When choosing a flooring option for your bathroom, there are several different things to consider. And though tile is the go-to option for most bathrooms, there are several different alternatives that you can choose from. We have researched some of the best bathroom flooring options, and in this post, we will go over them.
Here are 10 bathroom flooring alternatives to tile:
- Rubber
- Vinyl
- Engineered Hardwood
- Sheet Linoleum
- Natural Wood
- Concrete
- Laminate
- Bamboo
- Cork
- Carpet
Trying to find the best flooring option for your bathroom can be overwhelming with so many choices to choose from. Things to consider when choosing a flooring option include budget, personal style, and lifestyle. Continue reading to learn about the best alternative flooring options to tile.
10 Bathroom Flooring Alternatives To Tile
1. Rubber
We sometimes add affiliate links and content that was curated and created by our team with the help of advanced ai tools to help showcase the best design styles.
While rubber flooring may not be as commonly used in home bathrooms as in industrial or public bathrooms, it makes for a great flooring option. It's also increasing in demand due to its durability and easy installation. There are polished rubber flooring options available that can add a more luxurious texture to your bathroom.
This flooring material has antimicrobial properties, is eco-friendly, and provides insulation to your bathroom floors. Rubber flooring is also naturally water-resistant. Compared to other flooring materials, rubber flooring is fairly inexpensive, and you can typically install it yourself.
2. Vinyl
One of the most popular flooring options for bathroom flooring options is vinyl. Vinyl sheets are water-resistant and very easy to maintain. If you have a bathroom that receives a lot of foot traffic daily, this material is definitely worth considering. Vinyl flooring can come in long strips or planks, depending on the installation method that you prefer.
However, you will find that the sheets are typically easier to install. You'll also find that vinyl flooring is one of the most inexpensive flooring options that you can pick for your bathroom, which is great if your bathroom is on the larger side.
Read more about this vinyl flooring on Amazon.
3. Engineered Hardwood
Engineered hardwood flooring is manufactured wood that closely resembles natural hardwood. The benefit of this type of material is that it holds up better to humidity and moisture way better than natural wood. This makes it a great choice for home bathrooms. If you want the modern or rustic look of natural wood in your bathroom without having to worry about it cracking or buckling, engineered wood is worth taking a look at.
The flooring is also relatively easy to maintain, only requiring occasional sweeping and mopping to remove dust and debris. The planks are easy to install, and you can install them yourself in no time.
4. Sheet Linoleum
Linoleum flooring is also a good option if you prefer not to have tile in your bathroom. It's similar to vinyl in appearance; however, it's very different in its makeup. Linoleum flooring has natural anti-microbial properties, making it very resilient to mold and mildew--which is a plus giving that most bathrooms will contain a high amount of humidity.
It doesn't scratch easily and is known to hold up well for anywhere from 10 to 20 years before needing replacement. Linoleum is also easy to install and is both fire and water-resistant.
5. Natural Wood
Solid hardwood flooring is beautiful, though you may not typically consider it for a bathroom, given its tendency to buckle and swell with humidity. However, if you have a guest bathroom or a half bath, wood is a perfect option to consider. Not only can wood add a sense of elegance and modernity to your bathroom, but it can also be an inexpensive option depending on the type of wood you choose. On average, wood flooring planks cost between $2.50 and $7 per square. Installing hardwood flooring averages between $5 and $12 per square foot.
6. Concrete
If you are looking for a modern or more industrial look, concrete flooring can be a good option. Concrete typically acts as the structural floor of basements, but it can definitely make for an interesting bathroom floor as well. If you don't mind having a harder surface on your bathroom floor, concrete flooring can provide you with a water-resistant and durable alternative to tile.
Laying concrete isn't as difficult as you may think, and you can even do the job yourself within a day or two. It's also very important to use a level when installing concrete to ensure that it dries evenly.
Find quick-setting cement on Amazon.
7. Laminate
Laminate flooring is another suitable bathroom alternative to tile. These floors have a clear plastic protectant on the top, making them water-resistant and scratch-resistant for the most part. You'll also find that laminate flooring is available in various patterns and colors, some of which can resemble stone and wood flooring. Laminate is easy to install, and you can typically do it yourself in a day if you have an average-sized bathroom.
8. Bamboo
Looking for a more eco-friendly option? If so, consider installing bamboo flooring in your bathroom. Bamboo flooring can add an earthy and sleek look to your bathroom. It's better to go with engineered bamboo than natural bamboo, as these planks are designed specifically for wet environments--meaning they are more durable.
Bamboo can easily be installed in your bathroom, and it's relatively easy to replace pieces that are broken or damaged. The only downside to bamboo flooring is that it may scratch more easily than other options.
9. Cork
If you are looking for flooring with a softer feel, consider cork for your bathroom floor update. Cork flooring typically comes covered with a water-resistant sealer to prevent water damage and stains. You'll be happy to know that cork is slip-resistant and has antimicrobial properties, making it a great option if you like to take hot baths or showers. It's also an eco-friendly material, and it can provide your bathroom with an inviting and unique appearance.
10. Carpet
Carpet is typically the last flooring option you think of when it comes to bathroom choices, but it can work well in some scenarios. If you have a guest bathroom or a half bath, carpet may be fine in these areas. Not only is carpet an inexpensive flooring option, but it's easy to install and can be vacuumed clean in a matter of minutes.
What Is The Best Flooring For A Small Bathroom?
Since bathrooms are typically smaller spaces than other areas of the home, the flooring material cost will have less of an impact than if the bathroom is on the larger side. It is, however, a good idea to go with flooring materials that are easier to install, being that you're working with a limited amount of space.
The best flooring options for small bathrooms include vinyl and linoleum. Both of these flooring options are affordable, durable, water-resistant. And more importantly, they are really easy to install-- allowing you to save even more money if you install them yourself.
What Is The Easiest Flooring To Install In A Bathroom?
Vinyl flooring is typically known as the easiest flooring to install, and it's a prevalent bathroom floor option due to its water resistance and durability. Today, vinyl flooring can come in many forms, including vinyl composition tile, luxury vinyl tile, and solid vinyl tile. So to say, whatever preference that you have four colors and patterns, chances are that there is a vinyl option that may be available if you're looking for an easy install.
What Is The Best Waterproof Flooring For A Bathroom?
There are a couple of flooring options worth noting when it comes to waterproof capability. These options are ceramic and vinyl.
Ceramic
Ceramic flooring is known for its easy maintenance and durability, but it also works well for holding up against the water. Though ceramic isn't waterproof exactly, as it is slightly porous, it is known to be as good as waterproof floors. On top of that, many ceramic tiles are also treated with waterproofing sealant.
Vinyl
Vinyl flooring is also a good option to take a look at for a waterproof option. Most vinyl flooring materials are made to be 100% waterproof, which explains why it's such a sought-after flooring option in bathrooms and basements. Vinyl's also easy to keep clean, and new vinyl options last longer than earlier previous counterparts.
Wrapping Things Up
Whichever alternative bathroom flooring option you choose, the key is to make sure that the floors look good and last for years to come. Good ventilation and regular cleaning can help.
Before you go, be sure to check out our other posts:
Dark Vs. Light Laminate Flooring – Which To Choose?
11 Stunning Basement Flooring Ideas
To replace white marble in bathroom with a better option. Preferably by laying over it (without breaking the underlying marble).
Will ‘home decor’ suggest the best alternative replacement for bathroom tiles and provide technician to fix the same.
This article offers valuable insights into alternative bathroom flooring options, catering to various needs, preferences, and budgets.