Choosing the right flooring for your bathroom can often be a difficult decision. You may be torn between standard and luxury bathroom flooring choices, but we’re here to make the choice easier for you. In this article, we’ll discuss the factors to consider when choosing flooring, provide a breakdown of the pros and cons of various flooring options, tell you which types of flooring to avoid, and explain how to maintain each type of flooring, all to help you make the best possible decision.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Bathroom Flooring
In determining the best bathroom flooring for your home, there are many factors to consider, including appearance, performance, cost, and durability. Your flooring should not just look good and match the room’s aesthetic; it should also be waterproof, slip-resistant, easy to clean, long-lasting, and affordable. Of course, the main thing to consider is what your preferences are. Do you want heated floors? What’s your vision for the room? Which flooring aspect do you want to prioritize? Only you can know the answers to these questions.
Best Types of Flooring for Bathrooms
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| – Variety of styles – Easy to clean – Water-resistant – Easy to install radiant heating with it | – Cold under foot – Smooth tile is slippery – Hard, difficult to stand on for long – Can look sterile |
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| – 100% waterproof – Budget-friendly – DIY friendly – Easy to install and replace | – Generally poor resale value – Surface flaws (bumps, gaps) on the subfloor can be seen in the vinyl – Prone to tearing |
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| – Great resale value – Extremely durable | – Costly – Challenging to DIY |
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| – Timeless look – Dimensionally stable | – Requires regular maintenance – Moderately expensive |
Other Types of Flooring for Bathrooms
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| – Budget-friendly – Easy to DIY | – Prone to water damage which cannot be repaired |
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| – 100% waterproof – Easy to clean – Highly durable, will last a very long time | – More expensive than other options – Unless sealed, susceptible to staining – Slippery and cold |
While solid hardwood looks great, waterproof bathroom flooring is a must-have, which is why this type of flooring should be avoided.
It is not waterproof or even slightly water-resistant and if the slightest amount of moisture works its way into the wood, rot is most likely to occur.
Carpet is arguably the worst flooring option for a bathroom. It retains a lot of water and then takes a long time to dry out, especially in a small space like the bathroom, which means that you will be walking on wet floors for quite a while before it’s finally dry.
Maintenance & Longevity of Bathroom Flooring
When it comes to maintaining porcelain and ceramic tiles, the best way to go about cleaning is to first sweep away any dust and debris on the floor. Then, wipe the floor with water using either a cloth or flat mop, after which you can dry the floor with a clean cloth. Porcelain and ceramic tiles can often last for 50 years or more. To clean vinyl flooring, you should first dry mop and vacuum to remove surface dirt. For a deeper clean, you can then use a vinyl floor cleaner, but make sure you only lightly dampen a cloth or mop. It’s important to avoid ammonia-based cleaning solutions and abrasive scrubbers as these can cause scratches or cracks. The lifespan of vinyl flooring is typically 10 to 20 years.
For natural stone, as with the other flooring options, start by sweeping or vacuuming to remove surface dirt. Then, for a deeper clean, mop with a pH neutral cleaner. Ensure that the cleaner you use is safe for natural stone and avoid anything abrasive. Natural stone flooring can last a lifetime if properly maintained.To maintain engineered wood flooring, it should be regularly swept to remove any dirt and dust. You should then clean it with a microfiber mop and a quality wood flooring cleaner. Make sure that you spray the cleaner onto the mop, not the floor directly. The lifespan of engineered wood flooring is around 20 to 30 years.
For laminate flooring, other than regular sweeping, it should be maintained by mopping with a cleaner that is laminate-friendly. Like engineered wood flooring, the cleaner should be sprayed onto the mop rather than directly onto the floor. It is also crucial to dry the floor immediately with a clean cloth. Laminate flooring can last up to 30 years if properly maintained.
In terms of concrete, first use a broom or vacuum to remove dirt and dust, just the same as the other flooring options. A deep clean entails mopping with a pH neutral cleaner diluted in water, after which you can rinse the floor with clean water to remove any residue from the cleaner solution. You can also use a stiff-bristled brush or a scrubber with gentle pads to get any stains out. Concrete will last for as long as your house does.
Final Thoughts
Throughout this article, we have discussed the various types of flooring that will and will not work for your bathroom, addressing pros and cons, what the most affordable bathroom flooring options are, as well as maintenance and longevity. With more than two decades of experience in construction and remodeling, our team at TALL Builders is here to help you find the best flooring for your bathroom and create a space you’ll love. Contact us today for a free estimate!
Want to upgrade your Oahu home? Tall Builders focuses on beautiful renovations, adding modern designs and long-lasting workmanship to your island home. Schedule a free consultation today and let Tall Builders turn your Oahu home into your dream island getaway.
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