Looking to redo your bathroom completely?
Well, you’ve come to the right place. Deciding what flooring to install in your bathroom can often be confusing since you have to consider multiple factors.
Not to mention there are several options to choose from, which can also be overwhelming.
You can consider ceramic, porcelain, vinyl, or concrete, to name a few.
While there are some excellent flooring options to choose from, there are also ones you should avoid.
This guide will provide you with all the details on the best and worst flooring options for your bathroom. Read on to find out.
7 Best Flooring Options for Bathroom
When it comes to choosing a flooring option, most homeowners go towards what looks attractive and is durable.
However, they forget to take one important factor into consideration; this is the fact that bathroom flooring needs to be waterproof.
In a bathroom, the floor getting wet is inevitable.
So, this is the first factor you should keep as a priority when on the lookout for bathroom flooring material.
Take a look at the best waterproof flooring options and their pros and cons:
Ceramic or Porcelain Tile
The best option for bathroom flooring is definitely ceramic or porcelain tiles.
Not only do they come in a variety of designs and textures, but they are also cost-effective. It is also, of course, waterproof, which is perfect for bathrooms.
You can even find multiple sizes and shapes in ceramic tiles, for example, octagon, rectangle, and hexagon.
Moreover, ceramic or porcelain tiles are easy to maintain and clean. It also will not absorb any standing water.
However, it can get slippery, but you can fix that problem by getting textured tiles, creating more friction.
Additionally, since these are flat and hard, they can sometimes be difficult to stand on for too long.
| PROS | CONS |
| Variety of styles, textures, and shapes | It is cold |
| Excellent resale value | Hard to stand on for too long |
| Easy to clean and maintain | Slippery |
| Inexpensive |
Natural Stone Tile
If you are not on a budget, natural stone tiles can be an excellent choice. These are very popular, and that’s for a good reason.
You can get a few options in natural stone flooring, for example, limestone, granite, marble, and travertine.
These types of tiles breathe an air of luxury and are aesthetically pleasing.
However, their durability and longevity depend on the type of natural stone tile you get.
For example, harder stones like marble and granite will be more long-lasting than limestone and travertine.
These also tend to be cold, but you can solve this problem by installing radiant heating underneath.
Another important consideration about these tiles is that they can be installed only by an expert.
Similar to ceramic and porcelain tiles, natural stone tiles can also be slippery.
However, textures and grout can help solve this problem. Lastly, natural stone tiles also require regular maintenance and upkeep.
Pros:
- Excellent resale value
- Variety of styles and types
- Luxurious and aesthetic
Cons:
- Expensive
- It can be slippery and cold
- Difficult to install
- Require regular maintenance
Waterproof Vinyl Flooring
On the less expensive side of the spectrum is waterproof vinyl flooring.
Because of this and several other benefits, it provides is quickly becoming a popular bathroom flooring option.
To name a few of these benefits, they can be durable, long-lasting, and scratch-proof.
Moreover, you can get them made in tiles that resemble stone, ceramic, or wood planks.
You also can find a wide variety of texture, patterns, and color options in vinyl flooring.
Among all the benefits it provides, the best one is the fact that it is waterproof.
Hence, if it is a children’s bathroom or one where many water splashes and puddles are expected, this is the one to go with.
Pros:
- Inexpensive
- Wide variety of patterns, textures, types, and colors
- Durable and long-lasting
- Extremely waterproof
- Scratch-proof
- They are easy to install yourself
Cons:
- Often have poor resale value
Stained Concrete
If you live in a building with concrete floors, even in your bathroom, you can always paint or decorate them and not install any flooring.
However, you will need to properly seal it if you want the concrete to be waterproof.
This job is not one you can do yourself, and you will likely need help from a professional.
On the whole, this is a relatively inexpensive option. Moreover, you can decorate and customize it however you like, which will make it unique.
However, a downside of this flooring is that it can get really slippery, so it’s best if you install a non-slip additive to it, such as by staining the concrete.
This means that it will be impervious to water damage and be long-lasting.
Pros:
- Inexpensive
- Allows for unique designs and patterns
- Long-lasting and durable if you get them stained
- Impervious to water damage if you get them stained
Cons:
- It can be really slippery
- Can be cold
- Requires work beforehand
Engineered Wood
This is a good option if you want a wooden finish in your bathroom and cannot get hardwood.
This is because real wood will not work at all in bathrooms, but engineered wood that provides the same look can be an excellent choice.
These do not absorb much water and hold up well against lots of water.
Moreover, this is definitely also a timeless choice because wood never goes out of style.
This type of flooring is inexpensive, scratch-resistant, and even stain-resistant, making them a great choice for a children’s bathroom.
Pros:
- Inexpensive
- Stain and scratch-resistant
- Aesthetic and good looking
Cons:
- Can still experience wear because of the wooden laminate flooring
Laminate Flooring
This is resin paper with a wood chip base. Surprisingly, it is actually a good and more superior choice than solid hardwood flooring.
This can be a good option for bathrooms, provided you take measures to maintain them well and protect them from too much moisture.
This is because of the wooden base, which can get damaged from too much water.
If the wooden base comes into contact with water, it can bubble up and expand. The only way to fix this would be to tear up and remove the flooring.
Hence you need to be extremely careful. However, for the most part, laminate flooring is easy to clean.
Pros:
- Inexpensive option
- Easy to install
Cons:
- It can be difficult to maintain
- Water damaged laminate flooring cannot be repaired
Rubber Bathroom Flooring
Looking for the best flooring for a children’s bathroom? Then look no further than rubber. It is the best material to prevent any slipping.
That is if you get a textured finish. If you don’t have a textured finish on your rubber bathroom flooring, it can be very slippery.
Not only that, but it is also shock-absorbent, warm, safe, and hygienic. This material is not just ideal for children’s bathrooms but generally for a family bathroom.
However, while cleaning this flooring, you should avoid abrasive or acidic cleaners since they would damage the flooring.
Pros:
- Durable and long-lasting
- They are shock-absorbent and non-slippery
- Available in a variety of colors and patterns
- Inexpensive
- Easy to clean and maintain
Cons:
- It can be slippery if not textured
Worst Flooring Options for Bathroom
As we mentioned earlier, there are some flooring options that are a complete no-go.
These can completely ruin your bathroom floor, are hard to maintain, and are generally a bad idea.
They include the following:
Carpeted Floors
Carpets are best for bedrooms, but not so much for bathrooms. Carpets tend to absorb water and moisture and take hours to dry out.
As a result, the carpet can get deteriorated and have a weird smell. In fact, it can even turn the moisture into mold or mildew.
This can lead to a number of problems, including respiratory issues.
They are also difficult to clean and are not a very hygienic option since they retain liquids.
Solid Hardwood
We mentioned earlier how hardwood is one of the worst choices for bathroom flooring. This is because would do not react well to water and moisture.
Even the smallest bit of moisture can work its way into the floor and rot the wood.
Though they look aesthetic and are warm under your feet, they are still not the best option for bathroom flooring.
If you absolutely want solid hardwood flooring for your bathroom, you need to get it professionally installed.
This is because it will not leave any empty space for the moisture to seep in.
They will also need to be resealed with a polyurethane-type coating to prevent the moisture from coming.
Comparative Analysis
Pros and Cons of Each Flooring Type
- Porcelain or Ceramic Tile
- Pros:Â Water-resistant, durable, low-maintenance, and available in various styles.
- Cons: Cold and hard underfoot, slippery when wet, and grout can be prone to staining.
- Natural Stone
- Pros: Durable, long-lasting, and visually appealing.
- Cons: Expensive, requires more maintenance, and can be cold and slippery.
- Vinyl
- Pros:Â Water-resistant, affordable, comfortable underfoot, and easy to install.
- Cons: Lower-quality options may lack durability, and it’s not eco-friendly.
- Laminate
- Pros: Budget-friendly, mimics the look of wood or stone, and easy to clean.
- Cons:Â Not fully waterproof, may swell if exposed to excessive moisture.
- Engineered Wood
- Pros: Offers the look of real wood with added moisture resistance.
- Cons: Not as durable as other options, may require professional installation.
- Cork
- Pros: Eco-friendly, comfortable underfoot, and naturally resists mold and mildew.
- Cons: Requires sealing to protect against moisture, susceptible to scratches and dents.
- Bamboo
- Pros: Renewable, durable, and moisture-resistant.
- Cons: May require professional installation, not suitable for wet areas, and may warp if exposed to excessive moisture.
Best Choices for Different Bathroom Spaces
- Master Bathrooms: Ceramic or porcelain tile offers both durability and style, while vinyl provides a budget-friendly option with comfort underfoot.
- Guest Bathrooms: Laminate can provide a stylish, affordable choice, while engineered wood offers a more refined appearance.
- Powder Rooms: Since standing water is unlikely, you can opt for water-resistant choices like cork or bamboo.
- Kids’ Bathrooms: Vinyl and ceramic or porcelain tile are ideal due to their water-resistant and low-maintenance properties.
Remember to consider your unique bathroom needs, budget constraints, and style preferences when selecting the flooring option that works best for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most durable options for bathroom flooring?
Ceramic and porcelain tile are both excellent choices due to their durability, water resistance, and low maintenance.
Porcelain tile is slightly denser and more resistant to moisture than ceramic, making it an ideal choice for bathrooms.
Can luxury vinyl be a good choice for bathroom floors?
Yes, luxury vinyl plank flooring is a suitable option for bathrooms as it’s waterproof, easy to install, and comes in various designs that can mimic natural wood or stone.
It’s both practical and stylish while being more affordable than some other options.
What are the latest trends in bathroom flooring materials?
Some popular trends in bathroom flooring include:
- Large-format tiles, which create a seamless and spacious look
- Natural stone-like materials such as slate or travertine
- Patterned or geometric tiles for a fun and bold statement
- Sustainable and eco-friendly options like cork or bamboo flooring
How do laminate and linoleum compare for bathroom flooring?
Laminate and linoleum are both budget-friendly options, but they have important differences. Laminate flooring mimics the appearance of wood or stone, but it can be susceptible to water damage in bathrooms with high humidity.
On the other hand, linoleum is naturally water-resistant and eco-friendly but may not provide the same aesthetic appeal as laminate.
Which bathroom flooring options offer water resistance?
In addition to porcelain and ceramic tile, water-resistant options for bathroom flooring include luxury vinyl plank, linoleum, and natural stone such as slate or marble.
These materials can withstand the moisture and humidity typically found in bathroom environments.
What types of flooring provide warmth and comfort in a bathroom?
Cork and engineered wood flooring are two options that offer warmth and comfort underfoot while also being moisture-resistant.
Additionally, some types of tile, such as textured porcelain, can provide warmth and slip resistance. It’s also worth considering adding in-floor radiant heating to enhance the comfort and coziness of your bathroom floor.
Final Words
When it comes to choosing bathroom flooring, don’t be shy of going bold and having fun with different patterns and colors.
Just make sure that you choose the right one that fits your budget, needs, and preferences. Good luck!
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