5 Best Bathroom Flooring Options (Which Is Right for You?)
Your bathroom is your personal sanctuary. It is also an extremely personal and functional space whose flooring should be attractive, long-lasting, and, thanks to regular exposure to moisture, water resistant.
A water-resistant bathroom floor isn’t a suggestion but a necessity. Long, steamy showers; overflowing toilets; and damaged pipes can mean prolonged exposure to moisture. So, while a beautiful bathroom floor is nice, one that stands up to moisture is the bigger concern.
Here are some good choices when it comes to bathroom floor materials.
Top Water-Resistant Bathroom Flooring Solutions
Different rooms in your home require different flooring materials. When it comes to your bathroom, water resistance is definitely a top concern.
Here are our top picks for bathroom flooring materials.
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Porcelain Tiles
A classic choice for bathroom flooring, porcelain tiles are both waterproof and durable. They can also mimic other, pricier materials, such as natural stone or wood.
Additionally, porcelain tiles can be installed on both bathroom floors and walls. That is why it is important to understand the difference between floor and wall tiles before installing them. Porcelain tiles have PEI ratings which help you understand the hardness and durability of the material. This categorization also enables you to figure out where this particular tile can be installed.
Other than periodical grout sealing, these floors are pretty low maintenance. It is highly recommended that porcelain tile floors are installed professionally for the best results.
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Natural Stone
Have you always wanted a luxurious bathroom? Durable and attractive stone tiles help you achieve just that. They are resistant to the high moisture conditions found in bathrooms from time to time. They are also not affected by changes in temperature and are suitable for radiant heating.
Natural stone tiles require periodic resealing to maintain their water-resistant properties. If you don’t mind, then this is the best solution. Also, if you are planning to put your house on the market, this is the perfect way to increase its ROI.
Natural stones are heavy, so you need proper tools and experience to install them. That’s why it is best to hire professionals. Please note: natural stones are expensive, so make sure your budget is adequate.
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Vinyl Flooring
Your bathroom is a special area that sees a lot of traffic. Vinyl flooring is an excellent choice if you are looking for a budget-friendly material.
In fact, it offers so much for the price that it is nothing short of amazing. Not only is vinyl inexpensive, but it is completely waterproof and low maintenance. Built to last, your vinyl flooring can take just about anything you can throw at (or spill on) it.
One of the best things about vinyl flooring, beyond its price and waterproof quality, is how accurately it mimics other expensive flooring such as hardwood and marble. So, you never have to compromise on style just because of its price. Explore the benefits of vinyl flooring to make a more informed purchase.
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Concrete Flooring
Previously dismissed for its cold, industrial look, concrete has made a major comeback. Durable, affordable and water-resistant, concrete flooring is a great choice for bathrooms. Plus, it can be dyed, polished and even painted to your liking to complement modern aesthetics.
Concrete flooring is resistant to water exposure and lasts a long time. In case your concrete floors need attention, they can be easily fixed. So, this is definitely a cost-effective solution for your home.
On the downside, concrete floors can become extremely cold and are prone to being slippery if finished with a smooth surface. If you are planning to get these floors, make sure to ask the finishers to leave a bit of texture for better traction.
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Engineered Hardwood Flooring
Water is not a good match for wooden floors. But engineered hardwood flooring is different. It has a hardwood veneer, but its plywood base offers improved stability over solid hardwood. Engineered hardwood flooring is a good option for bathroom floors if you really want to install hardwood flooring in your bathroom.
More affordable and durable against water damage than solid hardwood, engineered flooring also offers radiant heating features. Please note: not all engineered hardwood can accommodate radiant heating, so make sure the product you choose can.
Selecting a good flooring material for your bathroom should be considered after carefully evaluating your budget and lifestyle needs. Installing low-maintenance flooring that offers waterproof features or at least water resistance is very important. If you have trouble deciding on your bathroom’s flooring, contact your nearest home renovation store and seek their advice.