Acclaim Renovations & Design can install on-trend wall panels for the cost of regular tile
By Patricia Nugent
Over the past 44 years in the renovation business, Bob Gallese has seen trends come and go. As owner of Acclaim Renovations & Design, he’s always tried to be one of the first to introduce trends to the area, and, more importantly, only offer them if his team of skilled craftsmen can deliver them with the highest standards.
He just closed a deal to acquire all the machinery to custom-cut large-scale porcelain tile panels, imported from Italy and Spain, for bathroom renovations.
“Fairly new to the tile world, large porcelain panels are gaining popularity with interior designers,” says Bob. “I purchased the machinery to cut them to exact specifications so we can control the process and outcome. You might be able to buy them at showrooms locally, but they would not have the means to size them to your shower. You’d have to find someone else to do that.”
Stop into the Acclaim Renovations showroom on East Avenue in Mentor to see samples of these gorgeous wall panels.
“Designed to look like natural stone, Carerra marble, travertine, wood, concrete or metal, the panels are essentially cultured marble,” he says. “And I think the larger size makes the space appear bigger and more interesting. In addition to shower walls, we can create shower seats from them, as well as intermix them with regular tiles for a dramatic effect. There are also solid colors and various textures to work with any design style.”
A key advantage to porcelain is that it’s impervious to moisture, and, due to its hardness and low porosity, it resists scratches and stains.
“Another nice feature is that with this large-panel format, there’s no need for grout, which can become stained and cracked over time,” he says. “Porcelain panels are connected via silicone joints. The cost is about the same as doing a tile shower. Even though smaller tiles cost less, the labor to cut them and grout them costs more.”
Acclaim Renovations & Design powered by One Man and a Hammer is located at 8550 East Avenue in Mentor. The company has been awarded Contractor of the Year by NARI (National Association of the Remodeling Industry). Call 440-974-8082 or visit AcclaimReno.com to see more photos of this bathroom renovation, as well as many more room makeovers.