When it comes to picking bathroom flooring, the textile you choose must be able to take the heat. Your bathroom gets a ton of daily wear and tear, morning, noon, and night; it sees regular scrub-downs and plenty of splashes. It stands to reason that your flooring material should be able to stand the test of time.
Of course, like any room in the house, you want your bathroom to be visually appealing as well as practical. It all comes down to you to choose the flooring that looks good and will hold up under the stress and mess of daily life.
Which Flooring Material Is Best For Your Bathroom?
While water resistance is a critical concern, you’ll also want to consider a few other factors, such as ease of care, installation requirements, longevity, cost, and style.
Let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of each choice so you can decide what’s right for you.
Porcelain Tile
Porcelain is often the first thing that comes to mind when we think of quality. Porcelain is made of highly-refined clay fired at high temperatures, making it impervious to water damage. It’s super luxe, extremely durable, easy to clean, and the tiles can come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, textures, and prints. It’s compatible with radiant heating systems, and because it’s the best the market has to offer, it might increase your home’s resale value.
On the flip side, porcelain can get a bit pricey, both for the material itself and the installation. Because it’s dense and heavy, it’s harder to work with, so you’ll have to shell out for labor. It can also be quite cool and slippery underfoot.
Ceramic Tile
Ceramic is the cousin of porcelain and shares many of its traits—both good and bad. It’s water-resistant, durable, easy to clean, and aesthetically versatile. Ceramic is lighter than porcelain, making it easier to work with and a bit more affordable. When it comes to tile, ceramic definitely gives you the most bang for your buck.
Natural Stone
Natural stone is super luxe, gorgeous to look at, and has a price tag to match. Granite, marble, limestone, and slate will undoubtedly take your bathroom to the next level—if you can afford it. Fortunately, an investment in natural stone will yield a profit when it comes time to sell.
Stone is hard and durable. Although some of the more porous natural stones may absorb water, this can be resolved through regular sealing and quick cleanup when needed. Although it can be quite cool to the touch, stone is compatible with radiant heating. Some choices can be a bit of a slipping hazard when smooth, with the exception of naturally-textured slate.
Vinyl Flooring
Because it’s 100 percent synthetic, vinyl is also 100 percent waterproof! It’s easy to install, comes in large, cost-effective sheets, and is available in countless colors and styles. It’s also easy to replace if needed. Unfortunately, many homeowners find it a bit homely, and it might not add any significant resale value.
Laminate Flooring
Laminate might be a surprising contender for your bathroom, but hear us out. It consists of a bottom layer of compacted wood chips covered by an image layer and a protective topcoat. This topcoat seals it against moisture damage, and if the planks are close with very tight seams, there’s little chance that water will leak down to the particle board below. Laminate is easy to clean and care for, can mimic the look of both wood and tile, and best of all, it is super affordable.
Flooring Fails
It’s not often that we tell customers that there is a wrong choice for flooring, but there are a few you should most certainly stay away from when it comes to the bathroom.
Permanent carpeting is a huge no-no. It retains moisture, dust, and grime like nobody’s business—and that combination quickly becomes a breeding ground for bacteria. If you really want carpet in your bathroom, elect for a short pile that’s made exclusively from synthetic fibers, and be sure to clean it regularly.
Another one to avoid is hardwood floors. Yes, they are luxurious and look great in almost any room, but they lack protection against moisture, and any amount of water can cause the planks to warp and rot. Best to save this option for another room where you can get the most enjoyment out of it.
We hope this has given you some insight into the thrilling world of bathroom floors. When you’re ready to order and install, J.T. McDermott is here to help you get the job done. Connect with us today, and let’s get started!
