Bathroom Flooring
Bathroom flooring options differ from flooring that you would consider for other rooms, simply because of the amount of moisture that is usually present in a bathroom on a continual daily basis.
Whether it’s a new home or a renovation, choosing bathroom flooring not only includes choosing an option that looks great with the new décor, but also one that will withstand the repeated water and moisture contact that is almost impossible to avoid.
Thanks to modern flooring design and construction, options for bathroom flooring are increasing as manufacturers take into consideration the needs and desires of consumers who want more choices.
There are some important factors to consider when choosing your bathroom flooring including:
- Is it going to be slippery for wet feet?
- Is it moisture resistant?
- Is it going to be cold on bare feet?
- Will it withstand falling objects such as glass perfume bottles?
- Will it stain if makeup lands on it?
- Is it durable?
- Is it easy to clean?
Options for Bathroom Flooring
Tile flooring is a popular choice for bathroom floors due to its durability and beauty. Bathroom tile comes in a range of materials including ceramic, stone, vinyl and even vinyl planks that look like hardwood flooring. When installing tile in a bathroom it requires an absolute stable base that is free of bumps or imperfections. The surface needs to be clear of anything that could later cause the tile to crack.
Most tile floors (except some vinyl tiles and vinyl planks) require grout in the seams, so it is important to choose grout that is easily cleaned or that can have a sealer applied to help avoid stains and dirt from setting in.
Engineered Wood Flooring is another option for bathrooms today for those who want to have the look of solid hardwood (which is not a good bathroom flooring choice). Because it is manufactured to withstand moisture with several layers of plywood topped by solid wood, it is not only being used in basements where traditional wood flooring would not survive, but in many bathrooms as well.
Because of the manufacturing process it is highly resistant to moisture, but it still is not ideal for bathrooms that will have consistent standing water on the floor.
It’s fairly easy to install and it is almost impossible to tell that it is not solid hardwood.
Other Options for Bathroom Floors
Vinyl flooring is another great option for a bathroom floor and with so many designs and colours to choose from you can create your bathroom with any look and feel you wish.
These other options can be installed in a bathroom, but are not the best choices.
Laminate flooring is not a great choice for bathrooms where wet feet and standing water are likely to occur. Water can seep in and warp the laminate boards. However, in a powder room it is a viable choice and can look great for many years.
Solid hardwood is not a great choice as moisture will damage the wood. Again, in a powder room where no shower is present it can be an option.
Carpet, although not an ideal choice for bathrooms due to mold, mildew and odour issues, can be used. It’s not a popular choice but some manufacturers are taking these issues into consideration and providing bathroom flooring options that are resistant to mold and mildew and have backing that will deal with moisture problems.
Determine the look you want in your bathroom, the comfort, ease of cleaning, cost and chances are you will find the perfect option for your bathroom flooring.
Please remember the above is just a guide and you should seek professional advice.
