Unlike other places such as the kitchen and the living room, deciding on the best flooring for a bathroom can be a daunting task to some people. Today, you will have a wide array of options to choose from some of which are not suitable for use in the bathroom due to the conditions inside there.
Irrespective of the conditions inside your bathroom, you want a flooring material that will complement your theme and meet the traffic demands of the place. In the room, there is a high level of humidity, heat from the hot shower and many more other unique conditions.
What type of flooring is best? What is the best type of flooring for a bathroom? Can vinyl flooring be used in a bathroom? You will find an answer in this article for all these questions. One point that you will at least agree with me is that the moisture and wetness on the bathroom floor make it easy for a person to slip.
To counter a slipping and consequently falling incident in your bathroom, you need to buy non-slip bathroom flooring. Safety should be among the number one factors when selecting the best flooring for the bathroom. Styling and budget are the other two factors to consider. We now review some of the best floorings for the bathroom so that you can assess them based on your budget and other personal preferences.
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SomerTile Red FRC8PRVM Memoire Ceramic Floor and Wall Tile, 3.875” × 7.75”, Vermelho Matte
You will realize that your bathroom is mostly a wet place because of the reason well known to you. Given the typical conditions on your bathroom floor, you would like to have a flooring material that does not get damaged by the wet conditions. In that regard, is ceramic tile good for bathroom floors? This is what we are looking to discover by using this simple material.
What is good and equally bad about the FRC8PRVM Memoire ceramic floor? First, it is a high-quality bathroom material that can be used for both the wall and the floor. Remember, you need to cover your walls effectively so that water does not get absorbed in the wall material. Ceramic is an excellent material that does not allow moisture to be absorbed by the underlayment and the wall materials.
The appearance of this material is uniform which enables you to set a uniform tone of your bathroom décor. Besides, the material is scratch-resistant and long-lasting. For light-duty residential actions, this material will be a great choice. It is recommended for indoor installations such as bathrooms and even bedrooms.
White Porcelain Subway Tile Gloss Finish 2” × 8” (88 pieces – Box of 10 Sqft), Wall Tile, Floor Tile, Backsplash Tile, Bathroom Tile, Vogue Brand Designed in Italy
Before we get to discuss the specific bathroom floor pick in this case, we are going to ask ourselves, are porcelain tiles good for bathroom floor? Then we can next ask ourselves, what is the best porcelain floor tile? This is now we will see the usefulness of this choice.
You will find that one of the considerations when picking a bathroom flooring material is the ease of installation and maintenance. This white porcelain subway tile possesses all these attributes and is even easy to clean. With just a mop, you will have the surface clean and glittering.
Due to the material’s high-quality, you can use it for both residential and commercial purposes. It can withstand the impacts of the high-traffic hence it is ideal for commercial settings such as hotels and restaurants. It is ideal for both indoor and outdoor use, and besides, it is a long-lasting bathroom tile.
BlockTile B2US5130 Deck and Patio Flooring Interlocking Tiles Perforated Pack, Beige, 30-Pack
BlockTile is a brand that is renowned for producing high-quality flooring materials that are made from a high-impact polymer material. The tiles are durable and rigid. This enables them to support heavy traffic in the bathroom, which means that they can be ideal for both residential and commercial settings.
Are you aware that having a slip-resistant tile in your bathroom should be a number one priority? A slip-resistant tile improves the safety of the floor because you are not likely to topple. This particular pick is slip-resistant and strong though lightweight.
For easy installation, the tiles are easy to assemble; this means that you can do-it-yourself, which lowers the installation cost. Since the material is stain-resistant, it is easy to clean and make it appear shiny.
Bare Décor EZ-Floor Interlocking Flooring Tiles in Solid Teak Wood Oiled Finish (Set of 10), Long 9 Slat
If you are a proponent of the wood flooring surfaces, I give you this one as the best among the others you can find in the market. First, you don’t need to call a professional to install the flooring tiles since the installation process is easy and straightforward. It has a friendly installation process, which makes it one of the best-suited DIY even for the uneven floor surfaces.
You might have known wood as a fragile material, which develops mildew and molds under the humid conditions in the bathroom. However, for this special case, the wood is designed in a way that makes it weatherproof. The wet and humid conditions in the bathroom won’t affect the working of the EZ-Floor interlocking tile.
Over a long period, the floor will remain good looking and it will always have the ability to repel the water absorption, which makes its lifespan even longer. The maintenance of this floor surface is quite easy and does not require you to worry about toppling. The material itself is slip-resistant.
Achim Home Furnishings VFP2.0SS10 3-Foot by 6-Inch Tivoli II Vinyl Floor Planks, Spruce Silver, 10-Pack
Is vinyl flooring ok for a bathroom? What is the best flooring material for a small bathroom? Using this example of vinyl tiling materials, we will discover the pros and cons of vinyl flooring in a bathroom. One interesting discovery you will make is that vinyl flooring will always make your bathroom majestically lustrous.
Due to the great design of the tiles, the appearance looks more natural and makes your bathroom look simple but captivating to watch. Besides, the material is easy to install and will serve you for a long time. If you want to complement your bathroom décor, you will hardly go wrong with the use of Achim Home Furnishings.
The pick is great for a high traffic bathroom and does not encourage the mold and mildew buildup. Compared to the quality you receive from this material, it is high-end and inexpensive. It has a flawless appearance and you can easily install it without calling a professional. Thus, it is a do-it-yourself project.
Roberts 70-193A Super 360 sq 60 in. × 72 ft. × 3 mm Felt Cushion Role for Engineered Wood and Laminate Flooring Underlayment
Laminate flooring and engineered can be great bathroom flooring materials if used alongside the right underlayment. Roberts 70-193A should be a great underlayment if you intend to use either engineered wood or laminate flooring. If you have a large project whereby you are installing either laminate or engineered wood flooring, just buy a roll of this material and the underlayment will be great.
The underlayment is easy to cut and install according to the flooring needs. It will help to provide a cushion between the wood subfloor and the concrete. Given this, it makes the floor much safer for you in case you accidentally fall on the surface.
Flooring Ideas for Bathroom
Why should you invest in the right flooring material for a bathroom? As we disclosed earlier, the number one factor is the safety of the bathroom users. Buy slip resistance materials for use when flooring your bathroom. Think of a situation whereby you slip on the floor and gets a significant injury because of the wrong flooring material. Treating the injury might be costly, which means that you need to invest in the right flooring for the bathroom. Which are these ideal materials? Let’s look at them one by one.
Porcelain or Ceramic Tiles Flooring for Bathroom
Use of tiles as a flooring option in the bathroom is an ideal idea. In this case, both porcelain and ceramic make some great options when it comes to tiles. Even though you can be excited by the prospect of having the most durable and smooth bathroom materials, the problem is that they are likely to be slippery when wet.
The modern manufacturers are indeed aware of the slippery issues posed by ceramic and porcelain materials. These manufacturers are supposed to meet the ADA standards that make them slip-resistant despite being smooth. Any ceramic and porcelain material that meets the ADA standards is certified, which means that you have to inspect the availability of the certificate if you really want to use any of the two materials.
For the uncertified tiles, some people might decide to use mats on the floor. Does a mat look a great option? It is only used by those people who strictly want to use either porcelain or ceramic and no other material. The mats will reduce the risks of slipping and falling on the surface.
Non-Slip Vinyl Flooring for Bathroom
Can vinyl flooring be used in the bathroom? Yes! Maybe, it is one of the best flooring options for bathroom that can you can find in the market today. The material is resistant to slippery and is easy to maintain. Also, it is waterproof bathroom flooring, which means it does not get damaged by water. The material is durable and does not stain.
To minimize the chances of slipping, vinyl has built-in padding. Since no material that can perfectly prevent slipping, vinyl has the built-in padding to help lessen shock on your body in case you stumble. To enjoy this form of padding, you need to have an underlayment product beneath the vinyl floor.
If you are on a tight budget, vinyl is so much affordable. The product is less damaging, hence eco-friendly. In the market, you will find vinyl flooring that resembles ceramic tiles or wood, which are all intended to match your bathroom décor.
Glass Flooring for Bathroom
The modern-day great flooring materials for bathroom involve trendy options such as glass. Apart from being beautiful, glass materials are long-lasting. You can install the glass texture that you want, use your appropriate patterns and colors.
However, one problem that you will find with glass materials is that they are not slip-resistant. When the floor is wet, this is among the worst option you can find in the market today. If you are concerned about the safety of the bathroom users, a glass material might not be a great choice.
Some people still use of the glass material to install tiles but however add carpets and mats on top of them to prevent the risk of injuries. If you really want a glass tile in your bathroom, you better add a carpet or a mat on top of it to prevent the risks of tripping and consequently getting injured.
Carpet Flooring for Bathroom
In the old days, it was very common to find homeowners extend their bedroom carpet into the bathroom. With the use of carpet material in your bathroom, you are bound to enjoy a number of advantages including but not limited to diverse patterns, different carpet material types, and colors.
Carpets are designed to absorb moisture, which makes them a great option for bathroom use. They will improve the safety concerns in your bathroom since it is not easy to slip and fall in the top of a carpet.
But are there drawbacks to the use of carpet in your bathroom? The ability of the carpet to absorb moisture in your bathroom and keeping it creates situation mildew and mold buildup. Specks of dust, debris, and dander easily build up on top of the carpet material, which becomes difficult to clean.
Cork or Bamboo Flooring for Bathroom
In a bathroom setting, either bamboo or cork can work well. For trendy designs and appearance, this should be a great pick. If you want to minimize the sound traveling through space, this should be an ideal choice. These types of tiles are warmer compared to other types such as porcelain and ceramic.
Just like carpet, they are capable of absorbing moisture on the bathroom floor. Absorbing moisture means that you are not likely to fall on the bathroom floor since it is not slippery. Some cork materials are waterproof and won’t allow water to penetrate into them while others absorb moisture. In whichever the case, they lessen the chances of a slip in the bathroom.
On the flip side, their ability to absorb moisture can lead to the growth of mildew given the humid condition in the bathroom. If the moisture cannot dry quickly, this can lead to the buildup of molds. To hasten the dry up process, you need ventilation in your bathroom.
Rubber Flooring for Bathroom
Many people are unaware of the rubber usage as a flooring material. For those who want a slip-resistant material in their bathroom, this can be a very great option for use. The material will not become slick when allowed to wet. Rubber has a great cushion in the event you fall on the bathroom floor for whatever reason. If you are concerned about the safety of the bathroom users, this should a great option.
On the other hand, we have a number of limitations for those who would prefer the use of rubber material. First, the material is extremely expensive compared to other flooring options. Also, it is not a trendy flooring material for bathrooms even though it can be an option for those who want to appear different.
Bathroom Floor Accessories for Improved Safety
A few accessories in the key bathroom areas can help to improve the safety of the place. Most of these accessories are designed to be slip-resistant. The anti-fatigue floor mats are the best examples of these accessories.
They might be placed near the bathroom vanity or the sink area. When you are standing next to the shower or the mirror, these mats can be of great help to you since they lessen the chances of slipping and consequently falling on the floor.
Apart from the anti-fatigue floor mats, you can but the anti-slip strips to help lessen the chances of falling on the bathroom floor.
If you can remodeling your bathroom or you are just constructing it from scratch, and you can considering the bathroom floor materials such as hardwood, concrete, or natural stone, it is essential that you also invest in anti-slip floor accessories such as an anti-fatigue mat or an anti-slip strip.
Such an investment will not only make your bathroom look stylish but will improve the safety of your bathroom.
Top 5 Best Flooring Options for Bathroom
- Ceramic tiles – for bathtubs, pools, and showers, ceramic is a great choice. Ceramic has a great outlook, water-resistant, and it is long-lasting material.
- Sheet vinyl – for a heavily used bathroom, this might be the best flooring option. You won’t be challenged by the seam issues and the floor will be long-lasting.
- Vinyl tile – since they are made of waterproof plastic, they are easy to install and desirable choice for a bathroom. Nevertheless, the seams between the tiles might be a potential source of troubles when they get moisture.
- Sheet linoleum – since this does not involve the use of seams, it avoids the issues associated with the presence of moisture. In this case, you will get the advantage of all the water-resistant features of this material.
- Concrete – in most conventional bathrooms, people use concrete. It is the widely used material since it comes in a variety of colors and it is long-lasting.
Worst Flooring Options for Bathroom
- Carpet – you won’t find it easy to keep a carpet material clean. The carpet floor material will always collect moisture from the bathroom surface, which will always keep it wet. Your bathroom will always have a musty smell due to mold and mildew buildup that is enabled by the ever-present carpet.
- Solid wood – even if the floor material will appear beautiful on the bathroom surface; this cannot be a great choice. The reason is that a bathroom is a moisture place, which in many cases will cause the wood to crack and warp.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Best Flooring for Bathroom
We must have discussed seriously many options, which might have left you confused. So, how do you narrow down and pick the best flooring for the bathroom? Start with your priorities then follow some of the considerations that we are going to discuss here.
You will realize that these bathroom flooring options are priced differently in the market. What does that mean? It means that your budget can be a determinant in making a purchase decision. Therefore, you should decide what bathroom flooring material to choose based on the budget that you have.
Also, as you consider your budget, don’t forget the important attributes of good flooring materials for the bathroom. The option should be able to handle the humidity and moisture conditions in the bathroom without warping or smelling foul. Choose a material that is easy to maintain and long-lasting.
Best Flooring for Bathroom that is Easy to Maintain
Ceramic is the easiest bathroom flooring option to maintain. In fact, the material is stain-resistant, water-resistant, can withstand a lot of traffic, durable, scratch-resistant, and dent-resistant among many more others. The same case applies for the luxury vinyl material, which is a low maintenance flooring option. You only need mopping or regular sweeping to maintain the cleanliness of such materials.
Do-It-Yourself Flooring Options for Bathroom
If you don’t want to hire a professional to work on the installation process, you still have options. From the list of the available bathroom flooring options, luxury vinyl, engineered hardwood, and cork are the only selections that seem suited for a do-it-yourself project.
If you end up choosing cork plank flooring or cork flooring, the installation process will be quite easy. Since cork flooring requires a layer of underlayment, it might be necessary that you buy cork tiles as they come with the layer already attached on their base.
If you want to install the natural stone material, luxury vinyl will give you an even better option. You can grout them and cut them easily to make them realistically fit in your bathroom floor. The same should be the case with engineered hardwood. You will hardly struggle to install any of these bathroom flooring options.
Conclusion
In summary, the flooring industry presents with a wide range of flooring options for the bathroom. You need to be keen to select the best flooring for a bathroom based on the essential elements that we have discussed in this discourse. The functionality, appearance, and your budget are some of the essential considerations when picking the right flooring options for the bathroom. How well the material performs in the presence of water and moisture defines its effectiveness. Having water in the bathroom is quite normal, which means that you have to buy a flooring option that can work in wet conditions without developing molds and warping. Ease of installation, durability, ability to effectively work in wet conditions, cost, and appearance are important to consider before purchasing any flooring material for your bathroom.