Most flooring options are centred on appearance but the bathroom is the one place where you have more to consider than just the visual appeal. Here is our list of best flooring options for your bathroom.
Porcelain and ceramic tile
There’s a reason why porcelain and ceramic are classic bathroom flooring choices. Not only are they waterproof, but they’re also relatively inexpensive and can mimic the look of pricier materials such as natural stone or wood. In terms of styles, porcelain and ceramic are offered in an endless array of sizes, shapes, textures, and colours, so your design choices are practically limitless.
Natural stone
Durable and attractive natural stone always exudes an air of luxury, but it’s pricey and not completely waterproof. Softer materials like travertine and limestone need to be resealed every couple of years. And harder stones like marble and granite can last up to five years before having to reseal them. If you can afford natural stone and don’t mind refinishing the floor once in a while, it’s certainly one way to raise the resale value of your home.
Vinyl
For the past decade, vinyl has surged in popularity as a bathroom flooring material. This is because vinyl is water-resistant, reasonably priced, and easy to instal. This has resulted in a plethora of styles and designs flooding the market. The material comes as sheets, planks, or tiles, with sheets being the best option for bathrooms because the installation is virtually seamless, making it waterproof.
Engineered wood
Engineered wood is better than solid wood under high moisture conditions due to its dimensional stability. After all, engineered wood has a plywood base that holds up well against moisture. Plus, engineered wood flooring looks authentically like wood because the top layer is real hardwood veneer. If you wish to have natural wood in a bathroom, engineered wood is the best choice.
Concrete
Concrete bathroom floors are typically found in homes with slab foundations. You can also choose to have a concrete slab or overlay poured for a bathroom floor. The slab can be dyed, polished, stamped, or painted to create a sleek look that fits well with a modern aesthetic.
Cork
If sustainability is important to you, consider cork as a flooring material. Waterproof and comfortable underfoot, it’s an excellent choice for the bathroom. It’s also naturally textured, which makes it the perfect non-skid surface. Plus, cork can feature some beautiful and unique grain patterns. To protect your cork flooring from moisture, reseal it every couple of years.
