Bathroom Flooring Options

If you're remodeling your bathroom (or building a new one), one of the decisions you face is what kind of flooring to install. Some materials make better choices than others in a room that is likely to see frequent dampness, but you don't need to be locked into something just because it's what everyone else is doing. There are a number of ways to go for bathroom.

Good Choices for Bathroom Floors

Vinyl and linoleum are practical choices that are easy on the feet and offer copious styles and colors.
Non-slip ceramic tiles are attractive and can be laid to match wall tiles.
Tile mosaic is water resistant and can have a brilliant effect (though tile is cold underfoot and can be slippery when wet).
Marble and slate are handsome, but are also cold to the touch.
Sealed cork offers warmth, softness, and it's easy to care for.

Middle-of-the-Road Choices (might work but be aware of the potential pitfalls before you install)

Carpet gets installed in bathrooms more often than you'd think, but since moisture can cause deterioration and prompt mold growth under the carpet, it's not the best choice for a bathroom.
Hardwood flooring can warp when exposed to dampness. (However, wood boards installed directly on the joists usually have enough air circulation beneath them to stave off rot and other water damage.)

Bad Flooring Choices for Bathrooms

Natural fiber floors don't mix well with water.
Laminate breaks down if water gets into the joints.
Terra cotta and "rough" floor choices retain water on the surface.

Lastly, keep in mind that some types of floorin are too heavy for suspended wood sub-floors (such as are found on upper floors). If you're installing something like slate or marble onto a second floor bathroom, you'll want to have a contractor come out and test the strength of the sub-floor.

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