Whether you agree or not, the bathroom is one of the most important rooms in your home. Thus, it comes with special considerations when it comes to finishes – the flooring in particular. What is the main factor in these considerations? Water. Regardless of its form, water can cause lots of damage in any home. When you think about it, the bathroom floor catches the most water spills in any home. This could be from overspray, spill or leaks. Ultimately, water will end up on your bathroom floor, the walls, and even the ceiling! Since this is unavoidable, your bathroom must be able to withstand that amount of fluid.
To this end, when considering a bathroom remodel, it is good practice to research your options to determine the best bathroom flooring for your project.
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Bathrooms Need Waterproof Flooring
The emphasis in this article is waterproof flooring, not water-resistant ones. What is the difference between water-resistant and waterproof floors?
Water-resistant flooring can resist water. However, water can, and will soon penetrate the flooring causing damage. Waterproof flooring, on the other hand, is completely impervious to water or moisture. Water can sit on this floor without damaging the subflooring, even when it penetrates the material. In addition, the materials used to construct the flooring to make it waterproof also prevents the development of mold and mildew since there is no room for moisture permeation.
Top Options for Waterproof Bathroom Flooring
Ceramic Tiles
Ceramic is a very popular waterproof bathroom floor, mostly due to its versatility. This classic material comes in a spectrum of colors, shapes and designs, and it is also a great choice if you are on a budget. Ceramic floors are a good option for an average bathroom. However, you need to bear in mind that they absorb water more than porcelain floors. Most busy homes consider ceramic because its easier to maintain and clean.
Porcelain Tiles
Porcelain floors are the best option for people that need water resistant floors. Since porcelain is produced at a higher temperature, its resistance to water absorption is higher than ceramic. Although the cost of porcelain tiles is a little higher than ceramic tiles, it still comes at a reasonable price. One superb thing about using tiles is that you can continue the design or pattern from your floors onto the wall. Like ceramic tiles, porcelain tiles also come in different shapes and sizes to give your bathroom floor a beautiful finish.
Natural Stone
Stone floors are a delight when you need your bathing space to look luxurious. If you need your luxurious bath space to also be waterproof, you should also consider granite, stone, and marble floors. Ensure that the stone tile you select is of high quality, so it doesn’t get discolored, or worst still, damaged. No matter the type of stone tiles you select, it is recommended that you seal it to keep it protected. Real stone is quite porous by nature, which implies that it can permanently get stained if you don’t take necessary steps to protect it. For a luxurious, high-end bathroom finish, consider marble and granite stone flooring. If you prefer a warm or more rustic look, slate tiles is the perfect choice.
Waterproof Vinyl Flooring
I am sure that many people see vinyl as a poor choice for a waterproof bathroom floor. Contrary to popular opinion, vinyl is one of the best options for a bathroom. With pre-attached foam for foot comfort, luxury vinyl is one of the most inviting bathroom choices. As long as your vinyl floors are properly installed, you will never need to worry about water/moisture affecting the floorboards underneath. If you are concerned about slipping on the smooth surface of your vinyl floors, choose vinyl floors with textured surfaces as they give you more traction. With the right color, luxury vinyl can make your bathroom look fun and inviting, and it’s also a great choice if you want your flooring to flow from room to room.
Stained Concrete
There is always the option of using a finish on buildings with concrete subfloors or concrete foundations. However, be aware that concrete is not waterproof unless it has been properly finished and sealed. This is not really a DIY type project as it usually involves etching the concrete in order to prepare it for staining. Afterwards, there is extensive filling, patching and grinding. Stained concrete is inexpensive and provides a beautiful flooring option as it offers a variety of colour finishes, each unique to the concrete.
Flooring That You Should Avoid
Carpet
Although carpets feel comfortable and warm, moisture never dries out easily in carpets. This is worse when the carpet isn’t placed in an open area. In addition, carpet is not waterproof like many of the above options. However, if you wish to use carpets in your bathroom, ensure that the thickness is low, and that the material used to make it is 100% inorganic e.g. nylon.
Hardwood & Laminates
Engineered wood isn’t a good choice for a bathroom, neither are laminate woods. If you use them though, you must ensure that the wood is fully sealed because of its real wood layers. Most times the materials beneath wood layers are never water-resistant or waterproof. Laminate floors are also the same, so you need to clean all water spills immediately. If not, there is a chance that the floor would swell or warp.
Factors to Consider Before Getting a Bathroom Floor
Now that you know what flooring is recommended and which to avoid, you can make a wise decision for your bathroom. Remember these tips while shopping for new bathroom flooring:
Budget
Before embarking on a project of this nature, take a close look at how much money you need to spend. Consider things like the cost of installation and any additional material required. The first thing you need to do is to consider the price of every square foot of flooring. You can then increase the total price by a little bit to cover for excess flooring material.
Preference
Installing new floors in your bathroom really depends on your personal preference. You might want to ask yourself questions such as: “How does this material feel under my feet?” “Is this something I will enjoy for years to come, or it’s just a temporary trend?” Examine properly the features you want from your flooring to aid you in making a sound decision.
Maintenance
If you have a busy lifestyle or hectic work schedules, you might want to consider bathroom flooring that is easy to clean and maintain. Ceramic and porcelain tiles are easy to clean, while natural stone would need more attention as time goes on. Ultimately, you will want waterproof floors that do not easily get stained or damaged. Installing new floors is a huge investment, so it is very important to choose a material that will stand the test of time – and water.
Appearance
This is perhaps one of the most important factors to consider when getting a new bathroom floor. If you want something a bit more high-end, natural stone and luxury vinyl are excellent choices. Remember to look for different shapes and sizes of tiles to give your bathroom a creative touch. Choose versatile colors that will easily blend with your wall color, rugs, and other décor to create a beautiful space you will love.
Conclusion
The options above are the best choices for bathrooms when you consider durability, price, and aesthetics. Each material has its unique qualities, and they should do an excellent job of protecting your floors from water-related damage. The flooring options available today make it easy to bring beauty to your bathroom. From the simple vinyl to the luxurious marble, there’s a lot to choose from.
