Americans spend over $400 billion a year on residential renovations and repairs. You’re about to hire a contractor to install a new bathroom floor but you’re not sure about the different types of materials. Sound familiar? If so, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s a breakdown of bathroom floors so you can find the best type for you.
Things to Consider When Choosing Bathroom Flooring
Before we jump into bathroom flooring options, it’s important to consider your needs so you can narrow it down. Consider whether you’re remodeling for a resale, revamping your bathroom, or if it’s for a new home. These scenarios will impact the type of flooring you choose. For instance, engineered hardwood promises a fantastic return on investment (ROI), great if your selling your home. You must also consider your budget and personal preference as you may be limited to what you can afford. Plus, choose bathroom flooring materials that work well with moisture and humidity.
The Different Types of Bathroom Floors
Now we can consider the different bathroom floor materials to find the best option for you. The selection includes:
Vinyl
Vinyl floor for bathrooms has been popular for decades as it’s inexpensive and is the most practical option. You can also choose luxury vinyl which can be installed over existing flooring while giving your bathroom a high-end look. Plus, vinyl is warm under your feet, a major bonus during winter.
Ceramic and Porcelain Tiles
This type of bathroom flooring is perfect for adventurous homeowners. You can find tiles that look like stone or wood, and come in every color and shape imaginable. Ceramic and porcelain tiles are high-quality and resistant to wear and scratches. It’s important to note porcelain is part of the ceramic family except it has a water absorption rate of 0.5% or less. Ceramic and porcelain bathroom floors are cool on your feet but it’s possible to install radiant or heated tiles underneath the surface so it’s less uncomfortable. And if you’re worried about slipping, choose textured tiles or smaller ones because the grout applied acts as a non-skid surface.
Glass Tiles
Glass tiles ooze luxury as it creates an illusion of depth, perfect for a small area like the shower. Glass is also resistant to stains, mold, and mildew and isn’t porous so it’s easy to clean. Again, choose textured or smaller glass tiles as it’s one of the smoothest floors.
Natural Stone Tiles
If you’re after a luxurious bathroom, look no further than natural stone tiles. You can choose from limestone, marble, granite, and find an array of colors like blue, red, gold, and green. Those after a specific texture can consider cleft, tumbled, or flame variations depending on your desired aesthetic. Even though stone tiles are durable, they need more maintenance including regular cleaning and sealing.
Plastic Laminate Tiles
Plastic laminate tiles for bathrooms are an excellent choice for those remodeling. But laminate floors have a wood chip base with a clear coat on top called the wear layer. This means standing water could infiltrate the floorboard and make the material expand and bubble. When the contractor installs a laminate wood floor in the bathroom, they must fill gaps along the walls, around the toilet, and bath-tub with caulk to prevent any water from seeping into the wood.
Cork Tiles
Cork tiles are perfect for those conscious about their carbon footprint but still want a stylish bathroom floor. Plus, cork is available in an array of colors, warm to the touch, and comfortable to walk on barefoot. It’s important to note cork isn’t fully waterproof so a contractor will seal your floor with polyurethane to protect it from water damage.
Engineered Hardwood
Those after a natural look should consider engineered hardwood. It has a plywood base that withstands heat or moisture, making it a popular option for bathroom floors. A major benefit is how engineered hardwood looks authentic as the top layer is a hardwood veneer. You can also choose from a range of species, colors, and styles to fit with your needs.
Bathroom Flooring to Avoid
The aforementioned are the best options for bathroom floors but it’s important to know ones to avoid. Two of these include:
Wall-to-Wall Carpeting
Carpet retains moisture for ages, a definite no-no for bathrooms. Those determined to feature carpet should choose a low pile and ensure the material is 100% inorganic like nylon.
Solid Hardwood
Unlike engineered hardwood, solid hardwood has no protection against moisture. This means the smallest droplets will seep into the wood and rot it out. Eventually, you’ll have to re-install your bathroom floor again, costing you a fortune.
We Offer the Best in Bathroom Floors
Now you know the best bathroom floors available. It’s important to consider your preference and budget before choosing the right material. Vinyl and laminate floors are fantastic as they’re inexpensive and versatile whereas engineered wood or stone is perfect for those after a natural style. Once you’ve chosen the bathroom floor, hire a contractor to ensure it’s properly installed and the material is the perfect one for your powder room. If you’re looking for a contractor to install your new bathroom floor, we’ve love to help. Contact us here for more information.
About the Author: Jim Yeager, Owner
