One of the most overlooked features of a bathroom remodel is the design and type of flooring. Bathrooms require moisture resistant flooring to prevent the growth of mold and mildew. This is important for the overall longevity of your bathroom and to withstand the constant use and exposure to water. It will also add to your bathroom’s overall value if it is designed to last. The best types of materials for moisture resistant flooring offer variety so they can be applied to all types of bathroom design themes. Whether you prefer modern, rustic, industrial, or country, there is a bathroom flooring type that will fit in with your personal design taste.
Ceramic Tile
Ceramic tiling offers the most options for creative expression through unique flooring designs. Tile comes in a variety of shapes and colors that can be arranged according to design preferences. Choose warm colors to create a stimulating and exciting bathroom, or choose cool colors for a more relaxing and peaceful mood. Modern bathrooms are partial to subway tile which creates an aesthetically pleasing symmetrical design. Tiles with natural patterns such as stone, marble, and wood are great for rustic and industrial bathroom designs. Tiles with ornate designs would work great in a shabby chic bathroom. Special consideration should be made toward safety when using ceramic tile for flooring. Since it is slippery when wet, consider using tile with a slip-resistant texture or use rubber mats to prevent injury.
Stone Tile
Great for modern and masculine bathroom designs, stone tile is very good for adding a sense of natural ruggedness and adding texture to a sleek modern bathroom. The designs of stone tile vary and offer plenty of options in terms of colors, shapes, and textures. Modern bathrooms run the risk of appearing too cold and lifeless, but stone tile helps add texture and personality as well as visual contrast. Be sure to pick vitreous stone tile because it does not allow moisture to be absorbed into the tile, which creates a risk for mold and mildew.
Concrete
Concrete flooring is a very affordable option that has various benefits for bathrooms. Beyond being moisture and stain resistant, concrete is also an environmentally friendly option. It is good at retaining heat so that your bathroom floor remains warm to the touch. If you’re the type that hates cold floors, concrete would be worth considering. Concrete is becoming a popular choice with interior designers because it can be customized by stamping textured patterns on the surface. This can create a more natural looking flooring reminiscent of stone textures. Concrete is popular in modern bathrooms because it goes well with minimalist design elements. It has a simple yet attractive look that requires little maintenance beyond the occasional resealing.
Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl is the most common type of material for bathroom flooring because it offers both affordability and versatility in design. It is impervious to moisture on the surface and is easy to maintain. Vinyl is made from a synthetic material and made to look like tile, stone, or hardwood flooring on the surface. Since it is flexible, it can be applied to uneven surfaces that would otherwise have to be evenly leveled. This can add a lot to the cost of your bathroom remodel. One of the downsides of vinyl flooring is that it does not stand up well to flooding. Since it is usually glued to the subfloor, these adhesives don’t stand up to moisture and will allow moisture to seep in and create problems where you can’t see them. Vinyl also fades over time, especially when exposed to sunlight.
Cork Flooring
The greatest benefit of cork flooring is the comfortable walking surface it creates. Since it works as insulation, it is a great option for lowering your heating bill. Suberin is a mold inhibitor that occurs naturally in cork, making it mold-resistant. Like vinyl, cork flooring can be laid over uneven surfaces and save you money on construction costs. It can even be laid over existing surfaces as well. One of the downsides of cork flooring is the limited colors and design options. If you are in the United States, cork has to be imported from Europe, making it an expensive option.
Note on Laminate Flooring:
While some people appreciate the look and texture of wood that laminate flooring provides, we do not recommend it as an option for bathroom floors because moisture and laminate don’t mix. You might end up wasting more money in the long run by having to replace messed up laminate within a year or two. Laminate also tends to absorb smells. Not good for a bathroom.
Don’t overlook your flooring during your next bathroom remodel. It is an important part of the overall design that has big consequences in terms of longevity. Flooring is very important to some people because they prefer or need a comfortable and slip resistant surface. This is especially true for the elderly and small children. Always consider safety first over style and aesthetics. It is better to have a safe bathroom.
About the Author
Cheryl Khan loves to talk about bathroom remodels, especially when it comes to modern design. She is a regular contributor to the Trade Winds Imports Blog. Follow her on Twitter to keep up with the latest design trends.
