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Selecting the perfect flooring for your bathroom can be a daunting task. With such abundant options and materials, it's vital to identify flooring that not only looks great but is also practical. Depending upon your lifestyle, you may lean more towards one type of material than another.
What Is the Best Bathroom Flooring?
Ceramic tiles
Pros
For bathroom flooring, ceramic tiles are the premier choice due to their remarkable resistance and endurance. With a vast selection of styles, shapes, sizes and colours available in porcelain ceramics - you'll have no trouble finding something that resonates with your individual taste! Additionally, should you need it, these tiles provide an excellent base for anti-slip treatments.
Cons
Ceramic tiles may be a popular bathroom flooring option, yet they do possess certain drawbacks. Firstly, the cost of ceramic tile is variable depending on quality and design; in addition to that, installation can also be quite expensive due to its labour-intensive nature. Furthermore, ceramic tiles lack adequate insulation which makes them an unsuitable choice for cold climates.
Vinyl flooring
Pros
Vinyl is a remarkable option for bathrooms due to its resilience against traditional flooring materials like solid hardwood and carpet. What's more, it also provides water resistance - making it an ideal choice for high-moisture areas such as the bathroom. Apart from that, there are numerous styles available which closely resemble natural surfaces but with increased durability; think wood lookalikes and patterned tile designs!
Cons
Although vinyl flooring has many advantages, such as its durability and water resistance, there are also some drawbacks to consider. For instance, furniture legs or high heels can easily cause scratches on the surface of vinyl floors. Furthermore, while it is a suitable option for bathroom flooring in warmer climates because of its insulation properties, those living in colder regions may want to look into other options since this type of material does not effectively retain heat.
Laminate flooring
Pros
Laminate flooring is the perfect choice for bathrooms due to its budget-friendly price and superior ability to provide a stylish, sophisticated look without all of the extra maintenance. With laminate floors, you don't have to worry about water damage or scratches as they are both highly resistant. Plus, its hassle-free cleaning makes sure your bathroom stays looking fresh!
Don’t pass up on an opportunity to add that much sought-after natural wood or stone appearance without breaking your bank account.
Cons
Laminate flooring is often a reasonably priced and straightforward install, however, it does have some drawbacks. One significant con of laminate is that it can be effortlessly damaged by water causes warping and discolouration. Moreover, laminate isn't as resilient or lasting as other options like ceramic tile or vinyl which means you'll need to replace the flooring more regularly than if you used something else.
Bamboo flooring
Pros
The popularity of bamboo flooring for bathrooms is skyrocketing due to its unparalleled strength, endurance and water resistance. As if that wasn't enough, it also offers superior insulation, keeping your bathroom comfy during those chilly winter days! So if you're looking for a timeless yet durable flooring solution that won't easily succumb to moisture damage, then bamboo should be at the top of your list.
Cons
Bamboo flooring is a stylish option for bathrooms, however, it can come with some downsides to consider. When compared to other bathroom flooring materials, bamboo tends to be costlier; making it less ideal for those who are budget-conscious. Plus, you must refinish and reseal the material from time to time in order to maintain its aesthetic appeal which may accumulate more costs over time.
Cork flooring
Pros
With its numerous advantages, cork flooring is quickly becoming the go-to material for bathrooms. It can help maintain a warm temperature in colder climates due to its strong insulation capabilities, and its water-resistant nature makes it an ideal selection for high-moisture areas like washrooms.
In addition, cork is incredibly resilient and with proper care can last anywhere from 15 to 25 years! With such a wide range of colours and designs available, you will have no problem creating the perfect look for your bathroom.
Cons
Cork flooring is a great choice for bathrooms, yet it does come with some drawbacks that need to be taken into account.
First and foremost, cork tends to be pricier than other kinds of floors. And on top of this, its softer material makes it more prone to damage from sharp objects or heavy foot traffic; furthermore, regular upkeep is needed in order to maintain its performance and aesthetic appeal.
Finally, due the fact that it has a soft feel underfoot compared to other types of flooring can make standing on cork uncomfortable over long periods of time.
Engineered vinyl plank
Pros
EVP flooring (Engineered Vinyl Plank) is an ideal selection for bathroom surfaces, providing the same waterproof properties of vinyl but with improved longevity and scratch protection. Installing EVP requires minimal effort and labour costs are reduced significantly.
On top of that, there's a myriad of colours available to choose from which will allow you to personalise your bathroom in style!
Cons
EVP flooring, despite its many advantages, is not without its drawbacks. Firstly, it can be quite costly depending on the style and quality you select. Secondly, EVP may lack durability compared to other materials so a replacement might become necessary sooner than expected.
Lastly, this type of flooring does not provide warmth due to low thermal insulation; therefore making it unsuitable for cold climates or areas with a cooler climate.
Luxury vinyl plank
Pros
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) flooring is the perfect choice for bathrooms, boasting remarkable durability and style. Constructed with multiple layers of vinyl, LVP floors offer robustness not found in traditional vinyl. Plus, they're highly water resistant - ideal for high-humidity environments like bathrooms!
To top it off, you can find LVP in a range of designs and colours to create your personalised bathroom look.
Cons
Although Luxury Vinyl Plank flooring is an ideal fit for bathrooms, there are some drawbacks to consider. Most notably that LVP can be quite costly compared to alternative material options. Furthermore, it's not as warm and cosy underfoot in colder climates when compared with other materials.
What’s more, luxury vinyl planks tend to experience damage from sharp objects or heavy traffic quicker than many other materials – making them require frequent maintenance if you want them to look their best!
Luxury vinyl tile
Pros
Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) flooring is a rapidly growing choice for bathrooms, and it's easy to see why. LVT has unparalleled water resistance, making it the perfect option in high-moisture places like bathrooms.
Not only that, but this type of flooring far surpasses alternatives such as laminate or bamboo due to its exceptional durability; you can trust that your LVT won't wear down anytime soon! Plus with an array of colours and designs available at your fingertips, customising the look of your bathroom has never been easier.
Cons
Before you decide to install luxury vinyl tile flooring, there are a few drawbacks that should be taken into account. The cost of LVT can be more than other types of flooring and the installation process is complicated, often requiring professional help.
Moreover, regular cleaning and resealing will ensure optimal performance but will add up in terms of costs over time. Consider these factors before making your decision!
To Wrap Up
When selecting flooring for your bathroom, the possibilities are endless. Bamboo is a great selection because of its water resistance and insulation power - though it can be pricey and needs regular upkeep. Engineered Vinyl Plank (EVP) is another popular choice given its moisture-proof capabilities and simple installation process; however, it may not last as long compared to other types of flooring options.
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) is becoming a more and more popular flooring option due to its longevity and visual beauty, though it can be cost-prohibitive. Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT), on the other hand, offers remarkable water resistance as well as an array of colours and designs; however, installation may require professional help which could add up in terms of price.
Ultimately, you'll need to assess your budget, needs and aesthetic preferences when selecting the ultimate flooring material for your bathroom. Take all options into account to identify the ideal fit and top pick for your space!