When refinishing bathroom flooring, the primary consideration is water. Moisture poses a challenge for any floor in the home, but it’s especially critical in the bathroom. All flooring options should be waterproof or highly water-resistant.
Other factors to consider include durability—can it withstand daily wear, children, and pets? Aesthetics matter too: will it complement your design vision? Most importantly, how will it feel underfoot? No one enjoys walking barefoot on a cold floor.
Choices to Consider for Bathroom Flooring
- Carpet – Most experts advise against carpet in bathrooms. Moisture and carpeting don’t mix, especially in a humid environment. Many professionals strongly discourage carpeting, but if you insist, consult a professional installer for specialized solutions.
- Solid Hardwood – Hardwood is warmer and more attractive than carpet, but it’s not ideal for bathrooms. Constant exposure to moisture can cause warping and splintering, as explained in this article on moisture and wood. Professional sealing is required to minimize water seepage, but even then, repairs may be needed over time.
- Laminate Flooring – Laminate is a man-made alternative to wood, consisting of resin-impregnated paper over a wood-chip base. It’s more water-resistant than solid hardwood, with a durable melamine or plastic wear layer. The plank mimics real wood grain, and glued seams help prevent moisture seepage. While laminate is a strong bathroom flooring option, water can still penetrate the wood-chip base, potentially causing damage if not addressed promptly.
- Engineered Wood – Engineered wood offers the look of hardwood with better moisture resistance. It features a plywood base topped with a thin layer of real wood. However, refinishing is limited because the top layer is only 1/16th to 1/8th of an inch thick, allowing just a few sandings. Learn more about engineered wood.
- Stone – Stone flooring, such as granite, limestone, or marble, is impervious to moisture. However, it’s cold underfoot and can be slippery, posing risks for children, pets, or the elderly. Textured stone, achieved through sandblasting or natural finishes, improves traction. The main drawback is cost, which is often prohibitive for many homeowners.
- Vinyl (Sheet or Tile) – Vinyl is a popular bathroom flooring choice due to its affordability, ease of installation, and variety of styles. DIY enthusiasts can install it over a weekend. However, vinyl tiles may loosen over time, while sheet vinyl, though more durable, can be tricky to install correctly. Despite its old-fashioned reputation, sheet vinyl is regaining popularity.
- Ceramic Tile – Ceramic tile is often considered the ideal bathroom flooring. It’s nearly waterproof, affordable, and available in countless shapes, colors, and styles, mimicking the look of wood or other materials. With tinted grout, homeowners can unleash their creativity, making ceramic tile a versatile and stylish option.
Eco-Friendly Bathroom Flooring
Eco-friendly flooring should be made from natural, durable, recyclable, and long-lasting materials. Linoleum, glass ceramic tile, and bamboo are excellent non-toxic options.
- Linoleum – Available in numerous colors and in tile or sheet form, linoleum is highly durable, water-resistant, and scratch-resistant, often called the “40-year floor.” Its true colors “bloom” in sunlight. Modern linoleum tiles feature a click-lock system for easy, adhesive-free installation and are backed with cork for quieter steps.
- Glass Ceramic Tiles – Pioneered by the eco-friendly design movement, these tiles are made from 100% recycled glass. Translucent and available in various colors and designs, they suit most bathrooms. Sandblasted options reduce slipperiness, and their durability ensures long-term use.
- Bamboo – Though unconventional in Western homes, bamboo is a resilient, eco-friendly alternative to wood. Naturally resistant to moisture, mildew, bacteria, and mold, properly sealed bamboo can last for decades.
- Going Green – Bathrooms are ideal for starting your home’s eco-friendly transformation due to their small size. When selecting flooring, consider moisture, heat, mold, mildew, and bacteria resistance. Choosing environmentally safe materials benefits your family and future generations.
