When it’s time to upgrade a bathroom, one of the easiest ways to give it a whole new look is by installing new flooring. With so many varieties of flooring specifically designed for bathrooms, you have plenty of stylish and functional options to choose from. The right bathroom flooring should be attractive, waterproof, easy to clean, and slip resistant. It should also complement the bathroom’s overall decor.
Factor in cost, durability, and installation requirements when choosing new floors. To help you zero in on the best choice for your bathroom remodel, here are four top options to consider and key considerations for your project.
1. Vinyl
Vinyl is one of the most popular choices for bathroom floors. Vinyl flooring typically comes in two forms: tile and plank. Vinyl tile consists of individual square tiles, while vinyl plank flooring comes in long, wide planks.
Vinyl floors can convincingly recreate the appearance of ceramic, travertine, marble, slate, and even hardwood, but at a much lower cost. They’re comfortable underfoot, colorfast, and scratch resistant. They also stand up to stains, moisture, and mildew, making them incredibly low maintenance. Just sweeping and mopping occasionally will keep them looking new.
Vinyl flooring installation is relatively simple, especially if you opt for peel-and-stick vinyl tiles. Most vinyl floors are affordable, starting at around $2 to $7 per square foot. Professional installation costs about $3 to $10 per square foot.
2. Ceramic Tile
Ceramic tile is another popular option for bathroom flooring. Tiles create a classic, elegant look that works with any decor. Glazed ceramic is impervious to water and resists chips, cracks, and scratches. It’s a great option for high-traffic bathrooms.
With today’s digital printing technology, you can choose ceramic tiles that look like natural stone, concrete, metals, and more. Mix different sizes, patterns, colors, and textures to create a custom floor, or opt for larger tiles and neutral grout for a seamless look.
Ceramic tiles are durable and easy to clean. Although they rarely crack, replacing a damaged ceramic tile is simple. These tiles can feel cold underfoot, so you may need a bath mat or radiant floor heating for your comfort.
Ceramic tile costs vary widely depending on type, shape, color, and pattern, but homeowners can expect to pay an average of $10 per square foot for glazed ceramic tiles and $19 per square foot for unglazed.
3. Laminate
Laminate flooring has the rich look of solid wood or stone, but compared to real wood and stone, laminate is more affordable, easier to install, and suitable for bathrooms.
Most laminate floors have water-resistant cores, but you must carefully seal all edges and seams to prevent moisture damage. We recommend using a 100% silicone caulk around the perimeter and in any gaps. This keeps water from seeping underneath, which can cause swelling, warping, and delamination over time.
Laminate is warm underfoot and can visually connect spaces with matching floors throughout the home. Homeowners can expect to pay $1 to $5 per square foot for good-quality laminate flooring. Professional installation ranges from $3 to $13 per square foot.
4. Stone
For a truly luxurious bathroom floor, nothing surpasses the beauty and elegance of genuine stone. Materials such as marble, travertine, slate, and granite make stunning additions to upscale bathrooms. Each type of natural stone has distinct patterning, veining, and colors. You can also curate a custom look by combining different stone materials and patterns.
Stone has high thermal conductivity, so it can feel cold underfoot, but it adds an air of sophistication that vinyl, laminate, and tile can’t match. Stone floors are pricey to purchase and install—costs for natural stone flooring range from $6 to $20 per square foot, depending on the material and the size it comes in.
Stone needs periodic sealing to prevent stains and etching from liquids. It can also be quite slippery.
Key Considerations for Choosing Bathroom Flooring
When selecting the right bathroom flooring for both style and functionality, consider the following essential aspects:
Bathroom flooring should be completely waterproof and properly sealed to prevent moisture damage. Vinyl, ceramic tile, and natural stone are highly water-resistant options. If you choose less-expensive laminates, you’ll need to use a moisture-blocking treatment.
Your bathroom floors should be slip resistant for safety. Consider textured surfaces that add traction, especially when wet. Add slip-resistant mats to low-friction surfaces like stone or ceramic.
To protect your investment, opt for highly durable and scratch-resistant flooring that can withstand years of wear and tear from foot traffic. Porcelain and ceramic tile, natural stone, and luxury vinyl are durable options.
Choose flooring that suits your home’s overall interior design scheme and decor. Warm wood, sleek concrete, bold patterns, or classic subway tiles can all work well, depending on your desired aesthetic.
Opting for flooring on the softer and warmer side, such as vinyl, cork, or bamboo, creates more comfortable surfaces underfoot. For surfaces such as tile and stone, you may need to incorporate floor mats or radiant floor heat into your design plan.
Some floor materials like vinyl click together quickly, while natural stone and tile require more extensive subfloor prep and professional installation. Evaluate the potential installation time, effort, and labor requirements when estimating your total project cost.
Prices range dramatically from as little as $1 per square foot for laminate flooring to up to $20 per square foot for premium natural stone. Establish a clear limit at the start of your project to avoid overshooting your flooring budget.
Stone and tile floors help keep interiors cool, while wood-look vinyl and laminate add warmth. Consider how your climate and local weather should play into your choice of flooring materials to maximize comfort and functionality.
Remember to budget for trim, underlayment, mortar, grout, and sealants for new floors.
Is Upgrading Your Bathroom Flooring Worth It?
New flooring is an excellent way to elevate your bathroom’s style and functionality. Choosing the right flooring can completely transform the space by adding visual appeal along with comfort and functionality. Waterproof, slip-resistant, attractive floors help create a bathroom that’s safe, easy to clean, and stylish. New floors can also add value to your home if you’re upgrading with a plan to sell.
While basic vinyl and ceramic tile are affordable, consider spending a bit more on higher-end materials. Luxury vinyl plank, wood-look porcelain, or natural stone provide resilience and comfort that make them worth the investment.
If you can’t expand your budget, opt for flooring that convincingly mimics pricier materials. Quality laminate and luxury vinyl flooring, for example, give you the look of genuine hardwood or marble at a lower cost.
Since bathroom floors are used daily, you shouldn’t settle for anything less than floors that are ideal for your needs and lifestyle. Investing a little more in new floors pays off with easier maintenance and enhanced visual appeal, safety, and home value.
Editor’s note: All costs in this article are sourced from Angi.
FAQs About Upgrading Bathroom Floors
What are the best bathroom flooring brands?
Some top brands for bathroom flooring include Mohawk, Shaw, Armstrong, Mannington, and Marazzi. Look for reputable manufacturers that offer warranties of 15 years or longer.
Can you put laminate flooring in a bathroom?
Yes, you can install laminate in bathrooms as long as you completely seal all edges and seams. Use 100% silicone caulk around the full perimeter as well as anywhere the laminate connects. To avoid damage, never let spills seep under laminate planks.
Is tile or vinyl better for bathrooms?
Tile and vinyl are both great waterproof options. Tile is more elegant but requires extensive subfloor prep. You can easily install vinyl over existing floors. Vinyl also costs less and offers comfort underfoot.
What kind of tile is best for small bathrooms?
Large format rectangular or square tiles 12 x 24 inches or larger create the illusion of more space. Neutral colors, small grout lines, and minimal patterns also help make a small bathroom feel larger. Avoid busy mosaics or tiny tiles.
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