Whether you’ve got your perfect bathroom planned out down to the last detail or you’re just starting to assess what factors into the cost of a bathroom remodel, you’re probably already thinking about bathroom flooring options. However, there are so many different types of flooring options for bathrooms that it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Read on to figure out what option might work best for you!
Factors to Consider
Over many years of work around eastern Pennsylvania, our bathroom contractors in Lancaster, PA, have found these factors to be the most important ones to consider when you’re planning out the ideal flooring for your powder room, bathroom, or similar area:
Your Budget
Setting a budget is your first task before picking the best bathroom flooring. It will help you assess what materials you can realistically use. It will also allow you to figure out the cost of your whole bathroom remodeling project since it is one of the more major (and thus somewhat more costly) changes you can make to a bathroom.
Bathroom Size
Depending on the size of your bathroom, you may need special cuts or alterations to the flooring you plan to use. In some cases, this can affect the cost-effectiveness of choosing a more affordable flooring alternative. Make sure to measure carefully and take pictures of any unusually shaped places around the walls, shower/tub, cabinets, etc.
Household Needs
What’s your household like? Do you have small children or live with aging parents? Trying to accommodate different accessibility needs? These are all relevant to your quest for the best bathroom flooring. You may want to pick anti-slip or slip-resistant flooring if you won’t be using bath mats or rugs or want to make sure no one skids on the wet bathroom floor. Something else to consider, especially with children or pets, is the ease of cleanup. Some bathroom flooring options are easier to clean than others, and some show dirt and grime more visibly, too.
Bathroom Aesthetics and Design
After you’ve gotten the basics down to find the best bathroom flooring for you, it’s time for the fun part! How will your flooring choice fit into your bathroom design? Are you replacing some old floor tile and keeping everything else the same, or are you remodeling the whole bathroom? The sky’s the limit when it comes to design, so feel free to get creative — our contractors are happy to accommodate your bathroom dreams!
Types of Bathroom Flooring
With a plan in mind of the traits you’re seeking in an ideal bathroom floor, now’s the time to learn more about the different types of bathroom flooring.
Ceramic Tile
Ceramic tile is a common choice for bathroom flooring because it’s completely waterproof flooring that’s colorful, easy to clean, and affordable. However, some homeowners find it to be a dated look as it’s been the standard of bathroom flooring for almost 100 years. While we think you can’t go wrong with a classic, it’s true that it’s more popular now to mix ceramic tile murals with other bathroom materials rather than rely on ceramic tile for the entire bathroom floor. Ceramic tile also cracks easily, and the smaller the pieces, the more time-consuming and complex it is to install.
Natural Stone
Natural materials have been all the rage in both kitchen and bathroom design over the past few years, so you might not be surprised to learn that marble, granite, travertine, and other natural stone flooring choices are gaining popularity. If you love a more earthy look for your bathroom, it’s a great choice. Natural stone tiles can be quite slippery, however, and must be adequately sealed by the installers in order not to pose a slipping hazard while you’re walking out of the shower with wet feet! It also has some of the same drawbacks as tile. It’s more durable than tile, but when it cracks, it’s hard to repair. It’s also one of the more expensive choices on this list.
Laminate
Because laminate flooring can be made in just about any pattern or style, laminate is a great choice for homeowners who like the look of wood but don’t want to deal with the potential for eventual water damage to a wood floor in their bathrooms. Laminate can also come in other patterns — there’s even stone-look laminate flooring. Laminate is stylish and affordable. However, it needs careful maintenance to avoid being scratched, dented, or otherwise damaged. Depending on the quality of laminate chosen, it might be water-resistant all the way up to completely waterproof, so make sure you do some research before you decide on a product.
Engineered Hardwood
Real wood? For a bathroom floor? Some people make it work! Instead of using full real wood, many people choose engineered hardwood with a cork flooring underlayment. “Engineered” wood is a layer of real wood with other materials layered throughout the flooring, such as laminate and even stone. These layers reduce the possibility of water damage deep inside the flooring while still providing the best bathroom flooring look for customers who love to make their bathrooms feel like an Icelandic sauna. While engineered hardwood looks great and repair is relatively simple, keep in mind that wood floors for bathrooms are some of the hardest to clean, and if you truly want completely waterproof flooring, wood is rarely a good idea.
What’s the Best Bathroom Flooring?
Now that you’ve read more about the advantages and disadvantages of each type of bathroom flooring material, you might be wondering which one is the best bathroom flooring. At the end of the day, it’s really up to you! Flooring is a very personal home remodeling decision. However, we do hope we shed some light on the topic and are happy to help you learn more. If you have questions or are ready to start your remodeling project, contact Lancaster Kitchens and Baths right away!
