When it comes to your bathroom floor, the material you choose needs to be able to handle moisture and heavy foot traffic. So when considering what you’ll put down in this space, look for non-slip and easy-to-maintain options.
Traditional hardwood floors aren’t a good choice for bathrooms due to humidity issues; engineered wood is a better fit since it has a plywood base below its real-wood veneer for added stability.
Ceramic and porcelain tile
Porcelain and ceramic tiles are made from clay that’s fired at high temperatures until it hardens into durable materials with countless design choices in color and pattern combinations.
Harder than ceramic, porcelain tile is built out of denser clay that’s baked at higher temperatures. It also costs more and can be harder to cut than ceramic, as well as requiring special setting materials for bonding due to its special characteristics.
Designed specifically for wet environments like bathrooms, porcelain tiles are impervious: They won’t absorb water or stains the way some other materials might. Ceramic tiles come in both glazed and unglazed forms for use on floors or walls in damp spaces like bathrooms; but their higher water absorption rate may make them ill-suited for frequent contact with tubs full of water. And while they’re less likely to chip than porcelain tiles, they’re not as strong overall — meaning they might not hold up as well over time.
Natural stone
A bathroom floor made of natural stone brings an upscale feel that’s impossible to replicate with any other material, thanks in part to the countless colors and finishes available across all types. Stone flooring is naturally slip-resistant, but stone installers can also flame the surface of some products or work the stone so that it provides even more traction underfoot when wet. Some stones will require periodic resealing in order to prevent stains from penetrating through the material.
The advantage of natural stone is its luxurious appearance, which can be a major selling point for homeowners. However, stone flooring can be expensive and difficult to install, requiring professional assistance. Plus, some stones have higher absorption rates than others, making them more susceptible to staining from spills and other messes.
Bamboo
Available in many shades of blonde and brown when it’s in its natural state, bamboo offers homeowners an earth-friendly flooring option that costs less than hardwoods do. Its moisture resistance is so good that this floor makes a smart choice in bathrooms that see lots of humid activity.
Bamboo is another eco-friendly bathroom flooring option, as it has a renewable life cycle and costs less than traditional hardwoods. It’s naturally water-resistant but can also be treated with topically applied finishes to further boost moisture resistance. Although bamboo might first bring to mind light blond planks found in grocery stores and home centers, darker hues are also available through heat-treatment processes.
Some brands finish their bamboo floors with oils (usually linseed oil plus carnauba wax and beeswax) to achieve an aged look similar to that of vintage floors. While the finish does make the surface somewhat scratch-resistant and moisture-resistant overall, there are plenty of other styles available if you prefer something different.
Waterproof laminate
Laminate is an affordable alternative to wood or stone floors that gives homeowners the same sleek result for much less money; however, most laminates won’t fare well under wet conditions like those found in full bathrooms.
Even small amounts of water left on laminate for too long will cause damage – it’s just not built to take on moisture. Many brands claim their product is waterproof when really all they mean is that it provides decent protection against water before warping or blistering occurs below its surface.
However, some waterproof laminates use resins or other materials within their core layers to prevent swelling when wet. That way planks won’t puff up or bubble as they’re installed.
Concrete
A solid material, concrete can last a long time. If you take good care of it with regular maintenance, it might even outlive you! The easiest way to maintain it is by cleaning with warm water. Otherwise, you can sweep and mop as needed.
Cost is often a huge factor in people’s decision to buy something, and that also applies to floors. Luckily, polished concrete isn’t too hard on the wallet. It’ll fit right in with modern spaces and if you want to get rid of the plain gray, staining or coloring it works perfectly!
However, there are some cons to having concrete for bathroom flooring. One of them being how cold it gets. Just imagine standing barefoot on icy tiles first thing in the morning… Yikes! Another issue is that standing on this very sturdy floor for too long could cause back and leg pain. Finally, if children or elderly residents live there too they might not appreciate the coldness either!