Because the manufacturers these days want you to repurchase they use bottom of the line powder coating which is on your black taps. doesnt matter how good the construction is underneath the black coating it will rust within 3 - 12 months. the black they use is a industrial black which holds moisture (yes it is the same family of blacks on your bullbars that are on the front of your 4wd) this is designed to look good in the showroom but break down over months. Custom powder coating when done properly and with the highest materials on the market which not many use is the best cosmetic coating in the world in my opinion. it will outlast all anodizing and chrome but not raw materials like gold, silver etc etc. regards Bling Custom Coatings and soon to be Bling Home Decor.

We used corrugated metal for our woodstove surround -- talk about a gathering place for dirt! We just use the shop vac around the bottom to clean up. We don't have any dogs, but I'd imagine that it would collect just as much fur as any place where the wall meets the floor. We also have a bit of an accent area in our kitchen with the metal as well -- it is harder to clean with the floor vacuum, but any nozzle attachment gets the job done in a snap.

I agree black is a current trend. I feel you can never go wrong with the traditional Stainless Steel finish for tap / shower fixtures.

A recent bathtub and tile surround replacement project involving the installation of the beautiful Redblock stainless steel shower niche (courtesy of SKG Renovations).