The Different Types Of Bathroom Flooring Options

Suppose you are remodeling your bathroom or building a new home and must choose new flooring. In that case, there are only 3 or 4 choices, but the bathroom flooring options are nearly endless within those choices. In this blog, I will go over the price, DIY-able, where to purchase, and long-term care for each of the three main flooring types.

Why Is Bathroom Flooring Important?

Bathroom flooring options are important because you want something you won’t get tired of looking at, will hold up well, will be easy to clean, and will work with your budget.

Examples Of Bathroom Flooring

Tile

Cost

Tile is probably the most popular choice for flooring in a bathroom. The options are nearly limitless, and tiles can be laid in many patterns for a completely customized look. Tile comes in ceramic, porcelain, and cement. Ceramic is the lowest cost point and is most frequently found at big box stores. Cement is the newest and probably the most expensive. Porcelain is a higher quality product than ceramic and is priced slightly higher. Cement has some specific needs when it comes to installation. For example, it must be soaked in water before installation. If you decide to go this route, research how the manufacturer recommends it is installed and work with your tile setter to ensure they understand and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines.

Tile setters in my area charge $7-$10 per square foot to install tile floors. This is with me providing the tile and the grout and the tile installer providing the underlayment and the tile setting materials.

While very good-looking, tile is cold and hard, so be sure to take that into account when deciding. Another thing to pay a lot of attention to is grout. Again, take your time to research to pick a suitable, stain-resistant grout.

DIY?

In my opinion, if you are a strong DIYer, you can install a tile floor yourself. Take the time to prepare yourself by studying the best installation practices (I highly recommend Schluter products, which have good videos.) Make sure you have the time to devote to the project. Doing the tile installation yourself can save you a great deal of money.

Care

Properly installed and cared for tile should last many, many years. The good news is that tile is relatively easy to care for. Mopping with warm soapy water and spot cleaning grout with a soft scrub brush should keep your tile floor looking good for years and years. For more on keeping your bathroom floors clean, see the blog post by the gals over at Gocleanco.

Where To Buy?

If you plan to lay the tile yourself, please buy your tile at a store that only sells tile. The people who work there will be a tremendous resource for you. As they only work in tile, they will be much better informed about tile, grout, underlayment, and setting materials – all of which will be valuable to you.

If you are using a tile setter, you can purchase your tile virtually anyplace. However, you might ask your tile setter before you buy. Some are not wild about setting “cheaper” tiles as it takes them longer to get a better-finished product.

Note: Tile bathroom floors are not waterproof. You can get water on them without much damage, but you do not want to let them stay wet regularly. The water will soak down through the grout to below, and mildew will result. In other words, dry off completely before you get out of the shower or bathtub.  

Luxury Vinyl Plank

Cost

LVP, Luxury Vinyl Plank, has quickly become one of the industry’s favorites. This solid vinyl product will not soak up water, comes in many wood-looking patterns and colors, has a reasonable price point, and is probably the easiest to install. If you install the flooring yourself, you can expect to pay $2 – $4 per square foot, and if you hire it done, you can expect to pay $5 – $7 per square foot.

DIY?

If you enjoy DIY projects, installing LVP is one you seriously may want to consider taking on. No specific tools are required, and a bathroom can probably be laid in a day. Once you get the flooring properly squared up, it goes pretty fast. Watch a video on YouTube to see how it’s done! The most crucial part of installing LVP is ensuring your subfloor is smooth, clean, and blemish-free.

Care

It could not be easier! Vacuum and damp mop routinely for a spic and span bathroom floor! Although LVP is an entirely water-resistant product – that does not mean the subfloor below it is water-resistant. A lot of water on the floor could soak into the cracks between the planks and cause your subfloor to swell. So again, keep the water in your shower and tub!

Where To Buy?

LVP can be purchased in lots of places. However, you can buy from a locally owned flooring store as they will know to support your decision-making process. In addition, they can talk to you about wear layers, installation methods, and backing.

Engineered Hardwood

It may surprise you to see this on my list of bathroom flooring options. I admit it is not a usual choice. However, it is beautiful, warm, and durable. I’ve had it in my bathroom for seven years, and it still looks fantastic! Furthermore, I think it is the least likely product to go out of style. My home is traditional, and I think even if I remodel my shower at some point, I will likely keep my engineered hardwood floor.

Cost

Wood costs have been on a steep upward climb lately, so the price isn’t as attractive as it was a couple of years ago, but it is still comparable to natural stone tile. Engineered hardwood, uninstalled, ranges from $4.50 to $10 per square foot. Installed would be more like $7.25 – $12.75.

DIY?

Engineered hardwood does require special tools to install. You can rent the tools (and be sure to wear a safety eye covering!) and DIY this project, but only if you have a strong skill set.

Care

Vacuuming and damp mopping will do the job of keeping engineered hardwood clean. Once again, keeping the water inside your shower and bathtub and off the floor will keep your engineered hardware beautiful for years.

Where To Buy?

I’m always harping on buying local. It’s the best way to get the support you need when choosing between multiple floors, brands, etc. They have experience, can guide you, and know the excellent installers. There is so much goodness that can come from buying locally!

Closing

The main thing I want you to know about bathroom flooring options for your bathroom remodel is that it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. There are several factors to consider: cost, can the installation be a do-it-yourself project, and long-term care and maintenance. Decide which factor is most important to you and eliminate choices from there. Buying local and from specialty stores doesn’t mean you will be paying a higher cost – be upfront about your budget and ask them only to show you samples in your price range. The added benefit of finding an excellent local installer and getting knowledgeable help will more than offset any small increases in price over chain stores or online retailers.

For more free information on home remodeling, visit my blog. I want you to remodel your home without fear of being ripped off, going massively over budget, or having your home torn up for months.

If you are already working on a home remodel and need some friendly, honest advice on what to do next, sign up for my 1-on-1 coaching! For 30 minutes, I will answer any question about home remodeling and work as hard as possible to get you over whatever is hanging you up.