When it’s time to upgrade your bathroom, one of the easiest ways to give it a whole new look is by installing new flooring. With so many variations of flooring materials specifically for bathrooms, there are plenty of stylish and functional options to choose from.
The right bathroom flooring should be attractive, waterproof, easy to clean, and slip-resistant. It should also complement your bathroom’s overall decor. Cost, durability, and installation requirements are other key factors to weigh when selecting new floors.
To help you zero in on the best flooring for your bathroom remodel, here are four top options to consider.
1. Vinyl Bathroom Flooring
Vinyl is one of the most popular choices for bathroom floors. It provides the beauty of natural materials like stone and wood at a more affordable flooring price point. Most people choose vinyl flooring because it’s completely waterproof, which is one of its main advantages.
Vinyl flooring comes in two main forms: vinyl tile and vinyl plank flooring. Vinyl tile consists of individual square tiles, while vinyl plank flooring contains long, wide planks. However, both mimic the look of more expensive hard surfaces.
With innovative printing techniques, vinyl floors can convincingly recreate the visuals of ceramic, travertine, marble, slate, and even hardwood, but it’s much more affordable.
You can find vinyl flooring with realistic wood grain patterns, color variations, and hand-scraped detailing.
Additionally, vinyl floors are comfortable underfoot, colorfast, and scratch-resistant. They also resist stains, moisture, and mildew. This makes them incredibly low-maintenance. Just sweep and mop occasionally to keep them looking new.
Installation of vinyl flooring is relatively simple, especially if you opt for peel-and-stick vinyl tiles — these tiles go down quickly without glue. Most vinyl floors are affordable, starting around $2 per square foot. Professional installation costs about $3 to $6 per square foot.
2. Ceramic Tile Bathroom Flooring
Ceramic tile is another popular option for bathroom flooring. Tiles create a classic, elegant look that works with any style of decor. Glazed ceramic is completely impervious to water, resisting chips, cracks, and scratches. It’s a great option for high-traffic bathrooms.
With today’s digital printing technology, you can find ceramic tiles mimicking natural stone, concrete, metals, and more. Mix different sizes, patterns, colors, and textures to create a custom floor, or choose larger tiles and neutral grout for a seamless look.
Ceramic tiles are very durable and easy to clean. While rare, if a tile cracks, it’s a simple replacement fix. Tiles can feel cold underfoot, so use a bath mat or install radiant floor heating. Tile cost can vary wildly depending on type, color, and pattern, but expect to pay an average of $10 or so per square foot for professional tile installation.
3. Laminate Bathroom Flooring
Laminate flooring has the rich look of solid wood floors or stone floors for less. Most laminate floors have a photographic layer under a clear protective coating to create realistic wood grains, knots, mineral patterns, and textures. Compared to real wood and stone, laminate is more affordable, easier to install, and suitable for bathrooms.
Most laminate floors have water-resistant cores nowadays. However, you must carefully seal all edges and seams to prevent moisture damage. We recommend using 100% silicone caulk around the perimeter and any gaps. This keeps spills from seeping underneath, which can cause swelling, warping, and delamination over time.
With proper moisture protection, laminate makes a great choice for half baths or for bathrooms with stand-alone showers.
It provides warmth underfoot and can visually connect spaces with matching floors throughout your home. Expect to pay $2 to $5 per square foot for good quality laminate flooring. Professional installation ranges from $3 to $7 per square foot.
4. Stone Bathroom Flooring
For a truly luxurious bathroom floor, nothing surpasses the beauty and elegance of genuine stone. Materials such as marble, travertine, slate, and granite make stunning additions to upscale bathrooms. Each type of natural stone has its own distinct patterning, veining, and colors. You can create a custom look by combining different stones.
Stone conducts heat well, so it feels wonderful under bare feet. It also adds an air of sophistication that vinyl, laminate, and tile can’t match. On the downside, stone floors are pricey to purchase and install. Costs range from $15 to $40 per square foot, depending on the material.
Stone requires periodic sealing to prevent stains and etching from liquids. It can also be quite slippery. Many homeowners opt to only use stone on the floor, then choose a less expensive wall tile. This helps cut costs while still enjoying the beauty of a genuine stone floor.
Key Considerations for Choosing Bathroom Flooring
With so many types of flooring to select from, keep the following factors in mind as you shop for your bathroom remodel:
Your new bathroom flooring should be completely waterproof and properly sealed to prevent moisture damage. Vinyl, ceramic tile, and natural stone are very water-resistant options. You’ll need to do some sort of moisture-blocking treatment for laminate floors.
Bathroom floors should be slip-resistant for safety. A high coefficient of friction is important, especially when floors may be wet, so textured surfaces provide more traction. You can add slip-resistant mats too.
Choose extremely durable and scratch-resistant flooring that can withstand years of wear and tear from foot traffic. Porcelain and ceramic tile, natural stone, and luxury vinyl are very durable options.
Select flooring that suits your overall interior design scheme and decor. Warm wood looks, sleek concrete visuals, bold patterns, or classic subway tiles work well.
Opt for softer, warmer flooring such as vinyl, cork, or bamboo if you want comfortable surfaces underfoot. These feel better than hard surfaces like tile, stone, and laminate.
Some flooring clicks together quickly, while natural stone and tile require more extensive subfloor prep and professional installation. Consider installation time and effort when estimating the total project cost.
Prices range dramatically from as little as $1 per square foot for peel-and-stick vinyl tile up to $50 per square foot for premium natural stone. Set a flooring budget beforehand and stick to it.
In warm climates, stone and tile floors help keep interiors cool. In colder regions, wood-look vinyl and laminate add warmth. Adjust your flooring choice to your local weather.
Remember to budget for transitions, trim, underlayment, mortar, grout, and sealants for your new floors.
So, Is Upgrading Your Bathroom Flooring Worth It?
Installing new flooring is one of the smartest upgrades you can make when remodeling your bathroom. The right flooring can completely transform the space, providing visual appeal along with important functionality.
Waterproof, slip-resistant, attractive floors help create a bathroom that’s safe, durable, easy to clean, and stylish. New floors can also add value to your home if you plan on upgrading before selling.
While basic vinyl and ceramic tile offer affordable options, spending a bit more on higher-end materials such as luxury vinyl plank, wood-look porcelain, or natural stone provides added resiliency and luxury underfoot.
Flooring that convincingly mimics pricier materials also helps stretch your remodeling budget further. You can attain the look of genuine hardwood or marble at a lower cost through quality laminate or vinyl flooring.
Since you’ll use your bathroom floors daily, don’t settle for anything less than floors that are perfect for your needs and lifestyle. Investing in new floors pays off through enhanced safety, easier maintenance, visual appeal, and added home value. It’s a worthwhile upgrade that you’ll enjoy for years.
FAQs About Upgrading Bathroom Floors
What are the best bathroom flooring brands?
Some top brands for bathroom flooring include Mohawk, Shaw, Armstrong, Mannington, and Marazzi. Look for reputable manufacturers that offer warranties of 15 years or longer.
What thickness of vinyl plank is best for bathrooms?
Choose a vinyl plank flooring thickness of at least 5 to 6 millimeters for bathrooms. Anything less than 5 millimeters is prone to denting, gouging, and puncturing over time. Go with a 20-millimeter wear layer or higher.
Can you put laminate flooring in a bathroom?
Yes, you can install laminate in bathrooms as long as you completely seal all edges and seams first. Use 100% silicone caulk around the full perimeter as well as anywhere the laminate connects. Never let spills seep under laminate planks to avoid damage.
Is tile or vinyl better for bathrooms?
Tile and vinyl are both great waterproof options. Tile is more elegant but requires extensive subfloor prep. You can install vinyl over existing floors easily. Vinyl also costs less, offers underfoot comfort, and provides a wood-like visual.
What kind of tile is best for small bathrooms?
Large format rectangular or square tiles 12 x 24 inches or larger create the illusion of more space. Neutral colors, small grout lines, and minimal patterns also help make a small bathroom feel larger. Avoid busy mosaics or tiny tiles.
