What is the best flooring to use in a bathroom?

Author: Telly Schumm  |  Last update: Wednesday, May 14, 2025

The best flooring options for bathrooms are floors that can withstand moisture and humidity, aren't slippery when wet, are easy to clean, and comfortable underfoot. In terms of withstanding moisture and humidity, luxury vinyl tiles (LVT), vinyl roll, and porcelain or ceramic tile are the best bathroom flooring options.

What is the best material for a bathroom floor?

Porcelain tile is the best of all worlds for bathroom flooring, as it is waterproof, stylish, and cost-effective. Like stone, porcelain tile can achieve a rich, textured, solid feeling. Like vinyl, it is waterproof and is fairly inexpensive.

Is vinyl or laminate better for bathrooms?

Well, vinyl plank flooring is water and stain resistant it is always a good idea to install in a bathroom because they're fully waterproof. If you are thinking of not changing your bathroom floors for a longer period then vinyl flooring is the best option. But the most popular choice for bathrooms is tile.

What is the most water resistant bathroom flooring?

Top 6 Water Resistant and Waterproof Flooring Options
  • AquaGuard® Engineered Hardwood. NEW and exclusive to Floor & Decor, AquaGuard® Wood is real water resistant hardwood. ...
  • AquaGuard® Bamboo. ...
  • NuCore® Waterproof Flooring. ...
  • DuraLux® Waterproof Luxury Vinyl. ...
  • HydroShield®

What is better for a bathroom floor ceramic or porcelain?

  • Durability: Porcelain is denser, less porous, and more durable than ceramic, making it ideal for high-moisture areas like bathrooms.
  • Water Resistance: Its low absorption rate makes it great for showers or wet zones.
  • Style: It often has a more polished, upscale look.
  • Cost: Generally more expensive than ceramic.

What Is The Best Flooring For Bathrooms? | FAQs

Is porcelain too slippery for bathroom floor?

6. Is porcelain tile too slippery for bathroom flooring? Porcelain tile can be slippery when wet, but it depends on the finish you choose. Polished porcelain tiles are more slippery due to their smooth surface.

What are the disadvantages of ceramic tiles?

Like we mentioned before, ceramic flooring is extremely hard. While this makes it easier to clean and maintain, it can also make it uncomfortable to stand on. This material, unlike resilient floors, can't be softened using padded underlayments, which means it might not be a suitable choice for some.

What is the lowest maintenance flooring for a bathroom?

6 Low-Maintenance Flooring Options that Will Simplify Your Cleaning Routine
  • #1 - Ceramic Tile. Ceramic tile is one of the best choices for low-cost and low maintenance. ...
  • #2 - Luxury Vinyl. ...
  • #3 - Natural Stone. ...
  • #4 - Hardwood. ...
  • #5 - Porcelain Tile. ...
  • #6 - Linoleum. ...
  • Enjoy Your Home Without the Hassle.

Which flooring is 100% waterproof?

Unlike other products that claim to be waterproof — and are actually water-resistant — Aquatec Flooring® truly is 100% waterproof from our bottom EVA Rubber Padding to our topmost UV Wear Layer, and every layer in between.

What is the best flooring to avoid mold?

Waterproof vinyl's defense against moisture

Waterproof vinyl flooring is engineered to be completely impervious to water, meaning spills and splashes stay on the surface and don?t seep through to the subfloor, where mold can thrive. This characteristic is especially valuable in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms.

What is the most popular flooring for bathrooms?

Porcelain tiles are the most popular choice for bathroom flooring. They are more budget-friendly than natural stones and more water-resistant than ceramic tiles. Porcelain tiles come in a variety of sizes, colors and shapes. Vinyl is the easiest flooring to install in a bathroom.

What are the negatives to vinyl plank flooring?

Firstly, it can be difficult to install and may require professional help. Secondly, vinyl plank flooring is not as durable as other types of flooring such as hardwood or tile. It is also prone to scratching and denting from heavy furniture or objects being dragged across the surface.

Is it OK to use luxury vinyl plank in bathroom?

Absolutely, when you choose the right product and install it thoughtfully. Modern vinyl plank flooring in bathroom environments offers a perfect blend of practicality and style. The key is selecting a properly waterproof product and taking care of installation details around edges and fixtures.

What is the easiest bathroom flooring to install?

If you are looking for the easiest and best bathroom flooring to install, you should consider vinyl tile, water resistant laminate flooring and the rigid core engineered wood as they are of high quality and relatively easy to install.

What is the best color for a bathroom floor?

Light colors such as white, cream, or pale blue can make a small bathroom feel larger and more open by reflecting light. This creates an airy, spacious feel even in confined spaces.

What material should I use for bathroom?

When it comes to bathroom materials, tiles are always the most preferred choice. Besides walls and flooring, tiles can also be used on a vanity unit and bathroom countertop sink as well. You can choose between glass, patterned or even penny tiles.

What is the best floor to waterproof bathroom?

In terms of withstanding moisture and humidity, luxury vinyl tiles (LVT), vinyl roll, and porcelain or ceramic tile are the best bathroom flooring options. Each of these flooring options is water-resistant and able to withstand humidity and temperature changes in a bathroom.

Is luxury vinyl plank better than waterproof vinyl?

Luxury vinyl plank can handle spills and moisture, but if water manages to seep into the seams or edges, it can cause damage over time. Waterproof laminate, on the other hand, boasts superior water resistance, making it an ideal choice for areas prone to spills, such as kitchens and bathrooms.

What is the easiest waterproof flooring to install?

Types of Easy-to-Install Flooring
  • Laminate flooring, known for its affordability, ease of installation, and durability. ...
  • Vinyl plank, which is water-resistant and a popular choice for kitchens and bathrooms.
  • Carpet tiles, offering flexibility in design and easy replacement if damaged.

What is the best flooring for a bathroom for the elderly?

Rubber Flooring as a Durable and Safe Choice

Rubber's non-slip properties make it one of the safest flooring options available today, providing excellent traction even when wet, significantly reducing slip hazards in areas like bathrooms or laundry rooms.

What should I put under bathroom floor?

Cement-Based Backer Board

It is generically called cement-board or backer board, or it can also be referred to by one of the common brand names, such as DensShield, Hardiebacker, and WonderBoard.

What bathroom flooring won't crack?

Consider luxury vinyl plank flooring if you like the look of wood floors. One advantage of LVP is its durability. It won't crack or chip, making it a great option if you have children or pets. Luxury vinyl plank is manufactured from PVC and is higher-quality than sheet vinyl.

Is porcelain or ceramic better for bathroom floors?

Is porcelain or ceramic tile better for a bathroom? Porcelain tile is better for bathroom floors and walls because it's more resistant to water absorption than ceramic tile. It's also more durable and resistant to staining.

What is a con about ceramic tile flooring?

If there are any drawbacks to this durable, elegant flooring, it is that it can be hard and cold and is somewhat tricky for DIYers to install. Ceramic tiles have a hard, solid surface, that does not attract or hold onto dirt, dust, pollen, or other allergens.

Do ceramic tiles crack easily?

Whether you've chosen large or small tiles, those made from stone, ceramic or porcelain, there is a natural fragility to floor tiles that can cause them to become damaged through fine cracks to splits to fractures if improperly cared for.

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