Bathroom flooring options are almost without limits. This does not make it easier for homeowners who must balance practicality, eye appeal, and budget constraints. Throughout this article, I will try to help you make sense of the options available, with practical information that will bring a good compromise between an esthetic, waterproof, easy to care for, and affordable floor.
I will discuss the most common bathroom flooring options, notably ceramic tiles, vinyl flooring, natural stone, and wood.
Ceramic Tiles
Ceramic tiles are excellent for floor coverings in bathrooms and other home areas. I’ll share some of the benefits and drawbacks of using ceramic tiles below.
Benefits:
Firstly, ceramic tiles are strong and sturdy and do not require any special care. They are hygienic, hypoallergenic, and long-lasting. This makes them an excellent choice for a durable, low-maintenance flooring solution. Moreover, the surface of ceramic tiles is smooth and nonporous, which makes them resistant to stains. Even if stains occur, they are easy to clean.
Another benefit of ceramic tiles is that they are non-static, meaning dust does not cling to them. Furthermore, ceramic tiles are fire-resistant and do not burn. This makes them a valuable asset in case of a house fire.
Drawbacks:
On the downside, ceramic tiles can be uncomfortable to walk on, especially if you are barefoot. Most people do not enjoy walking on a cold ceramic floor in the middle of the winter night. To address this issue, you can consider installing radiant floor heating.
Another inconvenience of ceramic tiles is that if you use white tiles, they need to be cleaned frequently. Although it is easy to clean them, it still needs to be done. Darker-colored tiles can help to hide dirt and stains better.
Overall, ceramic tiles are a classic and reliable flooring option with many benefits. They are strong, hygienic, hypoallergenic, and long-lasting. However, they may not be the most comfortable flooring option, and lighter-colored tiles may require frequent cleaning.
Vinyl Floors or PVC
Vinyl floors or PVC have long been popular for public installations, such as gymnasiums, clubs, and offices. Nowadays, PVC is also becoming increasingly popular for home use. There are several reasons why PVC flooring has gained popularity in recent years.
Firstly, PVC flooring can be installed in sheet or tile form, making it easy to customize to fit any room’s size and shape. Additionally, as more people use PVC flooring in their homes, more colors and designs have become available. This means you can now find PVC flooring that fits your home’s decor and ambiance.
One popular type of vinyl flooring used in home bathrooms is woven seagrass. This style adds a natural touch to your bathroom decor and is durable and easy to maintain.
Speaking of maintenance, PVC floors are relatively low-maintenance. They only require warm water and mild soap to keep them in good condition. This is a significant advantage over other flooring materials that require special cleaning solutions or treatments.
Overall, PVC flooring is a versatile and practical option for public and private spaces. Its flexibility in installation and variety in colors and designs make it a great choice for those who want to customize their flooring to fit their needs. Its ease of maintenance makes it a practical and cost-effective option for any home.
Natural Stones
Natural stones are an excellent choice for bathroom floors because they provide a beautiful and luxurious finish. However, the cost is often a concern, and therefore, natural stone is much less frequently used than other flooring options. Despite this, there are many advantages to using natural stone in your bathroom.
One of the most significant advantages is the durability of natural stones. A natural stone floor will last forever. Although the upfront cost is higher, it will be the last time you must replace your bathroom floor. Moreover, the individuality of each stone makes every floor unique. Installing natural stones allows you to have a bathroom floor unlike any other.
Another advantage of natural stone is that it is 100% natural and, thus, environmentally friendly. The most commonly used natural stones are granite, marble, terra cotta, travertine, and slate. These stones have unique qualities and textures, making them suitable for different styles and designs.
It is essential to note that installing a stone floor is not a job for the uninitiated, and it can be expensive. Therefore, hiring a professional to install your natural stone floor is much better. Even if you think you can do it yourself, it’s always best to hire a professional as a consultant to answer any questions or solve any difficulties you may have during the installation process.
Wood
Wood is a viable and stylish alternative to traditional bathroom floorings materials like ceramic, vinyl, and natural stone. Despite the myth that wood is unsuitable for bathroom floors due to the humid environment, with the right wood choice and treatment, it can withstand the moisture in a bathroom just as well as any other flooring option.
One thing to remember when considering wood as a bathroom floor option is the importance of proper sealing to prevent water infiltration. The wood planks typically feature a tongue and groove system, making sealing between them relatively easy. Choosing the right wood is also crucial for ensuring durability in damp bathrooms. The best woods for bathroom flooring are teak and iroko, two exotic types of wood that have a high natural resistance to water damage. However, it’s worth noting that these woods are expensive compared to other options.
Wooden bathroom floors can also provide a unique and warm ambiance that is impossible with other materials. Additionally, wood is naturally slip-resistant, providing an added level of safety for bathroom floors.
Another advantage of wood flooring is that it is relatively easy to clean and maintain. A regular cleaning routine with mild soap and water can help keep the floor’s surface clean and grime-free.
Mosaic
Mosaic tiles can be an excellent option for creating a unique and eye-catching bathroom floor. With mosaic tiles, you can create a customized design or pattern that complements the style and decor of your bathroom. You can use ceramic, glass, or stone materials to add texture, depth, and visual interest to your bathroom floor.
Before starting, having a clear plan and design in mind is essential. You can sketch your design on paper or use design software to visualize the final result. Choosing the right size and shape of tiles that fit your design and the size of your bathroom is also crucial.
If you are new to mosaic tiling, you can take a class at a local school or craft shop to learn the basics. Alternatively, there are plenty of online tutorials and resources available that can guide you through the process. Remember that mosaic tiling can be time-consuming and intricate, but the result is a beautiful and unique bathroom floor you can be proud of.
