Bathroom floors see a lot of wear and tear, and over time they can start to show their age. When it comes time for an update, there are many great options to consider that will give your bathroom a fresh new look. Here are some of the best choices for bathroom flooring that will stand the test of time.
Porcelain Tile
Porcelain tile is one of the most popular choices for bathroom floors today. Made from natural ingredients clay, feldspar and quartz that are mixed and fired at high temperatures, porcelain tiles are dense, durable, and water-resistant. They come in a wide range of styles, colors, shapes and textures to fit any design aesthetic.
Porcelain tiles have many benefits that make them well-suited for bathrooms:
- Extremely durable and scratch-resistant surface
- Stain resistant and easy to clean
- Low water absorption rate
- Available in various styles and designs
- Long-lasting with proper installation
Porcelain tile can mimic looks of natural stone, wood, cement and more while providing more durability at an affordable price point. It’s an excellent choice for both floors and walls in high-moisture areas like bathrooms.
Porcelain Tile Design and Installation Tips
- Choose porcelain tiles with textures or patterns for added visual interest.
- Use large format tiles to create a seamless look.
- Opt for rectified edges for cleaner grout lines.
- Use matching grout color for a continuous look.
- Consider heating tiles for added comfort.
- Hire a professional for proper thin-set installation.
Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring
Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring has become a go-to choice for bathroom floors in recent years. LVP mimics the look of natural wood or stone floors with added durability and water resistance. The planks click together easily in a floating floor system without glue or nails.
LVP is a great bathroom floor option because:
- Waterproof 100% vinyl construction
- Durable and scratch-resistant wear layer
- Easy DIY or professional installation
- Affordable alternative to natural wood/stone
- Available in wide plank formats up to 8 inches
- Realistic wood and stone aesthetics
- Insulating foam cushioned backing
- Easy maintenance and cleaning
Tips for Choosing LVP Floors
- Opt for 20+ mil wear layer for durability
- Choose scratch-resistant finishes like ceramic beads
- Look for waterproof clic locking system
- Get large planks for a seamless look
- Consider attached padding for comfort
- Match planks across rooms for flow
Wood-Look Porcelain Tile
For homeowners who love the elegance of real wood but want maximum durability, wood-look porcelain tile is an excellent option. Porcelain tile technology can authentically mimic varied wood species, grains, knots, and color variations. The result is vintage wood floors with next-level performance.
Key advantages of wood-look porcelain tile:
- Realistic textures and grains
- Durability of porcelain
- Stain, scratch and fade resistant
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Can mimic aged and distressed looks
- Suitable for radiant heat floors
- Versatile decor options like mosaics and planks
- More affordable than real hardwoods
To get the wood floor look with porcelain perks:
- Choose rectified planks for tight seams
- Use grout colors to match wood tones
- Install it in a brick, herringbone or chevron pattern
- Opt for textured tiles or varied grains
- Mix wide and narrow planks
- Include porcelain wood wall tile accents
Natural Stone Tiles
For a classic, timeless look, natural stone tiles bring elegance and sophistication to bathroom floors. Materials like marble, travertine, slate, and granite make beautiful additions. Stone has unique veining, colors and textures that add luxury and character.
Benefits of natural stone tile floors:
- Timeless, classic aesthetic
- Each tile has one-of-a-kind veining
- Withstands heavy use
- Easy maintenance
- Cool on feet
- Increases home value
- Available in many types like marble, travertine, granite
Tips for stone tile floors:
- Use sealant for stain resistance
- Opt for tumbled edges for worn, antique look
- Include mosaic accents
- Use large format tiles for seamless look
- Install with white thin-set mortar
- Consider radiant floor heating
- Use stone cleaning products
Heated Bathroom Floors
One innovative option that is gaining popularity is installing heated floors in bathrooms. This luxury feature adds warmth and comfort underfoot. It transforms cold tile or stone floors into a spa-like experience.
Heated floor benefits:
- Toasty floors without using space heaters
- Warms feet and keeps you comfortable
- Energy efficient to run
- Adds value to your home
- Long lasting and low maintenance
- Customizable temperature controls
- Works with many flooring materials
Types of heating systems:
- Hydronic uses hot water running through pipes
- Electric has thin wires warming floors
- Radiant heating sheets below floors
Heated floor installation tips:
- Hire a professional installer
- Choose an efficient heating system
- Install on its own circuit
- Use a programmable thermostat
- Test it at varying temps to optimize
FAQs About Fresh Choices in Bathroom Flooring
What are the most waterproof flooring options for bathrooms?
The most waterproof options are porcelain tile, luxury vinyl plank (LVP), and solid surface floors like quartzite or Corian. Porcelain has almost zero water absorption, LVP is 100% waterproof construction, and quartzite floors are seamless and non-porous.
What’s better for bathrooms: tile or vinyl plank floors?
Tile is better for steamy showers and enduring water exposure, while vinyl plank floors are better for overall ease of installation and lower cost. Porcelain tile has durability on its side while luxury vinyl plank offers ease of DIY installation.
Do you have to seal bathroom floors?
Sealing is highly recommended for stone bathroom floors like marble, travertine, granite and slate. It provides a protective barrier against stains and moisture damage. Porcelain and ceramic tile do not require sealing. LVP also does not need sealing.
Should bathroom floors be textured?
Having some surface texture is advisable for bathroom floors. Small grout lines, stone textures, wood grains or slip-resistant coatings help create friction and minimize slippery surfaces. Smooth flooring can get very slick when wet.
How do you cut bathroom flooring around pipes?
Use a hole saw drill bit in the size slightly larger than the pipe to cut circular openings in floor planks/tiles prior to installation. For corners and tight areas, use a oscillating multi-tool to precisely cut openings for pipes in the floor.
Can you put radiant floor heating under tile or vinyl plank?
Yes, radiant floor heating systems work well under tile, vinyl, laminate, carpet and more. The heating elements are embedded in mats that go under the finished flooring layer. This allows cozy floors that still look great.
Conclusion
When it’s time to replace your outdated or worn out bathroom floors, there are lots of excellent options available today. Porcelain tile remains a top choice for water-resistant durability and easy maintenance. For DIY-friendly installation, luxury vinyl plank mimics wood looks with total waterproofing. Wood-look porcelain recreates the beauty of real hardwood with added resilience. Natural stone tiles offer timeless elegance. Heated floors provide luxurious comfort. Consider all the fresh possibilities and choose new bathroom floors tailored to your needs and style!