When it comes to creating your dream bathroom or renovating your current one, selecting the right flooring is one of the most important choices you’ll have to make. Since the bathroom is prone to a lot of moisture, selecting a waterproof flooring option is crucial to ensure its longevity and functionality. In addition to that, you’ll also need to consider factors such as durability, appearance, cost, and ease of installation. With numerous options available, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’re here – to help you narrow it down.
What Type of Flooring Is Best for a Bathroom?
There are several flooring options that excel in bathroom environments. These options include vinyl, tiles, engineered hardwood, and laminate. Each type has unique advantages and selecting the ideal one will depend on your needs.
Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl flooring is an excellent choice for bathrooms due to its affordability, waterproof nature, and durability. Whether you prefer a wood, stone, or tile look, vinyl bathroom flooring comes in various designs to suit your style. Additionally, easy installation saves you money by eliminating the need for professional assistance.
Vinyl is known for being one of the most budget-friendly options available. Not only is it easy to clean, but it is also resistant to stains. In comparison to ceramic tiles, vinyl offers better insulation, providing a warmer sensation when walking barefoot. It also has a softer feel, when compared to stone or tile adding a pleasant touch to your bathroom floors. Since vinyl bathroom flooring is so popular nowadays, there are a lot of types available including plank, sheet, and tile flooring.
Vinyl plank flooring is a great choice for many households because it’s waterproof and scratch resistant. You can install it over your existing floor, and it feels comfortable to walk on. Vinyl flooring comes in various styles, resembling wood, stone, or tile.
Vinyl sheet flooring is a popular choice among homeowners for bathrooms that are prone to mess and moisture, as it enables a seamless installation. It is particularly well-suited for children’s bathrooms or laundry rooms.
Vinyl tile flooring is a great option for DIY projects and resembles stone tile. Peel and stick varieties make for quick and easy installation, and it’s also simple to replace if damaged. However, it’s important to note that vinyl tiles are generally more expensive than vinyl sheets.
Tile (Ceramic or Porcelain)
Tile is one of the more popular choices for bathrooms, especially ceramic and porcelain tile. Tile flooring is waterproof, easy to clean, scratch-resistant, and less expensive than other hard surface options. Also, tile can be produced in a variety of colours, designs, and textures including mosaic patterns. Porcelain tiles specifically absorb less water than any other ceramic product while ceramic tiles are more suitable for bigger bathrooms, as they are easy to cut and shape.
Some of the downsides of ceramic and porcelain tiles are that they are hard, cold underfoot, and slippery when wet. In addition to that, they are tricky to install so it is best to avoid the DIY installment and hire a professional.
Engineered Hardwood Flooring
Engineered hardwood flooring, which is made of real wood veneered backed by plywood is a better option than solid hardwood. It tends to be more stable than solid wood which means it’s resistant to shrinkage and swelling while also being less expensive.
However, this type of flooring is not completely waterproof and mould resistant making it a more suitable fit for bathrooms that don’t get as much water use, for example, half-baths or guest bathrooms.
Waterproof Laminate Flooring
If you’re looking for an affordable, stylish, easy-to-clean, and maintain option, laminate flooring could be the perfect fit. Just make sure that it is water-resistant and properly installed. Luckily, laminate flooring is relatively easy to install which adds to its cost-effectiveness, especially if you plan to install it yourself.
It’s important to note that even laminate flooring advertised as waterproof may still swell when in contact with spills because it is not 100% resistant to water. If you are eager to have this type of flooring in your bathroom, take the necessary precautions to protect it from excessive moisture.
Key Considerations for Choosing Bathroom Flooring
Water and Mould Resistance
As mentioned previously, water is dominant in the bathroom, and spills are inevitable. That is why it’s crucial to select waterproof flooring to prevent moisture-related damage to your home. Also, if you don’t consider moisture resistance, a clean bathroom floor can deteriorate quickly and attract black mould.
Budget
If you have a limited budget and are considering a professionally installed floor, it’s recommended to ask the contractor for cost estimates on different options that meet your requirements. For example, luxury bathroom vinyl flooring is usually cheaper to install than tile or stone and still offers a great look.
Durability
For a bathroom that experiences heavy use, durability is essential. It must endure heat, moisture, chemicals from cleaning products, and regular foot traffic. So, selecting durable flooring is a key factor.
Maintenance and Installation
When choosing bathroom flooring, many people prioritize ease of cleaning. While solid flooring is generally easier to maintain, surfaces such as ceramic or porcelain tiles with grout require regular attention.
The installation time for bathroom flooring is important as well and varies based on the chosen material, as some are easier to install than others. To avoid the inconvenience of your bathroom being unavailable for a long time, ask your supplier beforehand how long the installation will take. DIY installation can save you money, but remodeling projects often involve removing and reinstalling the toilet and paying careful attention to waterproofing. Before you start the renovation process make sure you’re up to the task.
Safety Considerations
Safety is extremely important when it comes to choosing bathroom flooring. Choosing a flooring material that offers good traction and slip resistance can help prevent accidents and falls.
Style and Aesthetic Appeal
Before choosing bathroom flooring, you should also consider style and aesthetics. The flooring you pick can significantly impact the overall look and feel of your bathroom, contributing to its aesthetic appeal and design. Luckily, there are lots of options that blend chic style with long-lasting functionality.
In summary, selecting the ideal bathroom flooring is a vital aspect of creating a safe, functional, and visually pleasing space. By considering factors such as budget, water resistance, safety, durability, ease of maintenance, and style, you can find the perfect flooring option that meets your needs and enhances the overall design of your bathroom. We hope that this guide helped you make a confident and informed decision in choosing your ideal bathroom flooring.
