There are many options for flooring, but the flooring in the bathroom must have additional consideration aside from aesthetics. Heavily used bathrooms will contain more moisture than any other room in the house, which means that the flooring must be able to withstand consistent moisture exposure. Here are some of the best and worst options for flooring in a bathroom.
Best Flooring for a Bathroom
Linoleum tile is oil-based, which means that it will repel water. However, tile does have seams where water can potentially seep through. This can be reduced through the use of grout to seal the seams, but grout will have to be re-done regularly to prevent water damage.
Sheet linoleum is water-resistant. It also doesn’t have the same vulnerable seams as tile, because it is in a sheet format, rather than a tile format. Similarly, sheet vinyl is durable and doesn’t have seam issues. Vinyl is also a water-resistant material. Additionally, luxury vinyl flooring feels soft and warm, unlike many of the other options for flooring in a bathroom.
Concrete is a durable option for flooring and can be effectively sealed against water. Despite the dull gray appearance often associated with concrete, it is actually highly customizable. This means that it can be adjusted to have many different looks through methods like concrete staining.
Ceramic or porcelain tile is durable and waterproof. This material only costs a moderate amount, but is much more difficult to install. This may result in installation costs being somewhat higher than those for other materials.
Worst Flooring for a Bathroom
Hardwood flooring is beautiful, but it is a horrible choice for your bathroom floor. Moisture is capable of warping and cracking the material, which will cause it to become damaged quickly, which will require expensive repairs. Engineered hardwood may be a better option if you are set on hardwood in the bathroom, but tile is often a better choice.
Carpeting is likely the worst possible flooring for your bathroom. It is exceedingly difficult to keep clean and will collect moisture. This will cultivate mold and mildew, which will result in an unpleasant, dank environment in the bathroom.
The flooring for your bathroom is an important choice. Knowing the pros and cons of the different choices can help you make the proper decision. To learn more about the best flooring types for your bathroom, contact our experts at Wilson’s Paint and Floor Coverings today!
