what's the best flooring for bathrooms?

In this blog post, we explore various options for bathroom flooring, highlighting the pros and cons of different materials. Additionally, we outline 5 essential factors to consider before choosing the perfect flooring for your bathroom. Let's start with some common flooring options:

vinyl

Don't worry, it's not the vinyl you remember from years ago! Nowadays, manufacturers supply 'luxury' vinyl flooring options. Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT) are incredibly realistic substitutes for wood or stone, sometimes it's hard to tell the difference! Plus, the vinyl flooring ranges we offer come with the added benefits of being waterproof, easy to maintain, and highly durable. It's a win-win situation! 

tile

Popular options like ceramic or porcelain tiles stand out for their durability, making them ideal for use in bathrooms. Resilient against moisture and humidity, they withstand the challenges of bathrooms and wet environments. With a variety of design options, including various patterns and textures, they are a cost-effective, low-maintenance choice for your bathroom floor.

laminate & real wood

Laminate or engineered hardwood flooring is generally not advised for bathrooms because of its vulnerability to water damage. While engineered wood may boast real wood layers on the surface, the material beneath the real wood often lacks waterproof or water-resistant properties. Likewise, laminate floors are not well-equipped to handle moisture, and immediate cleanup of spills is necessary to prevent problems like swelling and warping. This type of flooring is not ideal for bathrooms.​

carpet

Carpet in bathrooms was once popular in the 1970s and 1980s; however, it is not recommended for bathrooms. There are very few, if any, benefits to choosing carpets for your bathroom. Harmful bacteria, mould, mildew, and dirt can easily build up in fitted carpets; the only way to clean them properly is by using industrial carpet cleaning equipment. With so many better options in materials for your bathroom flooring, carpet should not be one of them, just don't do it!

5 things to consider before choosing flooring

slip resistance

Slip resistance in bathroom floors refers to the ability of the flooring material to provide traction and prevent slipping, particularly when the surface is wet. In a bathroom setting where water spills and splashes are common, slip resistance is crucial for ensuring safety and preventing accidents. Flooring materials with a textured surface are generally considered more slip-resistant, as they provide better grip underfoot. Grout lines or patterns on the surface of the floor can also contribute to slip resistance by providing additional traction. It's important to consider slip resistance when selecting bathroom flooring.

durability

Kitchens and bathrooms are exposed to the highest amount of moisture. Whenever you step out of the shower or bathtub or brush your teeth, water is likely going to splash on your floors. Because of this, any flooring materials used in these areas must be waterproof to ensure the longevity of the chosen flooring.

warmth

Considering warmth underfoot is essential when selecting bathroom floor materials to enhance comfort and create a cosy environment. Bathrooms tend to have cold, hard surfaces due to the presence of tile or stone flooring, which can be unpleasant, especially during the colder months. Choosing materials that offer warmth underfoot, such as vinyl or heated flooring systems, can improve overall comfort, making the bathroom a more inviting and enjoyable space.

cost

Whether you're DIY-installing your bathroom or working with a professional installer, to keep costs to a minimum, you will want to find bathroom floors that are easy to install. Tile flooring is a beautiful option, but it can also be very labour-intensive and time-consuming to complete, especially if there is lots of cutting or grouting. Remember, time is money!

cleaning

When selecting bathroom flooring, it's important to prioritise cleaning and maintenance. Various flooring materials demand different levels of care. For instance, carpets tend to trap dirt, dust, and allergens, needing frequent deep cleaning to uphold cleanliness—making them unsuitable for bathrooms. Other options, like marble tile or vinyl flooring, are generally much more manageable to clean and maintain. It's also worth thinking about how well the flooring material resists stains and spills, as some materials may be more prone to staining than others.

get in touch

Renewing your bathroom can seem like a daunting task, and when it comes to flooring, you’ll want something practical, comfortable to stand on, and easy to clean. You’ll also want to make your new bathroom warm and inviting with your personal touch. We can supply you with a great range of tiles and vinyl. Take a look at our vinyl flooring page for more details, or get in touch to discuss your bathroom project.​

vinyl flooring >

contact us >