Selecting the right flooring type for bathrooms is a challenging decision as there are various factors to consider. As bathrooms are prone to moisture, humidity, water splash, and temperature changes, it is essential to find a flooring type that can withstand these conditions. In addition, the appearance of the bathroom flooring can impact the room’s design, so by selecting an elegant, modern, or warm texture for the bathroom flooring, you can ensure the bathroom design will impact the general design of your space positively. In this article, you will discover the best flooring options that are suitable for bathrooms from both functionality and appearance.
1. Porcelain or ceramic tile for bathroom flooring
Porcelain and ceramic tiles are most of the time selected as the best flooring type for bathrooms due to their durability, style, and practicality. These flooring types are completely resistant to water if they are installed correctly. The density of materials in porcelain and ceramic tiles makes them highly resistant to moisture, so an ideal choice for bathrooms.
In addition, porcelain and ceramic can last for years due to their scratch and dent resistance without any need for special maintenance. The diversity of colors and patterns in porcelain and ceramic tiles is another important feature that helps you find the best design that suits your bathroom.
💡 Tip: By choosing matt finishes, you can reduce the risk of slipping when the floor is wet.
2. Vinyl flooring: Affordable and waterproof for bathroom
Vinyl is another popular flooring type for bathrooms. This budget-friendly flooring option offers enhanced functionality and style. Vinyl flooring is available in sheet, tile, and luxury vinyl plank (LVP). Vinyl sheets create a seamless, water-resistant surface and LPV format adds a luxurious and warm wood or stone appearance to the bathroom.
Vinyl flooring is fully water resistant, so it is a smart choice for moisture and water-splash-prone areas like bathrooms. The softer underfoot is another good feature of this flooring type. It stays warm during colder seasons or weather. An important point about vinyl is its affordable price compared to porcelain or ceramic tiles. Therefore, it can be a great option for property renovations.
3. Natural stone flooring for luxurious bathrooms
Natural stones are considered luxurious and timeless elegant flooring types, especially for places like bathrooms. This flooring option is suitable for those who prefer to invest in a perfect appearance and high-quality material. Natural stones include marble, granite, limestone, and slate, each of them with specific characteristics and texture, covering various tastes. They are extremely durable and can last for years with the right maintenance.
💡 It is important to consider that natural stones require regular sealing to maintain their resistance against water absorption and stains.
4. Engineered wood flooring for bathroom elegance
Engineered wood flooring is a combination of functionality and natural appearance. This flooring type, which is known for its durability and stability, is made of plywood with a hardwood top layer, so it is a suitable choice for humidity-prone places like bathrooms. Engineered timber flooring offers the natural beauty and warmth of real wood with a cozy atmosphere in the bathroom.
💡 Although engineered wood flooring is moisture resistant, it should be cautiously used and every water splash or spill needs to be wiped up to prevent warping or damage over time.
5. Cork flooring for eco-friendly bathrooms
The next flooring option for bathrooms is cork. This flooring choice is eco-friendly and unique and provides a comfortable and soft underfoot, while it is water-resistant. Cork flooring is made of the bark of cork oak trees without harming the trees, so it is a renewable and biodegradable flooring choice. Furthermore, it creates a very good sound and energy isolation, making it a quiet and energy-efficient option for bathrooms. It is important to follow a regular resealing procedure to ensure a longer lifespan and water damage prevention.
6. Laminate flooring for bathrooms: Cost-effective and stylish
The last flooring option for bathrooms is laminate. This flooring is a cost-effective, easy-to-install, and durable choice for places like bathrooms if maintained properly. Laminate flooring is available in different designs and colors, and due to its affordable price compared to natural stones or ceramics, it is very popular among house owners.
If you plan to use laminate flooring in your bathroom, it is highly recommended to look for waterproof laminates, as the normal laminate products are less water-resistant than other options and may swell by water splashes and moisture.
Factors to consider for bathroom flooring
Here are the most important factors that you need to consider when searching for a suitable flooring product for your bathroom:
- Slip resistance: As there is always the possibility of water splash in bathrooms, it is important to choose textured or anti-slip surfaces to prevent any physical damage to your body.
- Maintenance: Maintenance is a key point for bathroom flooring selection. The more sensitive a flooring is, the harder it is to maintain. Some materials, like stone and cork, require more care than vinyl. So, it is important to think about how much effort you can make to maintain the bathroom flooring.
- Budget: Think about the budget you are going to allocate to the bathroom flooring. Some flooring options like vinyl or laminate are less expensive than others like natural stone or ceramic.
- Appearance: It is also important to consider your whole interior design, especially the room where the bathroom is located. Therefore, based on the general design of your property, try to find the best match while also fulfilling other essential factors.
Conclusion
Choosing the best flooring product for bathrooms is as important as other parts of your home because this place is always prone to water damage, humidity, and moisture. So, you need to find the best choice among common products like ceramic, vinyl, laminate, natural stones, or cork. Consulting a flooring professional would help you in your final decision for the bathroom flooring type. MA Flooring is a flooring installation service provider in Melbourne that also provides high-quality flooring products. You can contact flooring experts for a free consultation before deciding about your bathroom’s flooring.