Basic, Timer and Humidistat, but some ranges also have pull cord and PIR versions.
Basic models are operated by the light or remote switch only.
Timer models feature a timer which keeps the fan running for a set period after the light or remote switch is turned off. This ensures all steam has been extracted from the bathroom.
Fans with Humidistats will turn on automatically when humidity in the bathroom reaches a pre-set level and off when the humidity falls back to its preset level. These are great in bathrooms where the lights (and fan) are not always turned on manually and are popular with landlords, or in those installations where a fan is only required to extract steam.
Fans with integral Pullcord are rarer these days, but allow for local operation.
PIR (Passive Infra Red) sensors operate the extractor fan automatically when somebody enters the room.
Noise and Aesthetics
Noise
Typical dB measurements for axial bathroom extractor fans range between 35dB(A) and 45dB(A) with the more powerful centrifugal fans between 40dB(A) and 55dB(A). In recent years however the trend has moved towards even lower decibel levels. The Silent Tornado, for example, (pictured left) is whisper quiet at 24dB(A).
Please note that manufacturers' quoted decibel levels are taken 'at 3 metres' - This is the industry standard. Furthermore, these measurements are taken in test environments which may not necessarily replicate your installation. Also bear in mind that any fan activated during the night - by a call to nature for example - will sound louder than during the day.
Aesthetics
Remember that you are likely to see this fan every time you use the bathroom. The money you saved on it when purchasing will soon be forgotten, so don't install an ugly fan just because it's cheap.
Homeowners are spending more on making their bathrooms beautiful with cool lighting and funky fixtures and fan designs have improved immensely. The old 'box with grilles' is slowly being replaced by chamfered louvre type designs which sit comfortably with any bathroom aesthetic.
However, the most unobtrusive extractor fan is of course the one that can't be seen! Pictured to the left is an 'inline' fan - so called because it sits in the middle of the duct run in the loft above the bathroom. One end is ducted to the outside world, the other is ducted to a discreet four inch grille which sits flush on the bathroom ceiling. The flush grille, therefore, is the only part of the whole extraction system that actually appears in the bathroom!
Two Bathroom Fans which cover 95% of all installations
We stock the highest-quality, and highest-specification fans in the industry. The following two fans cover 95% of all the bathroom installations we specify and supply.
Ordered Silent Tornado ST100T extractor for bathroom, arrived promptly and fitted today by electrician. Great fan, very quiet. - Krichana Ghera, TrustPilot
Silent Tornado ST100 High Power 4 inch Axial Fan
Power
Sound
Installation
Watts
97m3/hr / 26L/s
25 dB(A)
Can be installed in Zones 1, 2 and 3
7.5w
IP45 rated motor, so the fan can be installed in any zone in the bathroom without the need for a separate transformer.
Most powerful 4 inch axial fan on the market @ 97m3/hr.
Low energy. On full power it uses only 7.5w!
Virtually silent 25db(A).
The best 4 inch axial fan we have ever tested. Click on the 'view item' buttons on the right to see the full specification and read our review.
PLUS Next Day Delivery on this product. You'll even get a one-hour delivery window so you'll know exactly when the item will arrive.
Order within 3 hours 45 mins for delivery by Tuesday, July 3rd
Excellent stats on the fans in question, very helpful when choosing the right fan for the job. I always use the website to determine the type and style of fan needed. - Chris Keeble, Trustpilot
Vents Turbo Tube Pro Inline Duct Fan
Power
Sound
Installation
Watts
245m3/hr /68L/s
32 dB(A)
Duct from Zones 1, 2 and 3
25w
Installed above the bathroom in the loft or ceiling void.
With a whopping 245m3/hr extraction rate it's the most powerful 4 inch fan on the market.
Mounted in the loft above the bathroom, this inline fan can be ducted from directly above the shower or bath.
Using only 25w it's very energy efficient.
Incredibly quiet, particularly so considering its power.
Extracts steam before it condenses.
No electrics, impeller or fan casing in the bathroom - just a discreet, flush, circular grille.
PLUS Next Day Delivery on this product. You'll even get a one-hour delivery window so you'll know exactly when the item will arrive.
Order within 3 hours 45 mins for delivery by Tuesday, July 3rd
Centrifugal extractor fans
In your research you may have come across the term 'centrifugal extractor fan'. This is a special type of fan which uses a totally different impeller design to generate higher exhaust air pressures. In simplified terms - the old/stale/moist air extracted from the room is pushed harder down the length of ducting to the outside world.
This is particularly useful in situations where the fan sits at the end of a long duct run, over 10 metres, for example in internal, basement or en suite bathrooms. Whilst centrifugal and axial fans use consistent impeller sizes such as four and six inch for domestic installations, centrifugal fans are larger than axial fans. They also tend to look 'boxy' as they necessarily sit proud of the wall in order to accommodate the much deeper impeller.
Intermittent Extraction v Continuous Ventilation
Despite changes in trend in recent years, intermittent extractor fans are still by far the most common type of air movement device. Intermittent extraction is the movement of air at specific times of need when air is polluted or full of water vapour - for example when someone is cooking or taking a shower. Crucially, the ventilation unit, either manually or automatically, switches on and off - it does not run all the time.
Continuous ventilation has become more popular in recent years as the Building Regulations - particularly Part F (Ventilation) - have demanded greater control over the air coming into and out of properties. Specifically, as buildings have become better insulated and more air tight, in the drive for more efficient energy usage, they suffer more often from lack of fresh air. Before double glazing and precision engineering natural drafts kept our buildings ventilated and in the absence of this natural air movement we have turned increasingly to Continuous Ventilation.
Mechanical Extract Ventilation - MEV
MEV refers to extract units which simply expel stale air (continuously). Operating at low flow rates of between 50m3/hr and 65m/hr MEV units keep air flowing through a room or building, acting rather like a small window. This is known as Trickle. Some MEV units can switch to a more powerful setting - up to 80m3/hr for example, at times of specific demand. This is known as Boost.
Mechanical Ventilation Heat Recovery
MVHR is increasingly popular and the ventilation industry is investing heavily in this technology. MVHR units use a heat exchanger to bring warm fresh air back into the building to replace the warm heated air that was expelled. MVHR systems were developed to solve the problem that continuous ventilation causes - lost heat and energy wastage. Currently they are more common as 'Whole House Ventilation' units, in which a central, usually rather large, unit with multiple duct points, extracts and replaces air from multiple rooms. However, as the sector grows we are seeing more 'Single Room Heat Recovery' units which look a lot more like traditional extractor fans.
See our experts' choice of extractor fans
Author: DJ Treblig Publisher: EFW Date First Published: 1st September 2016
Traditional ensuite bathroom in Other with recessed-panel cabinets, grey cabinets, a built-in bath, a shower/bath combination, metro tiles, white walls, medium hardwood flooring, a built-in sink, brown floors, an open shower and white worktops.
Refresh Renovations - Brighton & Worthing
This beautiful bathroom draws inspiration from the warmth of mediterranean design. Our brave client confronted colour to form this rich palette and deliver a glamourous space.
Ivar London
Design ideas for a medium sized contemporary shower room bathroom in London with open cabinets, black cabinets, an alcove shower, a wall mounted toilet, black tiles, metro tiles, white walls, an integrated sink, beige floors and black worktops.
Burbeck Project Management
This is an example of a contemporary bathroom in London with flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, an alcove bath, a shower/bath combination, grey tiles, metro tiles, white floors, an open shower and a console sink.
Dominic McKenzie Architects
Will Pryce Design ideas for a contemporary bathroom in London with flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, a built-in bath, a built-in shower, white tiles, metro tiles, white walls, a console sink, grey floors and an open shower.
Finch Interior Design
Photo of a victorian shower room bathroom in London with white tiles, metro tiles, green walls, a console sink, multi-coloured floors and an open shower.
Mustard House Design
The basement bathroom took its cues from the black industrial rainwater pipe running across the ceiling. The bathroom was built into the basement of an ex-school boiler room so the client wanted to maintain the industrial feel the area once had.
Amberth
We replaced the window to allow a generous amount of natural light to flood into the bathroom. Made to measure mirrored frames have been used as doors on the wall cabinets to create an illusion of more space.
Georgian Country House Complete Renovation
Alberts House Ltd
Hotel room luxury was the aim for the en-suite , created with high end fittings and sanitary ware mixed with metro tiles and authentic wooden floor. Inspiration for a farmhouse bathroom in London with a corner shower, white tiles, metro tiles, grey walls, medium hardwood flooring, a wall-mounted sink, brown floors and an open shower.
Huntsmore
Contemporary shower room bathroom in London with open cabinets, white cabinets, an alcove bath, a shower/bath combination, a one-piece toilet, black and white tiles, metro tiles, white walls, an integrated sink, multi-coloured floors, a hinged door, a single sink and a built in vanity unit.
Moxy & Co Studio
Inspiration for a contemporary bathroom in London with open cabinets, an alcove shower, metro tiles, an integrated sink, beige floors, a hinged door and white worktops.
Bashtan at ARCHITECTURE HUB
Inspiration for a classic bathroom in London with recessed-panel cabinets, grey cabinets, an alcove bath, an alcove shower, white tiles, metro tiles, blue walls, a console sink and grey floors.
Tom St. Aubyn Photography Ltd
Traditional ensuite bathroom in London with an alcove bath, a shower/bath combination, white tiles, metro tiles, blue walls and a console sink.
Slightly Quirky Ltd
Inspiration for a traditional grey and teal bathroom in Surrey with a built-in bath, a shower/bath combination, a wall mounted toilet, white tiles, metro tiles, green walls and grey floors.
Southstudio Architects
Photo of a contemporary ensuite bathroom in London with a built-in bath, a shower/bath combination, white tiles, metro tiles, black walls, painted wood flooring, a console sink and white floors.
Kitchens By Holloways
Photo of a medium sized classic shower room bathroom in London with flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, an alcove shower, a wall mounted toilet, white tiles, metro tiles, white walls, ceramic flooring, an integrated sink, solid surface worktops, grey floors, a hinged door and white worktops.
Inspiration for a traditional half tiled bathroom in Chicago with metro tiles and black floors.
Jillian Richey Design
Design ideas for a traditional ensuite bathroom in Nashville with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, a claw-foot bath, a corner shower, grey tiles, white tiles, metro tiles, grey walls, mosaic tile flooring, a submerged sink, white floors and white worktops.
Cremation did not become legal in the United States until 1876 and by 1972 it had only 5% popularity. Now though, the cremation rates have reached nearly 50% and are predicted to continually increase over the next few decades. Here is a look at the reasons for the rise in popularity, the expenses associated with it, the various types of cremation and the average cost for cremation.
Rise in Popularity
There are many interesting factors that each play a role in the dramatic rise in cremations in the United States. One of the most common reasons why cremation is chosen over the full burial is the cost. There is also the geographic changes that people are making. Children and families are becoming more dispersed and aren't visiting gravesites as often leaving them feeling more disconnected to their geographic origins compared to previous generations. In some states, there are fewer religious affiliations and an increase in non-English speaking immigrants who have their own traditions and cultures. Others may choose cremation because they see it as a more environmentally friendly option than burial.
Traditional Funeral
While it is usually cheaper than having a burial, cremations are often accompanied by other expenses depending on what type of funeral is being done. There are three different options that most choose from. Some prefer to stay on the more traditional route and have a formal service in the funeral home or church followed by the cremation rather than the traditional burial of the casket. This service can be open or closed casket and in a rented or cremation casket.
According to the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), the median cost for this type of service in 2017 was $6,260. This included the basic funeral home fee, the removal/transfer to the funeral home, embalming, the ceremony and the cremation fee. On top of these costs, the family members also have to consider the cost of the cremation urn and the vault or cemetery monument or marker.
Memorial Service
Some may prefer to have a memorial service rather than the full church service and cremation. The cremation itself often takes place privately the day or day after the death. The service though does not have to take place until weeks or sometimes months after the passing away. The urn is usually present at the memorial service where it will then find its final resting place whether that be in the cemetery, home or scattered in their favorite place. This costs an average of $3,000 according to the NFDA.
Direct Cremation
The third option is to keep things extremely simple and have a direct cremation which is the most basic type of service. The body is immediately cremated and returned home without any type of funeral, graveside service or memorial. The Cremation Research Council claims the average cost of this is around $1,100 as one still has to pay for a vehicle to pick up the body to bring to the crematorium.
For those that want to spread the ashes, make sure to factor in the cost of a yacht or private plane services if you are hoping to do it in the sea or air respectively. Professionals who offer these services will often give the family member a certificate noting the time and place the ashes were scattered.
Price Variation From State to State
The price range varies from state to state. Often, states such as California and Oregon will have a higher percentage of cremation as land for gravesites in coastal and mountainous regions tends to be more expensive. In 2015, Washington had the highest percentage of cremation with 77% followed by Nevada (76%) and Oregon (74%). Because of the high demand and competition in these areas, the cremation costs are often much lower than inland states such as Michigan, Georgia and Arizona.
Future Outlook for Cremation
The Cremation Association of North America has predicted that the cremation rates will continue to increase over the next few decades. By 2035, the percentage could be as high as 78.8% due to the normalizing of cremation.
Patients who have arthritis or an injury in their knee may experience pain and inflammation that limit their movements and greatly affect their quality of life. Over time, it may become increasingly difficult to perform everyday tasks and activities. These patients benefit greatly from knee replacement surgery. It is one of the safest and most effective procedures in orthopedics with millions of surgeries performed since it was developed in 1968. More than 90 percent of patients experience long-term pain relief from knee replacement surgery, notes Healthline.
The surgery can cost thousands of dollars, but many insurance plans cover at least part of the costs. Many hospitals offer discounts for uninsured patients, too. Take a look and the breakdown of costs associated with knee replacement surgery.
Factors That Affect Knee Replacement Surgery Cost
More than 600,000 knee replacement surgeries are performed each year in the US, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Each surgery is as unique as the patient, so costs can vary considerably. Some of the factors that can affect the final charges include:
Number of days in the hospital Type of surgery Length of surgery Pre-existing conditions Complications from surgery Rehab for knee replacement
The costs outlined below are an estimate based on averages. The factors above can cause the price to be considerably higher than average.
Total Knee Replacement Surgery
A total knee replacement is when the surgeon replaces all of the parts of the knee. The doctor removes the lower portion of the thigh bone, the upper portion of the shin bone and all bones and cartilage in between then replaces the entire joint with an artificial one. The new joint is made from metal and plastic parts that glide smoothly so that you don't feel pain during movement after total knee replacement.
Patients must spend three to four days in the hospital for recovery following the surgery. The average cost of this surgery is $49,500.
Partial Knee Replacement Surgery
With a partial knee replacement, the surgeon only replaces the part of the knee joint that is damaged. The surgery requires a smaller incision and has a shorter recovery time. There are drawbacks to this type of surgery though. There is a greater chance that you'll need to have another surgery if you develop arthritis in the parts of the knee that were not replaced. Patients often stay in the hospital for two to three days to recover following the surgery. The cost of a partial knee replacement is 10 to 20 percent less than a total knee replacement.
Bilateral Knee Replacement Surgery
A bilateral knee replacement surgery is when you have both knees replaced at the same time. The biggest advantage to this is that you are only in the hospital once, so you won't have the charges associated with two separate surgeries and hospital stays. You can expect a discount between 18 and 26 percent over paying for two separate surgeries.
Medicare and Knee Replacement Surgery
Knee and hip replacement surgeries are the most common for patients who have Medicare coverage. In 2014 alone, more than 400,000 Medicare patients had one of these surgeries, according to Medicare.com. Medicare covers the surgery if it's ordered by a doctor. If the patient has reached their deductible, then Medicare will pay 100 percent of the surgery costs and costs associated with the hospital stay.
