What is the Best Flooring Option for the Bathroom?

September 18, 2020

The best bathroom designs are those that balance style with function. A beautiful bathroom can feel like an oasis, but it is also a room that will be used often and needs to be able to stand up to that sort of traffic. Choosing a flooring option for your bathroom remodel needs to balance the look you want to achieve with the practicality of a floor that can stand up to moisture, kids, pets, and other messes that this room often finds itself at the center of.

What to Look for in Bathroom Flooring

When looking for a bathroom flooring option, you want to look for three basic things:

Durability

This includes how waterproof the flooring option you are looking at is. While there are some gorgeous floors out there, if they aren’t able to stand up to moisture, they don’t belong in the bathroom. Some flooring options market themselves as “water resistant”. This does not mean waterproof. Make sure you know what you are choosing.

Maintenance

Bathrooms need to be cleaned often, so choosing a floor that is easy to maintain is key. Regular sweeping and mopping is a given, but if you choose a flooring option that needs more maintenance, make sure you are prepared to keep up.

Look and Feel

Some bathroom flooring options feel much colder than others on your feet. If installing radiant heat isn’t an option and you want a warmer feel, certain flooring might not be the best choice.

Flooring Options for Best Bathroom Designs

Bathroom flooring has evolved considerably from years ago. There are plenty of options to choose from. Since bathrooms tend to be smaller, choosing a flooring material has less budget impact while providing a fresh new look. Some of the options include:

Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl is a waterproof option that can be styled to look like higher end flooring. It feels good to walk on and can be installed over existing flooring, which makes it budget friendly. Vinyl can look like wood, stone, or tiles. However, if it is not installed well, it can look cheap, so professional installation is important to your investment. Vinyl is also not as long-lasting as other materials.

Ceramic or Porcelain Tile

Tile is cold and hard, but there are many styles to choose from, and tile is durable, waterproof, and stain resistant. You can find an option that fits any style, and tile can even mimic the look of wood. Tile is very easy to clean and maintain. There are many different price points, however, tile is very difficult to install, so finding a skilled professional is very important.

Linoleum Flooring

Linoleum is a traditional choice, but today’s styles are making it an attractive one. It has many of the same benefits of vinyl, is impervious to water, and can be very stylish while remaining budget friendly.

Engineered Hardwood

Traditional hardwood is definitely not bathroom friendly, but engineered hardwood, made of multiple layers with a veneer top, can hold up to the high humidity and moisture of a bathroom. It is more expensive, and is water resistant, but not waterproof. If there is a leak or water is allowed to sit, it can be damaged and is expensive to repair. It will require more care and maintenance than other styles of flooring.

Stone or Concrete

Stone will give your bathroom a very high end look. However, it’s much higher maintenance, requires regular cleaning and sealing, and can be pricey. Concrete is used in modern designs and can be polished and sealed for use in a bathroom. Once it’s installed, it is very easy to maintain.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Bathroom Flooring

With so many good options for the best bathroom designs, it can be hard to narrow it down to the best flooring option. Every homeowner needs to consider their own personal situation and think through several factors, including, who will be using the bathroom, how diligent you can be about maintenance, what your budget is, and the purpose behind your remodel.

With so many viable flooring options to consider, it can be hard to decide which is best! Look closely at your budget, style, and maintenance ability to find the floor that is right for you. Talking to a professional can help you figure out the right fit for your home. Contact Community Renovations to speak with our skilled professionals about your bathroom remodel today.