Look, I get it. You are in your bathroom, and are likely shuddering at those old tiles that were laid back in 1987, and how you can make a change to this place without emptying your wallet or your hair, nor lose your head. I know, I know, I have been there at times, standing in front of my own floor and saying to myself, there must be something better than this.
Having remodeled three bathrooms (with a few unbelievable successes and failures), I have understood that the flooring can ruin or save the whole atmosphere of your interior. The good news? You have a lot more choices than you would imagine, and they may not be as far-fetched as you would imagine.
Luxury Vinyl: The Overachiever That Actually Delivers
I would begin with the item that I believe is the queen of the flooring in the bathroom luxury vinyl planks (LVP). You may want to scorn your nose by thinking that vinyl is cheap, but listen to me. Nowadays the luxury vinyl has developed so much that I have even received guests who have questioned me whether my new floors were made of real hardwood.
It is waterproof which makes it ideal in the bathrooms and installation? It is just something you can literally do on a weekend. I put mine in my guest bathroom and even my perfectionist mother in law was amazed by the way I did this thing.
Key benefits:
- 100% waterproof (not just water-resistant)
- Easy DIY installation with click-lock system
- Realistic wood and stone textures
- Budget-friendly without looking cheap
Porcelain Tiles: The Classic That Never Gets Old
The porcelain tiles still are the gold standard of floors in bathrooms and, frankly speaking, it is not in vain. They deal with moisture like bosses and they come in styles that will make your head spin like sleek and modern or rustic farmhouse.
This is what I had to experience: size counts. The large format tiles (12×24 or larger) will leave a smaller number of grout lines and that means fewer lines to be cleaned and also it will have a more flowing appearance. Additionally, the number of grout lines decreases, and the number of places where mold can hide reduces.
Large Format vs. Small Tiles
| Aspect | Large Format | Small Tiles |
|---|---|---|
| Maintenance | Less grout = easier cleaning | More grout lines to maintain |
| Visual Impact | Makes space look bigger | Creates texture and pattern |
| Installation Cost | Generally more expensive | More affordable labor |
Natural Stone: When You Want to Feel Fancy Every Morning
Like to feel like you are in a spa each time you enter the bathroom? Flooring made of natural stone provides said feeling of opulence. I mean marble, travertine, slate the stuff.
However, the natural stone is a matter of commitment. It will require that you periodically seal it and some of the stones (looking at you, marble) are maintenance intensive. So that you ever spilt lemon-juice on unsealed marble? Yeah, don’t do that.
Popular natural stone options:
- Marble: Ultimate luxury but needs regular sealing
- Travertine: Great texture, naturally slip-resistant
- Slate: Durable and naturally water-resistant
- Granite: Extremely durable, various color options
Ceramic Tiles: The Reliable Friend You Can Count On
Ceramic tiles are such a friend that is always there when you need him or her – faithful, economical, and not as diverse as you thought. It is possible that they are not the most sparkly things, but they will get the job done without any drama.
The amount of variety in the present day ceramic tiles is staggering. You may have the alternatives of wood, stone, cloth, or even metal. Recently, I was at a place where there were ceramic tiles that appeared to be almost reclaimed wood, so much so that I was forced to feel them.
Engineered Hardwood: The Risky Business Choice
Now, this one’s controversial. Is it possible to use engineered hardwood in the bathroom? Technically, yes. Should you? That, however, is a matter of risk-taking and ventilation conditions.
I experimented with this in my half-bath (the one that has no shower), and it served me very well in three years. The trick lies in a good ventilation and minimum exposure to water. Would I do it in a full bathroom including a shower? It is unlikely but on the other hand, I have not come to destroy dreams.
Concrete: Industrial Chic That Actually Works
Floored with concrete polished floors possess this fantastic industrial-chic look that makes your bathroom look like it is located in a trendy loft. In addition, concrete is waterproof when well covered.
It is not simple, and professionals are needed during the installation process, but the final result is worthwhile. You are provided with a slick, contemporary appearance that is virtually unbreakable. The only thing you need to do is to put some rugs to keep it warm, concrete is cold on bare feet!
Bamboo: The Eco-Friendly Surprise
This is something which may come as a shock to you, bamboo flooring can also be used in bathrooms on a condition that it is treated. It is naturally antimicrobial and is oddly water resistant.
I have not yet tried this one myself, but my friend Sarah fitted strand-woven bamboo in her master bathroom two years ago, and it continues to look amazing. The trick is by ensuring that you acquire good bamboo that is specifically designed to be used in wet places.
Rubber Flooring: Not Just for Gyms Anymore
Before you laugh, hear me out. The contemporary rubber flooring has diversified much more than those industrial gym floors. There are rubber tiles which resemble stone, or wood or have odd geometric designs.
Why rubber works in bathrooms:
- Completely waterproof
- Naturally slip-resistant
- Comfortable underfoot
- Easy to clean and maintain
It is not a universal thing, yet in case you need something special and convenient, rubber can be the solution.
Cork: The Warm and Cozy Option
Cork flooring is great on your feet, warm, soft, and antimicrobial in nature. It is also an eco-friendly decision in case this is important to you (and I think it should).
The cork trick lies in the correct type. You require the cork that is designed to fit well in wet places and is sealed. It makes your bathroom a spa when done properly and it makes the bathroom seem more like a retreat.
Vinyl Sheets: The Budget Champion
Speaking of vinyl sheet flooring – the choice that your wallet is going to adore. Vinyl in the present age is not the linoleum of your grandma. They are very attractive in shapes and colours, easy to install and deal with bathroom moisture like professionals.
The smooth installation is that there are no grout lines to fret about and in case you make a mistake in the installation, you do not lose a fortune. Best on first time DIYers or rental property.
Penny Tiles: Vintage Charm with Modern Function
Penny tiles add grave old-fashioned style to any bathroom. These tiles are small, round, and make unbelievable texture and visual interest. And those grout lines are really very good slip resistant.
In my powder room, I took white penny tiles and they present this traditional, old fashionable appearance which is not going to pass out of style. Note of caution though, it is a pain to clean all those lines of grout.
Glass Tiles: Light and Bright
Glass tiles also have the benefit of reflecting light which makes the small bathrooms to appear larger and brighter. They are non-porous, hence there is no water or stains.
The installation is a bit more skillful (glass is hard to cut), but it is worth the light effect. All you have to do is not use glass tiles in wet places that are smooth on the surface you want some texture of the tiles to prevent slipping.
Mosaic Patterns: Artistic Expression Underfoot
Patterns and colors are made possible using Mosaic tiles. You can come up with a gorgeous geometric pattern, flowing organic patterns, or traditional borders and medallions.
Popular mosaic materials:
- Ceramic and porcelain for durability
- Natural stone for luxury appeal
- Glass for light reflection
- Metal accents for modern edge
Heated Floors: The Ultimate Luxury Addition
And this is where it becomes interesting – radiant floor heating. Enhance the thought of walking on cold mornings on warm floors. The device is compatible with the majority of floors and transforms your bathroom into a five-star hotel.
The cost of the installation will add to your project, however, FYI, it will also add serious value to your home. I put down heating floors in the tiles of my bathroom master and it is literally changing my life in winter.
Waterproof Laminate: The New Kid on the Block
Waterproof laminate is everything bathrooms could not have before that was traditional laminate. It appears to be genuine wood, goes up without difficulty and it does not swell or bend under moisture.
In the recent years, the technology has been enhanced significantly. Such floors survive severe water tests – days of standing water without being harmed.
Mixed Materials: Creative Combinations That Work
Why not use the same material and be mixed up? I have also seen beautiful bathrooms with various flooring materials used to form some areas or enhance the appearance.
Popular combinations:
- Tile in wet areas, wood-look vinyl in dry zones
- Mosaic accents with larger format tiles
- Stone borders with ceramic field tiles
- Heated concrete with area rugs
Making Your Final Decision
Then how are you going to make a choice? Begin with your budget, think about your DIY capabilities and think about overall maintenance. The most appropriate flooring in the bathroom is the one that you will appreciate in the next five years.
Keep in mind that you are not picking up a flooring but building your own everyday life. Choose something that you smile when you enter the house, can withstand the wetness, and suits your lifestyle better.
You can choose classic porcelain, fashionable luxury vinyl, or an entirely new and remarkable option such as cork but remember to make it reflect your personality. You will be seeing it first thing in the morning and last thing at night after all.
Your bathroom floor must be as laborious as you are, look fantastic in the process, and perhaps even force you to feel a little fancy in the process. And now go out there and make your friends envious of a bathroom floor! 🙂
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