What is the best flooring for bathrooms?

Bathrooms are unique spaces in your home. They face constant exposure to moisture, foot traffic, and occasional spills. Choosing the best flooring for bathrooms means balancing durability, style, and practicality. The right choice enhances the look of your bathroom while standing up to daily wear and tear. Let’s dive into some great bathroom flooring options like luxury vinyl, laminate, tile, and sheet vinyl. We’ll explore their strengths and why each might be the perfect fit for your space.

Why bathroom flooring requires special consideration

Bathrooms are wet zones—period. Water from showers, sinks, and even humidity can wreak havoc on the wrong flooring. You don’t want warping, mold, or slippery surfaces. The ideal bathroom flooring is water-resistant (or better, waterproof), easy to clean, and stylish. After all, it’s not just about utility; you want your bathroom to look great, too.

Luxury vinyl: the top choice for moisture-prone areas

Luxury vinyl flooring has surged in popularity, and it’s no surprise why. This flooring is waterproof, durable, and offers stunning designs that mimic hardwood or stone. It’s like having the beauty of natural materials without their drawbacks.

Why luxury vinyl works for bathrooms

Luxury vinyl planks (LVP) and luxury vinyl tiles (LVT) are built to handle water exposure. They’re made of layers designed to keep moisture out, so you won’t have to worry about damage. Plus, installation is easy. Many styles use a click-lock system, perfect for DIYers or quick professional installs.

Pros of luxury vinyl flooring in bathrooms:

• Completely waterproof
• Warm underfoot compared to tile
• Wide variety of styles and textures
• Easy to clean and maintain

Luxury vinyl is also cost-effective, giving you a high-end look without breaking the bank. If you want a bathroom that’s both practical and gorgeous, this might be your winner.

Laminate: stylish and budget-friendly

Laminate flooring often surprises people when they learn it can work in bathrooms. While not traditionally associated with water resistance, today’s laminate flooring has come a long way. Newer designs feature water-resistant technologies, making it a solid option for bathrooms.

Why choose laminate for your bathroom?

Laminate is a champion of affordability and design. Laminate wood flooring mimics hardwood better than ever, offering beautiful finishes that fit any style, from rustic to modern.

Pros of laminate flooring in bathrooms:

• Affordable and stylish
• Scratch-resistant for busy households
• Easier to install than tiles
• Warmer feel underfoot compared to tile

Keep in mind that you’ll need to watch for water pooling. Even waterproof laminate can suffer if water seeps through seams. Use mats near sinks and bathtubs to help.

Tile: timeless, durable, and water-resistant

Tile has been a bathroom flooring staple for decades. Why? It’s hard to beat its durability, water resistance, and timeless beauty. Whether you prefer classic ceramic or porcelain, tile flooring can elevate your bathroom to spa-like elegance.

Why tile remains a top contender

Tile flooring is water-resistant—full stop. Its durability is unmatched, and the design possibilities are endless. You can go for large-format tiles for a modern look or intricate mosaics for something more unique. The grout, while sometimes seen as a downside, can now be sealed to make cleaning a breeze.

Pros of tile flooring in bathrooms:

• Water-resistant
• Wide range of colors, patterns, and styles
• Extremely durable and long-lasting
• Ideal for radiant heating systems

However, tile can feel cold underfoot. Adding area rugs or using radiant heating can make it more comfortable. Tile also takes more effort to install, so professional help may be necessary.

Sheet vinyl: budget-friendly and waterproof

Sheet vinyl flooring might not always get the spotlight, but it’s a practical bathroom flooring option. This flooring comes in rolls and covers the entire space with no seams, making it extremely water-resistant. It’s ideal for families, rental properties, or anyone needing a cost-effective solution.

Why sheet vinyl works well in bathrooms

Sheet vinyl is one of the most affordable waterproof flooring options. Its seamless design means water can’t seep through cracks, which is a huge advantage in bathrooms. And with advancements in technology, today’s sheet vinyl flooring looks far more stylish than its older counterparts.

Pros of sheet vinyl in bathrooms:

• Seamless installation prevents water damage
• Budget-friendly option
• Comfortable underfoot
• Easy to clean

While sheet vinyl flooring is durable, it’s not as tough as luxury vinyl or tile when it comes to heavy impacts or sharp objects. Still, for those looking for quick and affordable bathroom flooring, it’s a solid contender.

Factors to consider when choosing bathroom flooring

When deciding on bathroom flooring, you’ll want to think about more than just water resistance. Here are some additional factors to keep in mind:

1. Style: Your bathroom should reflect your personal taste. Whether you love the sleek look of tile, the cozy feel of vinyl, or the warmth of laminate, there’s an option that fits your aesthetic.
2. Budget: Bathroom flooring comes in all price ranges. Tile might be on the higher end, while sheet vinyl and laminate are more budget-friendly. Luxury vinyl offers a middle ground with its balance of cost and benefits.
3. Comfort: Bathrooms are often the first place you step into in the morning. Flooring that feels warm underfoot, like luxury vinyl or laminate, can make a big difference.
4. Maintenance: Think about how much time you want to spend cleaning and maintaining your floors. Tile may require grout upkeep, while vinyl options are virtually hassle-free.

Which flooring option is best for your bathroom?

So, what’s the verdict? Here’s the breakdown:

• Luxury vinyl is the go-to for those wanting beauty, durability, and waterproof capabilities in one package. It’s perfect for families, stylish homeowners, and anyone seeking long-term value.
• Laminate works well if you’re on a tighter budget but still want a hardwood look. Just be sure to choose water-resistant laminate for peace of mind.
• Tile is unbeatable in durability and classic elegance. It’s the best choice if you want to invest in a long-lasting, water-resistant option.
• Sheet vinyl wins for affordability and practicality, especially in bathrooms with high moisture exposure.

Each option shines in its own way. The best bathroom flooring choice depends on your needs, style, and budget.

Ready to transform your bathroom flooring?

Choosing the right flooring can completely change the look and feel of your bathroom. Whether you’re leaning toward the modern appeal of luxury vinyl, tile's timeless charm, or sheet vinyl's practicality, the options are endless.

At Murley's Floor Covering, we offer a wide range of luxury vinyl, laminate, tile, and sheet vinyl to suit any bathroom style. Our showroom in Kennewick, WA, serves the Tri-Cities area. Your perfect bathroom flooring is just a step away!