Chilly winter weather encourages homeowners to redirect their attention indoors, making it the perfect time for home improvements. When it comes to bathroom renovations, selecting the right flooring is essential, balancing aesthetics with functionality. Here, we’ll explore six water-resistant flooring options that withstand inevitable splashes and higher humidity in your bathroom while boosting style.
Water-Resistant Flooring for the Bathroom
Porcelain Tile
Porcelain tile is ideal for bathrooms and is renowned for its durability and water resistance. Its low porosity ensures minimal water absorption. With many colors, styles, and textures available, you can achieve a sleek, modern look or create a more classic aesthetic.
Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl stands out as a versatile and inexpensive flooring solution, mimicking the appearance of pricier materials like wood or stone. It’s water-resistant, comfortable underfoot, and easy to maintain, making it an excellent choice for high-traffic bathrooms.
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)
For those desiring the charm of hardwood without the susceptibility to moisture, luxury vinyl plank is a great option. These planks are thicker than standard vinyl, making them feel more comfortable underfoot. Luxury vinyl is designed to resist water, meaning it’s an ideal option for bathrooms. Plus, the variety of wood-like finishes adds warmth and character.
Water-Resistant Flooring Options: Ceramic Tile
Another classic contender for bathroom flooring is ceramic tile, which is water-resistant and visually appealing. It’s available in an array of colors, patterns, and sizes, allowing you to customize the bathroom space to fit your style.
Stone Tile
Improve your bathroom’s ambiance with the natural beauty of stone. Options like slate, granite, and travertine provide a luxurious and water-resistant flooring solution. When shopping for stone tile, it’s helpful to understand some types of stones require thorough cleaning and periodic sealing to maintain their water resistance.
Engineered Wood
If you appreciate the warmth of wood in your bathroom, engineered wood is a suitable compromise. Unlike solid hardwood, engineered wood has a plywood base that adds dimensional stability, making it more resistant to moisture-related issues. Because this product is wood, it’s important to manage moisture by using the ventilation fan and incorporating a bathmat in areas prone to splashes.
Choosing the Right Water-Resistant Flooring
As you embark on winter home improvements, consider your budget, style preferences, and maintenance requirements. Porcelain tile and luxury vinyl plank offer durability and diverse aesthetics, while natural stone tiles provide timeless elegance. Vinyl flooring and ceramic tiles strike a balance between cost and visual appeal, while engineered wood introduces the warmth of hardwood to your bathroom oasis.
Installation Tips
Professional installation is necessary for a water-resistant and visually stunning result regardless of the flooring choice. Properly sealed grout lines, a level subfloor, and meticulous attention to detail during installation contribute to the longevity and functionality of the flooring in a space prone to moisture.
Winter’s cold weather provides an opportunity to focus on indoor projects, and a bathroom makeover is rewarding. Water-resistant flooring enhances the functionality of this space and adds style and sophistication. Whether you prefer the sleek look of porcelain tile or the warm appeal of engineered wood, these flooring options promise a bathroom retreat that meets your household’s demands.
Jones & Cooper Home Inspections offers professional inspection services to homebuyers and sellers in the Metro Louisville area. Contact us to request an appointment.