With options ranging from tiles and laminate to natural stone and even concrete, which is the best flooring for your bathroom? In this expert guide, we uncover the merits of each...
Creating a functional yet stylish home hinges on the quality of your bathroom space. That’s why the journey of any homeowner toward a cosy and welcoming haven often revolves around refurbishing this crucial area.
Undeniably, bathroom renovations can be a daunting and time-consuming undertaking, navigating the labyrinth of planning, obtaining quotes from Tradespeople and deciding on styles. Amidst these considerations, selecting the best flooring emerges as a pivotal decision, as a wrong choice may lead to years of cleaning woes and unnecessary repair expenses.
The significance of this decision becomes apparent when we acknowledge the constant exposure to water and moisture that bathroom floors endure. Prolonged water damage can result in wear and tear, coupled with the growth of mould and mildew, wreaking havoc on the structural integrity of your entire flooring system.
Delve into the allure of Calcolo Lyle marble white SPC flooring
What is the best flooring for bathrooms?
What is the best flooring for bathrooms? Well, this entirely depends on your budget, circumstances and personal preferences. Bathroom flooring should, at the very least, be water-resistant, providing protection from water damage. Some of the best flooring for bathrooms includes porcelain or ceramic tiles, vinyl or laminate flooring, and natural stone.
In this blog post, we’ll explore these options further, so you can make an informed decision and discover the best flooring for bathrooms.
Unravelling the importance of waterproof flooring
A common source of confusion for first-time bathroom (or even kitchen!) renovators lies in distinguishing between waterproof and water-resistant flooring. Water-resistant flooring can stave off light splashes and cleaning jobs to a certain extent, while waterproof flooring acts as an impenetrable shield against water damage.
Though initially pricier, waterproof flooring proves to be a sound long-term investment, safeguarding the subflooring from potential water damage. The prevention of mould and mildew infiltration contributes to a sturdier structure over time.
Conversely, water-resistant flooring, made up of materials like plywood and MDF, is a more economical option but may succumb to water seepage over time, leading to subfloor damage. While popular in kitchens and utility rooms for its cost-effectiveness, you’ll need to think carefully about potential repair costs in the future.
Porcelain or ceramic floor tiles: A classic choice
Porcelain or ceramic floor tiles stand out as versatile and popular options, celebrated for their waterproof properties and a diverse range of colours and designs. While porcelain tiles boast enhanced waterproofing, ceramic tiles also offer adequate resistance to water, making them perfectly suitable for bathrooms.
However, the slippery nature of these tiles when wet and their tendency to feel cold to the touch may deter some homeowners—especially those with young children or elderly relatives present. For anti-slip properties, you can always check the R-rating when buying.
Nevertheless, for those seeking a timeless touch, porcelain and ceramic tiles present an excellent choice. For further inspiration, discover our top picks when it comes to beautiful bathroom floor tiles.
Create bewitching bathroom floors with these beautiful Moonbeam glazed porcelain hexagonal floor tiles from Calcolo
Trendy and durable: Water-resistant composite or laminate flooring
Embraced by modern homeowners, composite or laminate has become a trendy choice for bathrooms, adding a contemporary flair to home styling. Renowned for its durability, scratch resistance, and water-resistant nature, laminate stands resilient against water damage and is easy to clean.
This is a type of vinyl flooring that is made from a combination of limestone and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). It is known for its durability, water-resistance and ease of installation.
With a decreasing cost, vinyl has become an affordable alternative to stone and wood flooring, making it a versatile choice for bathrooms, bedrooms and office spaces alike.
Top tip: Composite flooring is sometimes referred to as SPC, which merely stands for Stone Plastic Composite flooring.
One of the main things that make this one of the best flooring for bathrooms is the fact that laminate and composite come in so many different designs. With a huge variety of realistic wood, stone and even tile-effect designs, it’s hardly surprising that it’s such a popular choice. And, with installation a task most DIY-enthusiasts can do themselves, laminate and composite flooring really is a great option for bathrooms. Find out just how easy flooring is to fit.
Give your bathroom a warm, welcoming appearance with the Nipigon amber oak chevron laminate flooring from Calcolo
Opulent natural stone: A luxurious bathroom flooring option
For those desiring opulence, natural stone presents an array of options, from granite to limestone and marble. Similar to porcelain tiles in durability and waterproofing, natural stone requires meticulous installation by expert fitters and careful maintenance.
While more expensive due to the high quality raw materials, natural stone simply screams luxury and remains a top choice for homeowners aiming to elevate the look of their bathroom.
Of course, if your budget doesn’t stretch that far and you simply don’t have the time for careful maintenance, there are plenty of stone-effect tiles available that look just like the real thing.
Enjoy stunning marble-looking floors at the fraction of the cost with the Keswick gloss rectified tiles from Calcolo
Stained concrete: An economical and customisable option
In older buildings or those with a concrete foundation, stained concrete flooring has emerged as an economical and customisable choice. With numerous options for finishing colours and designs, stained concrete offers a budget-friendly solution.
However, much like tiles, it can be cold to the touch and potentially slippery. Anti-slip mats may be necessary, although they could slightly detract from showcasing that personalised finish.
Again, if you love the look of concrete, but simply don’t have the option of a concrete floor, you’ll find plenty of tiles and laminate/composite flooring which look very similar to the real thing (see below).
Firm up your creative ideas with Alberta concrete grey SPC flooring from Calcolo
Our final thoughts
These options merely scratch the surface of the diverse market of bathroom flooring. Consider factors such as budget, style preferences, floor size and design sensibilities when making your choice. Your bathroom floor serves as a canvas to express your creativity, shaping the personality of your home.
The journey to a well-rounded and welcoming home involves meticulous attention to the quality of the bathroom. With this guide, we hope to empower you in selecting a bathroom floor that resonates with your unique style and preferences.
For further inspiration, why not check out our 5 great bathroom flooring ideas? Or discover our 6 fun ideas for a striking bathroom floor?
Shop the best flooring for bathrooms
Whichever option you find is the best flooring for bathrooms, you'll discover one of the widest selections of products right here at Victoria Plum. Simply click below to shop bathroom flooring or tiles.
