Choosing the right type of flooring around the toilet for a bathroom remodel is essential to create a space that feels both welcoming and professional. There are many different types of bathroom flooring but it’s quite hard to decide which option is best for your bathroom design.
Here are some of the most commonly used bathroom flooring and the pros and cons of using them.
Different Types of Bathroom Flooring Options for Remodeling
1. Hardwood Bathroom Floor
Hardwood bathroom flooring is a popular choice for many homeowners because it’s aesthetically pleasing with its natural appearance and variety of colors and grain patterns.
However, the bathroom is a high-traffic area with lots of moisture. This means that there are more opportunities for mold or bacteria to grow.
Wooden floors are generally easy to clean and maintain, but they do require periodic refinishing or waxing.
2. Laminate Bathroom Floor
Laminate is a great option for bathroom flooring because it is durable, easy to clean, water-proof, and low-maintenance. Laminate floors are made of a hard, synthetic surface that is designed to look like wood and ceramic tile.
The best part about laminate is that you won’t have to worry about replacing it if something spills or you get a few scratches on the floor. Plus, you can simply refinish the surface using any number of different coatings including water-resistant sealants or waxes.
Laminate flooring is a great alternative to hardwood floors because it has the same look as hardwood at a fraction of the price. Laminate bathroom flooring is a popular option among homeowners who want to make their bathrooms more cozy.
While this type of flooring is inexpensive and easy to install, it does have some disadvantages. Laminate bathroom flooring can be prone to staining due to its polished surface, which makes it difficult for the stains to be removed. Additionally, laminate bathroom floors are susceptible to scratching because they are not made from real wood. Damages can also affect how well laminate bathroom floors wear over time.
No one wants their bathroom to be a wet mess, but if you have a laminate bathroom floor, things can get a bit sticky. Unfortunately, this surface is also very high in water absorbency which means that when a spill occurs, it can quickly seep into the flooring material resulting in warped boards and damaged grout, which can be a costly fix!
3. Linoleum Bathroom Floor
Linoleum bathroom flooring is a type of natural material that doesn’t stain easily, which is why it’s a popular choice for bathrooms. It does not require any sealing, which makes it easier to care for than hardwood or tile, but it will wear down faster than those options. Bathrooms are places where you walk barefoot on linoleum, so they often show signs of wear.
Linoleum makes for easy maintenance. It’s available in many colors to match any decor style and can be installed over existing flooring surfaces, making it a great DIY project.
4. Vinyl Bathroom Floor
Vinyl bathroom floor is a perfect addition to bathrooms of newly constructed homes or remodels. Vinyl is made from durable synthetic materials that can withstand moisture and occasional spills from cleaners and shampoo bottles. Another plus for vinyl is that it is mold resistant, which takes away the worries that come with having a wood or tile floor.
Vinyl bathroom flooring is an inexpensive option that can be installed in just a few hours. Installed correctly, it requires little maintenance other than occasional sweeping and damp mopping. Unlike ceramic tile or linoleum, untreated vinyl can be cleaned with just water and soap without the fear of damaging the surface.
5. Ceramic Tile Bathroom Floor
Ceramic tiles are excellent for bathroom flooring because they are attractive, clean easily, and are moisture resistant. Along with these benefits, they also offer an easy installation process that can be completed by any homeowner.
The benefit to many homeowners is that the ceramic tiles will not dull or fade over time, which saves them money on expensive upkeep. What makes this even better is that it is relatively inexpensive and easy to install, so the only thing left to do is choose the design you like best.
The downside of using ceramic bathroom floor tiles is that they can crack and break. When ceramic cracks, it can come loose and later be pulled right off the substrate. Ceramic tile may also chip if dropped or banged against hard objects. If the tile or grout cracks and starts to chip away, it can be very costly and time-consuming to replace due to the precise cuts needed.
6. Porcelain Tile Bathroom Floor
Porcelain tile bathroom flooring is a great way to keep your bathroom looking clean and neat. With the right type of cleaner, it is easy to wipe down the wet tile. The porcelain tile will absorb any spills that may occur on the surface without any trouble.
There are many advantages to installing porcelain tile in your bathroom. Not only can it withstand moisture, but it is also resistant to mold and mildew. Porcelain tile floors are also an attractive addition that can be installed quickly.
Porcelain tiles can also be used as accents, highlighting specific areas of your bathroom.
7. Concrete Bathroom Floor
Concrete is an excellent choice for bathroom floors because it’s extremely durable. It’s also moisture resistant and stands up to the high levels of humidity that bathrooms produce. A concrete floor provides a smooth surface that is easy to clean and maintain, making it ideal for bathrooms with people who have mobility limitations.
The problem with concrete surfaces is that they’re not easy to repair if one section is damaged. In fact, it’s more expensive to have a concrete floor replaced than a standard wood or tile floor. Not only is the material itself expensive, but the process of removing the surface and applying a layer of cement over a new floor base creates a major mess and can take weeks to complete.
8. Natural Stone Tile Bathroom Floor
Adding a natural stone tile to your bathroom floor can add an elegant look to any bathroom. Natural stone tiles provide a textured surface that is popular in modern homes and may be more durable than vinyl or other less expensive materials.
Natural stone tiles like marble, travertine, and slate are great choices because they are durable. They also come in many different types of patterns and colors. There are plenty of cleaning methods you can use for your natural stone tile including sealing, mopping, or scrubbing with vinegar or baking soda.
However, there are some disadvantages to natural stone tile, such as natural wear and tear, susceptibility to staining, and increasing maintenance over time. Cleaning products and other harsh substances can leave scratches or chips in the tile.
Natural stones tiles can be expensive to buy as well as to maintain. These types of tiles are also difficult to install which adds unnecessary installation costs on top of the initial price tag for the tile.
9. Cork Bathroom Floor
Cork bathroom flooring is a natural and sustainable product, typically made from the bark of an oak tree. It’s designed to be anti-slip so it will not leave you struggling to keep your footing in the bathroom.
It can replace any type of flooring, such as linoleum or vinyl that might contain harmful chemicals that could cause problems for those with allergies or sensitive skin.
One way to add a little bit of the outdoor feel to any space is with cork flooring. Cork is a natural product that is easy on the feet, durable, and easy to clean.
Cork flooring can be installed in your bathroom or kitchen. The benefits of a cork floor in a bathroom are numerous. Not only does it help reduce noise levels, but it also provides a nice warm surface for your feet on cold mornings after getting out of the shower or bath.
The downside is that cork bathroom floors tend to be more expensive than the other materials and the installation process can be time-consuming. You also need to apply the best water-resistant sealer to keep it moisture-free.
10. Pebble Tile Bathroom Floor
Pebble tile bathroom flooring has become popular in recent years, but it can be difficult to install and keep clean. It gives that natural-spa look that many homeowners are going for. They are aesthetically pleasing and very hardy. Installing these tiles will be tricky because of how grout lines are used to fill any gaps between the individual stones. Grout installation is not simple but if done correctly, the stone will look like it has been there forever.
Many people are not aware of the benefits of using pebble tile for their bathroom floor. Pebble tile is different from other flooring options because it will need a lot of grout to fill in the spaces between each pebble. Additionally, this type of flooring can be difficult to install. A new homeowner must get an outside contractor to install this type of flooring.
11. Terrazzo Bathroom Floor
Terrazo tile bathroom flooring is typically made from a mixture of marble and granite. Some variants may contain glass chips. They are durable and provide a modern, fresh look that can be customized to match any décor.
It is often chosen over ceramic and other floor types for its low maintenance and easy clean-up. Stylish and modern, Terrazo offers an excellent choice for those looking to update their current bathroom flooring.
The downside of using Terrazo tiles is that they are in high demand, so they command high prices in the market.
12. Rubber Bathroom Floor
Rubber flooring is a wonderful alternative to tile, especially when it comes to bathrooms. Not only does rubber flooring have antimicrobial properties that prevent mold growth, but it also absorbs water and oils from the ground which reduces dirt accumulation. This, in turn, prolongs the life of your bathroom flooring.
Many people today are turning to rubberized bathroom floors for their safety and sanitation. Rubberized flooring is often used in hospitals and other facilities where sanitary conditions are of the utmost importance. The material is also useful for homes with children or pets, as it prevents slipping and can help avoid accidents.
The downside of rubber flooring is that it can easily be scratched and stained. Rubber is not as durable as other floor surfaces, such as tile or porcelain. Also, over time, the rubber can start looking worn and ugly. After a while, you might find yourself searching for something else to replace your old rubber bathroom floor.
13. Carpet Bathroom Floor
To some people, the thought of having a carpeted bathroom is gross. Actually, carpet bathroom flooring has an advantage in that it will protect your feet from the cold tile floor during the winter months. It can also prevent accidents as it’s not slippery.
The downside is that when it gets wet, the carpet can harbor mold and can be a breeding ground for mildew, which can affect the air quality in your bathroom. The musty smell can make you feel sick and it can also trigger allergies in people who have them. To prevent this from happening, the bathroom carpets should be kept clean and dry constantly to be free from bacteria.
Natural stones tiles can be expensive to buy as well as to maintain. These types of tiles are also difficult to install which adds unnecessary installation costs on top of the initial price tag for the tile.
