Don’t Even Consider #7 or #8!
You have waited long enough, it’s time to renovate your bathroom! While a number of factors can go into your bathroom renovation plans – shower, cabinets, bathtub, toilets, vanity and fixtures – it is most important to select the right type of flooring.
Bathroom flooring presents a bit of a challenge because, more than any other place in the house, it has to stand up to moisture from showers and baths. Moisture can lead to a slew of problems like mold, mildew, water stains, dislodged tiles, and damaged walls. Selecting the correct flooring that is water resistant and easy to clean provides long term benefits.
So, what is the best flooring option for a bathroom?
Below are 12 of the most common options for bathroom flooring, each having their own set of unique pros and cons.
- Porcelain Tile
Porcelain tiles are well suited for bathroom flooring since they are water resistant. Not only are they water resistant, but they are also very durable. Porcelain tiles are so durable they can last a lifetime if properly maintained.
Other advantages to porcelain tile include being easy to clean, stain resistant, and are not easily scratched. These qualities, along with the variety of colors and designs available in the market, make porcelain tiles one of the most favored tile options for bathrooms.
Some challenges that are associated with porcelain tile include their weight and difficulty to cut for installation. They are also more costly than other alternatives. Furthermore, the hardness of the tile can make it vulnerable to cracking if there are structural shifts in the home or foundation. Lastly, the grout between tiles can be challenging to clean.
- Porcelain Wood Plank Tile
Porcelain wood plank tiles have the elegance of wood and the durability of porcelain. For those who need a solution that is water resistant and rustic in appearance, it is the best of both worlds.
Introduced in 2013, porcelain wood plank tiles initially were initially limited in design and color. As demand continues to grow there are now seemingly endless varieties of color and design options. It has become one of the most popular bathroom trends for 2021. With an array of selection and variety, it is easy to find the best style for your bathroom.
Just like porcelain tiles, it shares the advantages of being easy to clean, stain resistant and not easily scratched. It also shares the same disadvantages as porcelain tile including the higher cost, heavy weight, and difficulty of installation.
- Ceramic Tile
Ceramic tiles are a popular option and one of the most commonly used types of tiles on the market. Dyes can be added to the tile so there are an endless number of options – sizes, colors, shapes, designs and finishing textures- to choose from.
As long as Ceramic tiles are glazed, they will hold up very well to moisture. Also, they are inexpensive, durable and can be easily maintained. These tiles are comprised from clay, sand, water, quartz, and other natural materials.
One of largest disadvantages of ceramic tile is that the tile itself can be easily cleaned, but the grout can be challenging to clean and may need sealing on a regular basis. Additionally, is a very hard surface that may make it less desirable for homeowners who find it less comfortable. The weight of the materials may make it an unfavorable choice for upper story bathrooms.
- Marble Tile
It is hard to beat the beauty of marble tile. It can transform your bathroom feel and give it a luxurious spa-like feel. There are two different finishes for marble floors. A polished finish creates a high sheen that details the grain and beauty of the marble. But it can become very slippery when wet and is not typically recommended for most bathrooms. A honed finish is less polished, but more reasonable for kitchens and baths which require better traction and stability.
Regardless of the unrivaled beauty of marble, there are some detriments that you should be aware of. The first is that it requires regular maintenance and upkeep. This is because marble has a porous surface. To maintain its beauty, the marble should be refinished at least annually with a high-quality stone sealer.
Marble can scratch and stain easily since it is a softer, porous stone. It is one of the more costly options, so deciding if it is worth the expense and upkeep to have unmatched beauty in your bathroom is up to your decision.
- Granite Tile
Granite Tile is very popular because of its beauty, durability, and moisture-resistant. It is also available in many patterns and colors. These traits, and the fact that it is so easy to clean and maintain, make it the tile of choice for many homeowners.
There are a few disadvantages to granite tiles. Granite is very heavy which makes it a challenge to install. Depending on the grade of granite you select, it can become very expensive. Granite can be very slippery when wet which can be a hazard with children and the elderly.
Granite works well in Texas since it is a warmer climate. If you live in a colder area, you may want to explore other options since granite doesn’t conduct heat well.
- Concrete Flooring
Concrete floors can be stained with practically any color and there are numerous types of polishes, textures, and finishes to select from. This allows you to be creative and stylish and personalize the look of your floors. This versatility is one of the main attractions of concrete floors.
An additional key benefit of concrete is that it is very durable and, if sealed properly, is resistant to moisture and staining. It is also low maintenance and cost effective which makes it attractive to many homeowners.
While concrete has many benefits it also has some disadvantages, specifically when it comes to the bathroom or areas where there is a significant amount of moisture. It can be hard, cold, and slippery when it is wet. If you decide to use concrete in your bathroom you will likely want to apply a specialized finish to avoid slipping after a shower or bath. Because it is very heavy, it can begin to crack over time if it is not sealed properly. Furthermore, the installation process can be labor-intensive and time-consuming.
- Wood Flooring
Hardwood floors can make a house look beautiful. It can add an elegant, rustic look to almost any space. This is what makes hardwood floors such a popular flooring option. It looks so good in the home’s living spaces that people often assume it would be a good option in their bathroom.
But are hardwood floors really a good option for bathrooms?
Despite their warm and welcoming look, there are some significant problems with using hardwood floors in areas where there is moisture. Hardwood floors can be susceptible to mold and mildew and will eventually experience cracks or warps from humidity. Hardwood floors are also prone to staining.
Wood flooring requires consistent maintenance and upkeep in order for it to last. If you do install wood floors in your bathroom, you will need to make sure the flooring is completely level, or it will lead to pooling water which will quickly damage your floors.
Though wood flooring is a beautiful feature in most areas of a home, we highly advise against using wood flooring in the bathroom. There are so many other amazing options that do much better in a moist environment.
- Carpet
While carpet does have its few advantages (inexpensive and soft) there are way too many downsides to using carpet floors in the bathroom. Carpet soaks up any moisture, which can cause mildew and mold. It can eventually absorb so much moisture that it can rot the subfloor underneath which can lead to other costly damages.
Carpet will easily stain and will likely lower the resale value of your home. The CDC actually recommends against applying carpet in the bathroom due to health concerns caused by the carpet soaking up moisture. These are the main reasons why we strongly recommend not using carpet in your bathroom
- Cork Tile
Cork tiles are not as popular as some of the other bathroom tiles we have explored, but it does carry some advantages. Its surface is softer making it more comfortable to stand and walk on. It insulates warmth well and is more moisture-resistant than hardwood floors or carpet. Damaged tiles are also easy to replace. Another attribute of cork is that it is an environmentally friendly option for those concerned with sustainability.
The large downfall of cork is that it is not as resistant to water as some of the other types of floors. Wet environments can be damaging on cork tiles and may cause the cork to become warped. Water can also seep into the seams and cause the adhesive to deteriorate. We wouldn’t recommend cork as a good option for bathroom flooring.
- Glass Mosaic Tile
Glass mosaic tiles bring a luxurious look and a high level of sophistication to your bathroom. They’re available in a large selection of colors and patterns. They’re easy to clean and perform well in environments where there is moisture.
The biggest hazard when it comes to glass mosaic tile is that it can be very slippery when wet. This can be a danger, particularly for young children and the elderly. It can be expensive, and the installation process can be very extensive. Ensure that the adhesive doesn’t show through the tile when beginning the install. It can be expensive to fix tiles due to their cost and the amount of damage incurred removing them.
Lastly, glass mosaic is prone to scratching and will likely not last as long as some of the other tile options. Unless you are completely sold on it as the look you are going for, you may want to steer away from glass mosaic tile.
- Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring has improved and progressed over the years and there are a variety of looks and textures available. If you’re using laminate in your bathroom, make sure it is waterproof laminate -if not, it will have a short lifespan.
Laminate is usually an inexpensive flooring option and requires little maintenance. It is easy to install, and many homeowners install it themselves.
Waterproof laminate is better fit for smaller bathrooms. You will want to use bath rugs since some laminates can become very slippery when wet. You will want to reduce the amount of humidity in areas where laminate is installed by using a dehumidifier, opening windows, and/or running the exhaust fan. If the humidity is not addressed, it can begin to peel and warp the laminate.
- Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl is the last flooring option on our list. Like laminate flooring, vinyl is an inexpensive flooring option and easy to install. Many homeowners decide to apply vinyl flooring in children’s bathrooms, laundry rooms, and mudrooms.
One of the most popular types is vinyl plank flooring. It comes in a wide variety of colors, styles, and designs. It is water-resistant and inexpensive and not as hard as the other options.
One of the key deficiencies of vinyl flooring is that it isn’t as easy to remove and is not an asset that raises the value of your home. It can become faded and discolored quickly. It can also be easily punctured. That being said, if you are looking for a quick, inexpensive option, this maybe a good choice.
We hope this article has helped inform you about the various types of bathroom flooring options available. The pros at Modern Blu Austin are available to assist you through the process as you create your dream bathroom!
Do you have any questions? Call Modern Blu Austin, at 469-546-7636 or contact us online to schedule an appointment if you are in the Leander, Cedar Park, or Lago Vista Areas.