If you’re considering new bathroom flooring, you’re not alone. Bathroom remodels were among the most popular renovations in 2017, accounting for 47 percent of home renovations in a recent Houzz survey.
We know there’s a lot to consider when doing a bathroom remodel. If replacing your old bathroom floors is part of that remodel, you have several great options.
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Tile is usually the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of bathroom flooring. Porcelain tile in particular is a great choice for bathroom floors, since porcelain tile is required to have an absorption rate of 0.5 percent or lower, making it impervious to water.
Whether you go with ceramic or porcelain tile, you’re going to have a ton of design options. Tile is available in just about every look you can think of, from natural hardwood and stone looks, to fabric-inspired visuals and intricate, hand-painted designs. Tile is available in a number of different sizes and shapes as well. No matter what sort of look you’re going for, you’ll be able to find a tile option that works for you.
Look for tile with a high coefficient of friction (COF) rating, which determines how much slip resistance the tile has. A COF rating of 0.5 (dry) is acceptable for flooring.
Keep in mind that tile can be a cold surface – not ideal for chilly mornings! If you go with tile, consider radiant heating to keep your new bathroom floors toasty!
Whether you opt for luxury vinyl tile or sheet vinyl, you’re going to have moisture resistant or totally waterproof bathroom flooring. And it’s available in a ton of different looks. The most popular visuals in luxury vinyl are wood, which can be a little unexpected in bathrooms. (Personally, I think it makes the bathroom look more spa-like!) However, there are plenty of other design options that might look more traditional.
Because sheet vinyl is a seamless floor, it’s also a great waterproof option. And all vinyl is going to be softer and warmer underfoot than tile. Nobody likes cold bathroom floors!
There are several natural stone options that work well in bathrooms. Slate, for example, is great for bathroom floors because it’s naturally slip-resistant. Travertine is another popular bathroom flooring choice. Although it’s naturally a porous material, travertine tile is often filled with a similar-colored grout or epoxy to create a smoother surface. And honestly, is there anything more elegant and breathtaking than a Carrara marble bathroom?
Keep in mind that all natural stone flooring is going to require a bit of extra TLC. For instance, marble will require regular maintenance with special solvents, as well as re-sealing at least every year. And more porous stones, like marble, are more susceptible to etching and staining.
While natural stone is a bit more high-maintenance than some of the other options – and can come with a high price tag – many think the extra effort is worth it.
In the past, moisture and spills were a problem for laminate, but these days, more manufacturers are introducing water-resistant products. They could be the perfect new bathroom flooring solution for you! Personally, we think water-resistant laminate is a great choice for half-baths, where moisture or water coming from a shower or tub won’t be a issue.
Keep in mind, water-resistance is not the norm when it comes to laminate, so always check your warranty and make sure the laminate floors you choose are, in fact, water-resistant!
This post may contain references or links to products from one or more partners of our parent company and/or subsidiaries of our parent company. For more information, visit this page. Updated 9/20/23 Want to give your laundry room an upgrade and looking for the best laundry room flooring? You’re in the right place! Laundry rooms see […]
The kitchen is still the heart of the home, and LVP flooring remains one of the best options for kitchen flooring. Let’s discuss the benefits, top brands to consider, and features to look for in the best vinyl plank flooring for kitchens.
It’s a serious question: can vinyl plank flooring go in a bathroom? We hear you, we have your back, and we’re not wasting any time! Below we’re explaining all the pros and cons of using LVP in a bathroom, going over a few of the best vinyl plank flooring brands, and to wrap things up, answering any and all lingering questions!
