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.
Ceramic and porcelain tiles are the best bathroom flooring—and for good reason! They're waterproof, durable, and come in an array of colors, patterns, and finishes.
Ceramic tiles
Perfect for muddy footprints, rainy days, and accidental spillages. Water-resistant ceramic tiles are a great choice for your bathroom floor. They are glazed, resistant against stains, and water damage.
Vinyl is the easiest flooring to install in a bathroom. It is budget-friendly, durable and low maintenance. It comes in a variety of colors and designs. Ceramic tiles are budget-friendly and easy to install.
Peel and stick vinyl flooring is designed to withstand the rigors of everyday life. Its durability makes it an excellent choice for high-traffic areas, ensuring that it maintains its appearance over time.
Patterned bathroom tiles are a wonderful way to incorporate colour and design into a bathroom scheme, with patterned bathroom flooring being particularly popular in 2024. These tiles come in a range of styles, from vintage-inspired floral motifs and bold geometric shapes to classic Moroccan style tiles.
Byrne says: “A joint-free floor will be the most hygienic and easiest to clean. For example, terrazzo or cushion-backed vinyl.” “Storage will keep the endless bottles of lotions and potions every bathroom seems to harbor out of sight, making surfaces quicker to clean,” Byrne says.
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.
These methods include: Mopping: Using string, sponge, or microfiber mops combined with specialized solutions. Steam Cleaning: Utilizing gas-powered or electric steam cleaners for deep sanitization. Dry Vacuuming: Implemented alongside other methods for comprehensive dirt removal.
A clunky vacuum cleaner is almost no help in a small bathroom. Instead, the best way to clean a bathroom floor is with a small, high-quality broom. Sweep along the edges of the room and work to collect dust and dirt in the middle. Don't forget to reach around the base of the toilet where dust likes to collect!
Bathroom Cleaning Hacks: Best Way to Clean Grout and Tiles
Before mopping, use Swiffer Sweeper. Its textured cloths conform to the surface of your floor to trap and lock dirt, dust and hair. These methods will help you avoid scratching your tiling before you mop. Then, gently wipe down everything with water.
Porcelain and Ceramic Tile
Porcelain and ceramic tiles are my go-to choice for bathroom flooring, and for good reason. These tiles are durable, water-resistant, and available in a wide variety of styles. Porcelain is especially dense, making it even more resistant to moisture and stains.
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.
Porcelain and ceramic tiles are both waterproof and easy to clean, but we typically recommend using porcelain tiles for your bathroom flooring.
Add 1/3 cup hydrogen peroxide and 1/2 cup white vinegar to 1.5 gal of hot water. Add 10-15 drops of your favorite essential oils for a better scent. Using a mop and bucket, apply the solution liberally across the tile floor, making sure all of the grout is covered.
High Humidity Levels
While dust particles will typically float around or remain suspended in the air for some time before landing on surfaces, the added moisture found in bathrooms weighs down these dust particles and causes them to fall and stick to surrounding surfaces.
Porcelain and ceramic tile will last longer than other bathroom flooring options, as they are highly durable if installed correctly on a solid substrate.
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.
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.
There's a common misconception that peel-and-stick tiles aren't suitable for wet areas like showers. However, this isn't entirely true. Many peel-and-stick shower tiles are designed to be water-resistant, making them an acceptable choice for showers. But, remember, water-resistant doesn't mean waterproof.
On average you can expect peel and stick floors to last between five and 25 years. However, their life span ultimately comes down to how well they're installed, how much traffic they receive, and whether they're repeatedly exposed to water.
Yes, sealing the plywood subfloor ensures better adhesion for peel-and-stick tiles and prevents moisture damage. Use a primer or sealer designed for flooring to create a smooth, even surface.