Bathrooms say a lot about a home. When you design or renovate your bathroom, the first thing you should consider is the bathroom flooring. In addition to the floor, you have to consider the underlayment to make sure the bathroom is watertight and prevents the floor from cracking and shifting.
Porcelain and ceramic tiles, in addition to cork, vinyl, and stained concrete, are all popular choices for bathroom floors. However, you have to choose the one that suits your needs.
If you are considering a bathroom makeover or remodeling, it is best to research the best flooring for the bathroom. This blog discusses some of the top, durable, and beautiful options for your bathroom floor so that you don’t have to worry about damage and cracks.
What Should You Consider When Choosing Bathroom Flooring?
A bathroom is the wet zone of your home, and the floor you choose must be selected mindfully. Here are some of the factors that you should consider before choosing the bathroom flooring -
- Pick the Right Material: Choose a material that resists water without warping, swelling, or becoming a breeding ground for bacteria and fungus.
- Check for Durability: Consider the durability of the flooring, as the bathroom floor experiences heavy traffic on a daily basis.
- Opt for Textured Flooring: Bathroom floors can become quite slippery, and it is advised to pick textured flooring, like mosaic, that offers more grip when walking.
- Look for Easy Maintenance Materials: Pick a material that is easy to clean and maintain. For example, natural stone requires regular sealing, and materials like vinyl and ceramic need to be wiped occasionally.
- Choose the Right Grounding Element: The floor of the bathroom must complement the overall look. So, choose the flooring depending on the style of the bathroom. Choose complementary colors, patterns, etc., as they will enhance the room’s visual appeal.
- Pick Quality Material: Last, but the most important one, keep a budget in mind. Pick the material as per your budget, but remember not to compromise on the quality for a cheaper option. Materials like porcelain and vinyl fit into different budgets and also offers elegant look. Natural stone is expensive. When choosing the material, consider its long-term benefits and maintenance routine.
7 Best Flooring Options for the Bathroom
Here are some of the options that you can choose for your bathroom -
Natural Stone Tile
Natural stone flooring, such as travertine and marble, makes the bathroom elegant and relaxing. Investing in natural stone is considered wise because of its durability and water-resistant ability, which makes it perfect for water-prone zones. These stones have unique patterns which make them more appealing to the eyes, giving the space a sense of individuality and a unique character.
Mosaic Tiles
Mosaic tiles make the bathroom floor look personalized. These tiles have smaller sizes, which makes them the best choice for floors. They can also be used on walls or accent backsplashes. Mosaic tiles come in various colors, shapes, and patterns, which creates a playful environment. Additionally, it makes the bathroom appear more vibrant and clean because of the intricate patterns and varying colors.
Laminate
If you want a material that looks like wood, but without worrying about heavy maintenance, then consider laminates. These materials mimic the look of natural wood, are affordable, and durable. The water-resistant property of the laminates makes them perfect for bathroom flooring. It makes the bathroom look welcoming and charming.
Ceramic or Porcelain Tile
Porcelain or ceramic tiles are one of the most popular choices for bathroom flooring, as they can handle pools and water puddles. However, porcelain tiles absorb less water than ceramic tiles. Standing on certain tiles for a longer period of time can be uncomfortable, but porcelain and ceramic tiles are relatively comfortable. Also, these tiles, especially porcelain, do not absorb much water, which reduces the growth of mold and can be cleaned easily.
Stained Concrete
If you like the modern, industrial touch to your home, then you can choose a stained concrete floor. While most people usually opt for plain, poured concrete, other variations, such as dyed, stained, and textured floors, add visual depth.
A concrete floor is easy to clean and durable, but it needs regular sealing to prevent the surface from staining. Though concrete is waterproof, over time, with continuous water flow, it can turn slippery if not maintained properly. Also, the surface becomes quite cold, which may be a problem if you have elderly people at home.
Vinyl
Vinyl is 100% waterproof, easy to install, cost-effective, and popular in many households. Most homes use vinyl sheets, planks, and tiles, and it is considered best if you have children or older people. As it comes in larger sizes (approximately 5 inches wide and 48 inches long), it can easily be installed with zero seams and won’t take much of your time.
Moreover, you won’t need a substrate to install the vinyl, which can be costly. Though it is a DIY task, you have to be careful and ensure that the subfloor is prepped. This is because the bumps and gaps can be visible if proper precautions are not taken.
Cork
Cork is one of the most sustainable flooring materials, as it is made from the cork tree bark, and the plant doesn't need to be cut down to extract the bark. Though cork is not waterproof, it can resist water, which means you don’t have to worry about mold and mildew growth. You can top the surface with a polyurethane coat to protect the material.
Also, ensure not to install the cork flooring in a bathroom prone to excess moisture or humidity. This is because humidity can cause the cork to warp, expand, and contract. If your bathroom does have humidity issues, consider adding a dehumidifier. Also, consider using absorbent bath mats if you have cork flooring in the bathroom.
Conclusion
The best flooring for the bathroom depends on the type of bathroom, the humidity, and several other factors. Always consider the cost and maintenance factor when purchasing or narrowing down the options. You can choose any material from the above, as they are water-resistant and do not allow mold and mildew to grow. However, there are certain materials you must avoid, such as solid hardwood, carpets, etc.
