Bathrooms can be a relaxing place where you can freely soak and forget the day's troubles. However, to create a relaxing environment, you'd need to make sure that all parts of the bathroom are optimal--including your bathroom floors. Even if you don't have the most luxurious bathroom, high-quality waterproof bathroom flooring can make all the difference. So, what are the flooring options you can choose from? We have researched answers for you.
High-quality bathroom floors should be able to withstand high amounts of moisture without rotting or collecting mold. Here are bathroom floorings that you can install in your bathroom:
- Waterproof Vinyl Flooring
- Porcelain Tile
- Ceramic Tile
- Rigid Core Engineered Wood
- Stone Flooring
Along with the aesthetic appeal, good bathroom floors should be long-lasting, highly durable, and relatively low-maintenance. More importantly, they should also fit your lifestyle and budget--a functional bathroom floor doesn't have to make too much dent! Keep reading below to learn more about the different types of bathroom floors you can incorporate into your bathroom.
5 Best Waterproof Bathroom Flooring Options
Your bathroom flooring can make or break the look of your bathroom--literally and figuratively. Choosing the right flooring will determine the overall appeal of your bathroom, from looks to functionality.
If you choose low-quality flooring, your bathroom will end up moldy and weak, and will only be usable for a short time.
Having high-quality bathroom flooring is essentially an investment, so you have to choose which one best fits your lifestyle and budget.
Since a lot of these floorings have their own pros and cons, it can be difficult to weigh which ones will affect us the most--which is why we will be elaborating on each one's qualities.
Here are the ideal bathroom floorings you can install.
Waterproof Vinyl Flooring
Luxury Vinyl Flooring is one of the best floorings you can find since it can withstand high amounts of moisture. It is made of PVC material made up of 3 layers that contribute to its durability.
The first layer is called the core layer, which is the foundation of each vinyl plank or tile.
This layer is completely waterproof, so you don't have to worry about mold forming on the crannies of the plank.
The second layer is the one that resembles wood for visual purposes, while the third layer is a protective covering that protects the plank from breakage.
Can you use sheet vinyl for your bathroom?
Although it is less reliable than Luxury Vinyl Planks or Luxury Vinyl Tiles, they also have waterproof qualities. It's a single sheet without any cracks, so water won't be able to seep through it.
This is also a relatively more affordable option if you can't afford an LVP or LVT yet.
See this vinyl sheet on Amazon
Porcelain Tile
Porcelain tiles are more water-resistant than they are waterproof. They won't absorb water and moisture since they are non-porous, and they are an affordable but durable option.
Porcelain tiles are also a common choice since they are both functionally and aesthetically versatile.
You can apply these tiles either only on the floors, or both on the bathroom floors and walls for continuity.
Porcelain tiles are also relatively low-maintenance; all they'll need is a trusty cleaning solution and water and they'll look good as new.
Ceramic Tile
Ceramic tiles are a tried-and-true material for bathroom flooring. They are a budget option but have decent durability nonetheless.
However, although they are relatively water-resistant, ceramic tiles have a more porous quality than porcelain tiles. For this reason, your bathroom would need to have adequate ventilation so won't absorb too much moisture.
Ceramic tiles are also relatively low-maintenance, only needing a weekly cleaning with a trusty cleaning solution that can protect the tiles from mold and bacteria.
See this ceramic tile on Amazon
Rigid Core Engineered Wood
If you want a more rustic look without the hassle and inconvenience of having solid wood in your bathroom, a rigid-core engineered wood may be for you.
Engineered wood costs less than solid wood, and they are better suited for the bathroom because of its moisture-resistant quality.
They are also less sensitive to temperature changes, so they won't suddenly get misshapen when the temperature falls or rises in the bathroom.
They won't warp or swell easily--unless there is a serious moisture problem in your bathroom.
One thing you should look out for is that you can't refinish the surface as many times as you want since they have a veneer layer.
Because of this, they may not be as long-lasting as other alternatives--although they are an affordable and aesthetically-pleasing option with decent quality.
Stone Flooring
Stone flooring is one of the most luxurious and elegant-looking options you can incorporate into your bathroom. From granite to marble, these flooring options will instantly spruce up your space and make it look effortlessly classy.
However, to be truly waterproof, all these stone materials will need to be sealed using a sealer.
Not doing so will allow water to seep inside, which is very likely to happen since natural stones are porous materials.
A sealer will keep the surface durable, waterproof, and protected from molds and bacteria. It will also protect the surface from getting stained, prolonging its visual appeal.
These stone floorings are relatively high-maintenance, so make sure you have the time and resources to keep them at peak condition.
Which Bathroom Flooring is Easiest to Install?
Although all bathroom flooring can be challenging to install, some are easier than others. This is true with Luxury Vinyl Planks, Luxury Vinyl Tiles, as well as engineered wood.
This is because the materials come in interlocking planks, simplifying the installation process.
Vinyl Sheets are also easy to install since they only come in a single sheet. You'll only have to fix the corners and make sure the surface is properly evened out.
All these bathroom flooring options won't have an expensive labor cost--you can even try doing them yourself to save more on labor costs.
How To Clean Bathroom Floors
Maintenance is important if you want your bathroom floors to last longer. Even if you have very durable flooring, it will easily be damaged if you don't properly take care of them.
Here's how to clean your bathroom floors so they can have a longer lifespan and you get to protect your investment:
Cleaning Vinyl Flooring and Engineered Wood
Mix together 1 cup of cider with a gallon of hot water and use a cloth to wipe the vinyl surface with the solution.
Add a detergent or a cleaning solution to the mix to effectively kill bacteria. Thoroughly rinse the surface with warm water.
For Porcelain and Ceramic Tiles
Porcelain and Ceramic Tiles have a more straightforward and simpler method.
First, sweep off the dust and dirt on the floor, then use a powerful cleaning solution to rid the surface of any mold-causing bacteria.
Make sure to scrub every nook and cranny and left no space unexposed. After that, thoroughly rinse the area with warm water. Use a stiff broom to sweep the excess water in the drainage.
What cleaning solutions can you use for stone flooring?
Stone floorings are a bit more sensitive. They require a specific cleaner designed to clean natural stones or at least a neutral cleaner. Avoid using natural or artificial cleaners with high acid content.
Get rid of coarse particles using a soft and untreated dust mop to avoid abrasions on the bathroom floor.
See this stone flooring cleaner on Amazon
How To Choose The Right Flooring
Knowing how to choose the right flooring that fits your lifestyle is essential to ensure that the bathroom flooring will last long. Here are ways to determine the right flooring for you.
Consider your budget
Your bathroom doesn't have to have marble or luxury vinyl planks to look good.
A high-quality porcelain tile can look just as elegant as long as you maintain them, and the cost won't hurt your pockets.
They are also relatively easy to maintain; they won't need expensive or special cleaners.
Go with your personal style preference
Of course, you need to enjoy how your bathroom will look eventually, so make sure to choose flooring that fits your aesthetic preferences.
Assess durability
More than aesthetic appeal, assess whether the material will be able to hold up against the amount of moisture in your bathroom.
You should also determine whether you need to make adjustments to your bathroom's ventilation to ensure that the floors won't give in to the humidity in the bathroom space.
Final Thoughts
Bathroom floors are one of the first things that will catch your eye when you enter the bathroom, so it's important that they look good within the space.
More importantly, you should choose one that would be able to hold up against high amounts of moisture so you can enjoy them for a long time.