Top Flooring Options for Your Bathroom Remodel

Selecting flooring material is one of the most vital decisions during a bathroom remodel. The home improvement market has many flooring choices, each with their unique characteristics, colors, and patterns. Essentially, you likely want a moisture-resistant floor that is durable, easy to clean, and attractive. Check out the flooring options below to make an informed decision.

Porcelain Tile

Porcelain tiles are popular flooring options in bathrooms because they resist water, stains, and odors. Tile manufacturers make porcelain tiles from heated, refined clay and minerals, making the final product durable and easy to clean. This floor is perfect for high-traffic areas such as hallways and bathrooms.

Porcelain tiles also offer unmatched design versatility as they can mimic natural stone or wood. For example, if you want a luxurious stone tile on a budget, opt for porcelain tiles that resemble granite, slate, or marble.

Other designs complement a retro or industrial look if you want a niche and elegant finish. Most manufacturers glaze porcelain tiles to give homeowners more options on the kind of finish they want.

Ceramic Tile

Ceramic tile is another classic flooring choice that mimics the appearance of more expensive options like wood and natural stone. The major difference between porcelain and ceramic tile is the water absorption rate. Porcelain is more resistant to water infiltration, although the difference is minimal if you buy glazed ceramic tiles. Glazed ceramic tiles also resist wear and scratches, making them suitable for heavy-use bathrooms.

Ceramic tiles are great for budget remodeling projects, as they typically run around 60–70% of the price of porcelain tile on average. However, with proper maintenance, ceramic tiles can last as long as porcelain flooring materials.

Vinyl

Modern vinyl tiles are attractive, inexpensive, and durable, and they mimic wood, natural stone, and other expensive materials. Luxury vinyl flooring (LVF) is especially outstanding as it has a premium appearance for a fraction of the cost of installing wood and stone.

Vinyl sheets are excellent because their seamless installation makes the floor fully waterproof. However, you can install vinyl tiles or planks, depending on the aesthetic you want. For example, vinyl faux wood planks feature realistic textures that add a rustic feel to any bathroom. Cleaning vinyl floors is a breeze, although you need to regularly reapply polish on glossy floors.

Natural Stone

Natural stone has a long history as a superior flooring material, and only the wealthy could afford to use this material in buildings in ancient societies. Natural stone still symbolizes exclusivity and sophistication, and its unique textures and colors make for a distinctive finish. 

Whether you choose marble, limestone, travertine, slate, or granite, the final look will be elegant and stylish. Natural stone flooring also boosts your home's sale value, as many buyers desire premium bathrooms. 

However, the material has many drawbacks, as it is cold, brittle, and porous. Stone-like porcelain or ceramic tiles perform better at a fraction of the cost.

Cork Flooring

If you desire a natural flooring material that is kind to the environment, consider cork flooring, which originates from the bark of cork oak trees. The bark regrows after harvesting, making this flooring choice quite earth-friendly. 

The material's natural richness and varying hues and textures offer comfort in bathrooms and other high-traffic spaces. Also, the floor's textured surface is non-skid, making it a safe flooring option.

Cork floors are impressively resistant to mildew, mold, and water damage. However, reseal cork floors every few years to discourage water infiltration.

When you remodel your bathroom, you have multiple decisions regarding the flooring material, lighting fixtures, and plumbing upgrades. Our remodeling experts at All-American Tile & Remodeling will help you explore all your options for the bathroom of your dreams. Call us today to schedule an in-home consultation.