When planning a bathroom remodel there are many things to consider, such as fixtures, shower styles, paint colors, and storage structures. Bathroom flooring is an especially important feature as it serves as the foundation for your space and helps to unite the rest of your design choices.
Because bathrooms are exposed to lots of water and foot traffic, it’s important that your flooring is durable and resilient. What flooring type should you opt for? Here are some pros and cons of some of the most common bathroom flooring options:
Luxury Vinyl Tile
Traditional vinyl is an economical option, and is popular for its durability. However, vinyl does have a few drawbacks: the material can lose its original coating after being exposed to cleaning materials and has a less ‘luxe’ look and feel than other flooring materials. Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) is an increasingly popular alternative that simulates the natural look of tile or wood flooring due to new printing methods. It is also much more resilient than hardwoods, warmer underfoot than tile, and water-resistant. Due to its durability, it’s a smart choice for high-traffic bathrooms or bathrooms of families with small children or pets.
Tile
Tile is a popular bathroom flooring choice due to its versatility, durability, and ease of cleaning. We recommend tiles from a variety of top manufacturers like Daltile, United Tile, Oregon Tile and Marble and Statements. Tiles can be combined to create beautiful patterns for a one-of-a-kind floor that will act as a design asset in and of itself. Tile materials include glass, ceramic, porcelain, and stone such as marble, pebble, and granite.
Radiant Heat
For the ultimate luxury flooring, consider radiant heating. A radiant heating system warms the floor from below using electric coils. A benefit of installing radiant heat flooring? It can help increase your resale value should you decide to sell your home in the future. This option has increased in popularity over the years in the Pacific Northwest where chilly weather can extend well into April.
Cork & Wood
Homeowners often ask about whether they should use wood or cork flooring in their bathroom. While it is possible to use these materials, it’s not usually advisable. Both wood and cork are vulnerable to damage from moisture and heavy traffic, and can warp or bubble over time. For wood-look flooring that’s more durable and water-resistant, we recommend LVT.