The bathroom is one of the most important rooms in the home and bathroom flooring plays a big role in creating an inviting space.
There are many choices available ranging from traditional materials such as ceramic tile, porcelain and natural stone, to modern materials like vinyl, engineered hardwood, and laminate. Each type of bathroom flooring has distinct characteristics that make them suitable for different lifestyles and designs.
With so many styles and materials out there, it can be confusing and overwhelming to know how to get started on finding the right flooring for your space and aesthetic preferences.
To help you make an informed decision, this blog will provide an overview of the various types of bathroom flooring options and what sets them apart from one another.
By taking the time to weigh your options, you’ll be well on your way to creating a space that offers both form and function.
5 Bathroom Flooring Types to Consider
When it comes to selecting a bathroom flooring material, considerations include things like durability, installation, on-going maintenance, and of course, your own personal tastes and preferences. Whether the flooring is water-resistant or waterproof will depend on the type and the brand, but it is an important factor to consider, especially for a bathroom. Thankfully, there are many flooring materials on the market that offer these important functioning factors in a variety of styles.
Take time to weigh up each material and determine which best suits your style, budget, and practical needs. Your decision will play a part in defining your space, providing a pleasant aesthetic, and offering functional benefits.
Here are 5 types of bathroom flooring options to consider:
Natural Stone Tile Flooring
Natural stone tiles, such as marble, granite, limestone and travertine, provide a luxurious and timeless look to any bathroom area.
Natural stone easily blends in with any décor and provides a highly durable and long-lasting surface. These tiles are highly water-resistant and can withstand the humidity in most bathrooms.
While natural stone has many perks, this type of flooring also comes with a higher price tag, particularly when it comes to installation and maintenance.
Installing natural stone tiles can be a complicated and time-consuming process since each tile needs to be cut and fitted together correctly. As a result, it’s best to seek professional installation for this material.
In addition, natural stone tiles should be regularly sealed to maintain their water-resistance, as this can help extend the life expectancy of the flooring.
It’s important to be aware of this long-term investment in the regular maintenance of the tiles and to factor in these costs. However, if you are willing to make the investment, natural stone is a high-end option that will last for years to come.
Ceramic Tile Flooring
Ceramic tile is a popular choice for bathrooms due to its durability and water-resistance. Aside from coming in a vast array of colors, textures and styles, ceramic tile is also highly durable and can be cleaned with mild detergent and a soft cloth.
However, one of the biggest drawbacks of ceramic tile is that it can be slippery when wet, so it may not be the best option for those with small children or elderly family members. Porcelain tiles are denser and less porous, so they are better suited to wet areas like bathrooms, but the cost is higher.
Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl is one of the most cost-effective and popular water-resistant options due to its durability, low maintenance requirements and affordability. Vinyl flooring is available in a variety of colors and styles such as sheets, planks and tiles and are meant to mimic the look of ceramic tile or hardwood at a more economical cost.
If you’re not wanting the slick surface of ceramic or the high cost of porcelain, luxury vinyl tile (LVT) could be the perfect solution. Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) is resilient and incredibly stylish, which makes it the perfect choice for high-traffic bathrooms.
With LVT you can achieve the same great look at a more affordable cost and a simpler installation process. Another perk—LVT provides more cushioning than ceramic tiles or porcelain tiles do.
Vinyl flooring can be installed fairly easily, so it’s also an attractive option for DIYers or busy homeowners and it’s also easy to clean and maintain, making it a great long-term option for your bathroom.
Laminate Flooring
Water-resistant laminate floors are a great alternative for those who want the look of hardwood, but need the enhanced water-resistance..
Laminate comes in a variety of colors, patterns, and textures that mimic ceramic tile or hardwood floors at a fraction of the cost. It is a great option for resisting everyday wear and tear but can scratch or dent easily over time and it is more susceptible to water damage than some other flooring types.
Laminate gives you the look of hardwood without the high cost or installation hassle that comes with hardwood flooring. Though laminate is easier to install than hardwood it’s not considered to be as DIY-friendly as vinyl flooring.
Engineered Hardwood Flooring
Finally, engineered hardwood flooring is a durable and water-resistant option that brings warmth and natural beauty to bathroom designs.
This flooring type is well suited for the wet, humid environment of a bathroom, as it is more water-resistant than solid hardwood, however, it can be more expensive than other flooring options such as laminate and vinyl flooring.
This type of flooring has real wood on top with layers of synthetic material below, making it more stable than solid hardwood flooring. It can be used in wet areas such as showers but needs to be sealed regularly to protect against water damage as the water-resistant coating can wear away with excessive moisture.
One downside of engineered hardwood flooring is that it is not as easy to install yourself. If you do opt for professional installation you need to factor that into the overall expense. When properly installed and maintained, engineered wood floors are extremely durable and can last for many years.
As you can see, there are many bathroom flooring options to choose from. Each type of bathroom flooring has its own distinct characteristics and benefits, so it’s important to do your research before making a decision.
With any water-resistant flooring, it is always important to make sure your bathroom is properly ventilated and always ask about maintenance to ensure you know what is required to keep your floors in top condition.
Ready to Get Started?
Choosing the right flooring for your bathroom can be a challenging decision. With so many options available, it’s important to take the time to explore the different bathroom flooring options to find what will best suit your needs, budget and personal style.
Floor It 41 can help you weigh the pros and cons and provide guidance in your journey. As experts in flooring types, installation and maintenance, we specialize in providing our customers with a wide selection of reliable and stylish bathroom flooring solutions.
With the right bathroom flooring in place, you can create an inviting and stylish space that will stand the test of time.
For more information on our bathroom flooring options offered by Floor It 41, please view our selection on our website or contact us directly. We look forward to helping you create the perfect space!
