What type of flooring is best for bathrooms?

Author: Kyler Koch  |  Last update: Thursday, January 29, 2026

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. Want a chic marble look without the hefty price tag? Porcelain tiles have your back.

What is the most durable flooring for a bathroom?

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.

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 lowest maintenance bathroom floor?

Your best bet for a durable, low-maintenance floor is a range of 100% waterproof bathroom flooring options such as waterproof core vinyl, or porcelain and ceramic tile. Water-resistant laminate is also a great option. Waterproof bathroom floors are quick and easy to clean.

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's the best flooring for a bathroom?

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.

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 is the best bathroom flooring to prevent mold?

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.

What is the best inexpensive flooring for a bathroom?

On a Budget: Vinyl flooring is a popular choice because it's affordable, durable and easy to install. Plus, today's vinyl sheets and tiles feature many stylish designs and patterns. Mid-Range: Ceramic tile is the standard and instantly adds an upscale look to a bathroom.

What is the longest lasting shower floor?

Stone is still a popular choice due to the aesthetic it presents. It lasts for a longer time as compared to ceramic or porcelain tiles. In fact, it can last hundreds of years, especially if the shower is not used frequently.

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.

What is the downside to laminate flooring?

Not moisture-proof

Being made of wood, laminate flooring is not impervious to the effects of moisture. Therefore, it's not suitable as a hard flooring for bathrooms and should be used with caution in kitchens or laundries. Light surface water for cleaning shouldn't cause issues, but saturation must be avoided.

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 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 is the most waterproof type of flooring?

Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) flooring is one of the best waterproof and scratch-proof flooring options. It gives a natural hardwood look and offers great durability and resistance to water and scratches. Luxury Vinyl Plank is made up of multiple layers, including a tough top layer that protects against scratches and dents.

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.

What is the best flooring to increase home value?

Hardwood is the best kind of flooring to increase your home's value significantly. Experts estimate that installing wood floors can recover even up to 106 percent of their cost. And there are plenty of reasons for that.

What color floor makes small bathroom look bigger?

Use Light Coloured Tiles Throughout

Utilising light shades of bathroom wall tiles and bathroom floor tiles will reflect light and will visually open up space. The opposite can be said of darker tones, which will absorb the light and make your bathroom feel considerably smaller.

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.

What kills bathroom mold the best?

Solution: Bleach

Best For: killing mold on the surface of nonporous surfaces like tiles and sinks. One part bleach to two parts water added to a spray bottle. Spritz the hard surface areas with this solution and let dry. The mold should disappear within minutes.

Does mold grow on vinyl flooring?

Yes. Mold can grow underneath vinyl floors as a result of excessive moisture. While a single spill or splash of water may not be the issue, failing to pick up the mess can lead to a serious health problem if you're not careful. Mold is known to cause illness, specifically respiratory issues and allergies.

What is the best flooring for a bathroom?

Porcelain and ceramic tiles are both waterproof and easy to clean, but we typically recommend using porcelain tiles for your bathroom flooring.

What are the cons of porcelain tiles?

Cons of Glazed Porcelain Tiles:
  • Expensive.
  • Difficult in Installation.
  • Quite Slippery.
  • Difficult to Repair.
  • Final Thoughts:

Should bathroom floor be matte or glossy?

Non-slip surface: Matte tiles offer better traction, reducing the risk of slips and falls, especially in wet areas like bathrooms and kitchens.

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