Updating your bathroom flooring is a smart, effective way to transform the ambiance and to invigorate the space with modern flair. Selecting the right style from the many flooring options is essential but other factors must be considered for this unique space. Bathrooms are humid, wet places. As you choose bathroom floor material, you must take safety and durability into consideration based on the environmental conditions. These are a few leading contenders to focus on as you look for the right bathroom flooring ideas for your space.
Affordable Bathroom Flooring Ideas Vinyl Tiles or Sheet Vinyl
Vinyl floors are among the more affordable options on this list, and they also are the most durable. It is available in a wide range of colors and styles. Improvements in the design and manufacturing processes have enabled vinyl flooring designs that mimic the look of high-end flooring. For example, luxury vinyl plank floors come in long slats and may look very similar to hand-scraped wood flooring, bamboo flooring or another type. LVT likewise may look like ceramic or porcelain tiles, marble flooring and other desirable bathroom floor materials. Keep in mind that vinyl is waterproof, but water can seep in between the tiles or planks at the seams. Therefore, vinyl should be installed with the smallest seams possible. Because sheet vinyl usually is installed without seams, it is great bathroom flooring ideas for bathrooms that may be very wet. For example, the floor in a child’s bathroom may become much more saturated than an adult’s bathroom floor.
Ceramic or Porcelain Tiles is Great Bathroom Flooring Idea
A tile floor is a traditional bathroom flooring ideas that continues to remain appealing because of its unique combination of features. Both ceramic and porcelain tiles are waterproof with only slight water absorption when exposed to standing water. Porcelain tile has a slightly lower absorption rating than ceramic tile. Bathroom tile is available in numerous styles and finishes, and some have a textured surface and are less slick when wet. More than that, tile floor is generally affordable and durable. However, considerable price variation exists. Some homeowners are familiar with tile-laying and are able to save money on installation costs by installing their floor on their own. If you are interested in incorporating heated floors into your bathroom, tile floor may be the best option. Radiant heating is best-suited for use with tile and solid hardwood flooring. However, solid hardwood flooring is prone to water damage, so it should not be installed in a bathroom.
Natural Stone
If you are looking for a gorgeous material that brings a high-end, natural look into your space, natural stone is a wonderful option. Stone tile includes limestone, granite, marble and other materials. All of these materials are durable and hardwearing. Because they are desirable to many people, they may improve your ability to sell the home in the future and bolster property value. While natural stone tile looks amazing, it can be expensive and may feel cold and slick. However, there are solutions available to address these issues. For example, radiant heating can be used with stone tile, and the tile can be sandblasted to add texture for safety purposes.
Cork Flooring
Cork flooring is easy to overlook as you explore bathroom flooring ideas, but it may be a wonderful choice for your space. This material is derived from the cork tree and is known for being a green product. Cork is waterproof as well as durable. It does not feel cool to the touch, and its slight texture reduces the risk of slipping. You can purchase it in a wide range of styles, including in tile squares and planks. Because water can seep between the seams, sealing cork flooring is essential. Reapplying the sealant every few years is essential to avoid water damage. A variant of cork flooring is linoleum, which is made from linseed oil and cork. Linoleum sheets can be installed with few or new seams. This material provides you with the many benefits of cork flooring combined with increased resistance to water damage. However, the material can stain easily, so any spills or moisture should be wiped up as soon as possible.
Engineered Wood Flooring
If you prefer the beauty of wood in your bathroom, be aware that solid hardwood should be avoided. Solid hardwood is prone to water damage when even a small amount of water is absorbed. Engineered wood flooring is a better option. No wood flooring is waterproof, but engineered wood may hold up better to high humidity levels that are common in a bathroom. The lower portion of engineered wood planks is usually made out of plywood that is treated and formed under intense pressure. The top layer, however, is made out of real wood. There are alternatives to wood floors that can mimic the look and that are more practical for use in a wet environment. For example, laminate floor as well as some types of ceramic tile are produced with a wide range of wood finishes. The color, texture and graining are so similar in high-quality materials that you may have to look closely to tell the difference between them and real wood floors.
With so many gorgeous bathroom flooring ideas to consider, you can pull off any desired look with ease. Some materials are more practical for use in a bathroom because of their moisture-resistant properties and textures. While comparing the many flooring options available, remember to choose a material that is functional for the space as well as affordable and stylish.
