Besides being a basic necessity, the bathroom is an important part of the home where you spend the first and last moments of a day. Since water is the main fulcrum in this space, it is vital that your bathroom can withstand the constant barrage of this fluid.
Special consideration must therefore be given to its finishing, especially the floor because whether you bathe, spill or leak the water is bound to hit the floor first. It is, therefore, a good idea to research the best flooring for your bathroom, as you may find more options than you thought were available.
Tiles
Ceramic and porcelain tiles are a great option for a bathroom as they are resilient and waterproof. Moreover, they can be a huge variety of shapes and sizes and are generally much more affordable than other flooring options. Ceramic and porcelain tiles can easily withstand standing water, a good reason they are installed in most shower cubicles. Tiles don’t harbor germs, can absorb water, and be cleaned easily. That said, tiles can be slippery when wet, so look for tiles with a textured surface that are more slip-resistant.
Vinyl flooring
Vinyl is another less expensive choice for a bathroom floor and with a huge range of products in different configurations available, has become a popular flooring option in the market these days. Vinyl floor tiles are scratch-resistant and can be laid to resemble stone, wood, or even ceramic tiles. Since the product core is wood or stone polymer compounds protected by a wear layer, there are great waterproof options for bathroom floors.
Stained concrete
If your home has a concrete foundation, you can always stain and finish the concrete floors. Stained concrete is an inexpensive and beautiful option, though it is not an easy DIY project and requires the service of a professional to fill and patch the grinding before staining. The end effect is however special, as concrete gives a unique finish that will make your bathroom stand apart from others.
Natural stone
Natural stone is another great bathroom floor option, which comes in many forms such as limestone, granite, or marble. They come in a range of naturally occurring colors, are waterproof, and can resist wear and tear for years on end. While natural stone tiles are expensive and difficult to install, they provide a lux finish that cannot be compared to any other flooring product. Additionally, softer stones need to be refinished every two years with a good stone sealer, while harder stones like marble and granite can be resealed after four or five years.
Linoleum
Linoleum is another resilient sheet flooring option that can be purchased in many vibrant designs and colors. Linoleum basically consists of linseed oil and cork, which are both biodegradable and recyclable products which makes it extremely environmentally friendly. Though linoleum is moisture-proof, it can be stained easily. So spills should be wiped up immediately. Opt for linoleum with a protective coating in order to safeguard against scratches and stains.