Choosing the right flooring for your bathroom is an important decision that requires careful consideration of factors like budget, style, durability and maintenance. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to select the best flooring for your needs. This comprehensive guide examines the pros and cons of various bathroom flooring materials to help you make an informed choice.
Introduction
The bathroom is one of the most used rooms in a home, so the flooring needs to be attractive, water-resistant, easy to clean and able to withstand heavy foot traffic. However, moisture and humidity levels are higher in bathrooms, so the flooring also needs to cope with dampness to prevent warping, discoloration, mold and mildew.
When selecting bathroom flooring, key factors to consider include:
- Budget – Flooring can range dramatically in price. Setting a budget beforehand will help narrow down the options.
- Style/aesthetics – Consider the overall style you want to achieve – modern, classic, rustic, etc. The flooring should coordinate well with the fixtures, cabinets, countertops, paint colors and other finishes.
- Durability – Bathroom floors endure water splashes, dripping from showers and tubs, constant foot traffic and more. Durability and longevity are crucial.
- Slip resistance – Floors need to be slip-resistant for safety, especially when wet.
- Ease of cleaning – Bathroom floors need to be easy to maintain and sanitize.
- Water resistance – Moisture resistance is vital to prevent swelling, warping, discoloration and mold/mildew growth.
- Comfort underfoot – Consider whether you want a soft, giving surface or a firmer surface underfoot.
This article examines the most popular bathroom flooring options, looking at the pros and cons of each in regards to the above factors.
Ceramic & Porcelain Tile
Tile is an extremely popular choice for bathroom floors due to its durability, water resistance, easy maintenance and stylish appearance. There are so many colors, textures, shapes, sizes and patterns available, making it easy to find tile that coordinates with your decor.
Pros:
- Highly water resistant and moisture tolerant
- Durable and scratch resistant
- Easy to clean and sanitize
- Long lasting if properly installed
- Cost effective
- Stylish and available in countless options
- Doesn’t discolor or stain easily
- Slip resistant options available
- Can be used with radiant floor heating
Cons:
- Hard, cold surface underfoot – not comfortable for bare feet
- Grout lines prone to getting dirty
- Dropped objects can crack or chip tile
- Requires precise installation for longevity
- Can be noisy as sounds echo
Overall, tile is one of the best options for bathroom floors, providing a durable, easy to maintain and stylish surface. Just be sure to select a slip-resistant tile and have it professionally installed.
Natural Stone
Natural stone like marble, travertine, slate and limestone make a gorgeous, upscale statement in bathrooms. Each stone has its own aesthetic qualities, ranging from elegant marble to rustic slate. While beautiful, stone does require some maintenance.
Pros:
- Elegant, luxurious appearance
- Available in range of natural colors/patterns
- Cool surface feels nice underfoot
- Durability and longevity
Cons:
- On the pricier end
- Can stain, scratch and etch
- Needs yearly sealing to resist moisture
- Slippery when wet – requires textured surface
- Challenging installation – best left to professionals
Stone adds timeless beauty to a bathroom, but requires sealing and care to preserve its natural luster. Honing the surface provides vital slip resistance.
Vinyl
Vinyl is affordable, comes in myriad styles and is one of the most water-resistant options. Sheet vinyl, vinyl plank flooring, and vinyl tiles are top choices.
Pros:
- Very affordable option
- Extensive style and pattern options
- Easy DIY installation
- Very water resistant
- Relatively easy to clean
- Smooth comfortable surface
- Insulates floors
- Mimics stone, wood, tile
- Great for radiant heat floors
Cons:
- Prone to scratching and scuffing
- Can indent from heavy point loads
- Seams are visible
- Not as durable long-term as stone/tile
Vinyl provides the look of pricier materials with great water resistance at a fraction of the cost. Just be gentle with vinyl floors to keep them looking their best.
Laminate
Laminate mimics wood or tile floors with a durable surface layer and water-resistant core. Affordable and easy to install, laminate works well in low-moisture bathrooms.
Pros:
- Affordable option
- Easy DIY installation
- Wide range of styles
- Slip-resistant
- Durable and scratch-resistant surface
- Stains and fades less than real wood
Cons:
- Not very water resistant – prone to swelling when wet
- Seams are visible
- Not suitable for high-moisture bathrooms
- Can scuff, indent and warp
Overall, laminate can be a budget-friendly choice for low-moisture powder rooms or half-baths. But it’s not very water tolerant, limiting its use in main bathrooms.
Concrete
For contemporary, modern bathrooms, polished or stained concrete offers an edgy, industrial vibe. Durable and waterproof, concrete works best when hiring a professional.
Pros:
- Strong, durable and waterproof
- Stylish, modern appeal
- Stain resistant
- Endless finish options – gloss, matte, polished, stained
- Seamless installation
Cons:
- Expensive professional installation
- Very hard, cold surface
- Can crack and stain over time
- Requires extensive sealing
Concrete makes a bold style statement but comes at a price for installation, sealing and maintenance. For lower maintenance, opt for concrete-look porcelain or ceramic tiles instead.
Engineered Wood
New wood floor technology has created engineered wood floors specifically for bathrooms. The layered construction prevents swelling from moisture.
Pros:
- Warm, natural wood look
- Durable resistant to water
- Easy DIY click-lock installation
- Softer and warmer feel underfoot
Cons:
- Prone to scratching and gouging
- Needs refinishing over time
- Not as water tolerant as tile/vinyl/concrete
While engineered wood has come a long way, other options still resist moisture better over decades of use. But if you love the wood look, stick with engineered over solid hardwoods.
Key Considerations When Choosing Bathroom Flooring
- Opt for slip-resistant textures – glossy surfaces result in falls
- Porcelain, ceramic tiles rate highest for water resistance
- Have flooring professionally installed for longest life
- Include radiant floor heating under tiles for cozy comfort
- Select flooring that works with your existing fixtures and decor
- Expect to pay more for better quality you’ll appreciate for decades
- Stay within your budget – you can find options at any price point
- Avoid laminate and solid hardwoods around high moisture areas
- Keep flooring simple – limit patterns in small spaces
Conclusion
Selecting durable, attractive and water-resistant bathroom flooring that fits your budget and lifestyle is key. For heavy-use main bathrooms, tile, stone and vinyl tend to rate highest across factors like water resistance, durability, stain resistance and easy maintenance. Materials like laminate provide a budget-friendly option for low-moisture bathrooms. Consider radiant floor heating under tile floors for luxurious comfort. And don’t forget about slip-resistant textures for safety. With some thoughtful planning, you’ll be sure to find the ideal flooring for your bathroom.
