Whether it’s an elegant tile floor or practical vinyl, flooring can make a big difference to your bathroom design. But this aspect is often overlooked.
With so many options available, selecting the right flooring material for your bathroom can be a daunting task. Wondering where to start? Let’s look at the pros and cons of each different material so you can choose the best one for your bathroom refurbishment.
1. Ceramic and porcelain tiles
Ceramic and porcelain tiles are classic choices for bathroom flooring. They are sleek, versatile, and easy to clean.
Pros
Water-resistant: Ceramic and porcelain tiles are resistant to water, making them an excellent choice for bathrooms where moisture is a constant presence.
- Variety: They come in a wide range of colours, sizes, and patterns, allowing for endless design possibilities to suit your bathroom design. This design versatility makes ceramic tiles a great option for family bathrooms and en suites.
- Durability: Tiles are highly durable and can withstand heavy foot traffic without showing signs of wear and tear.
- Easy maintenance: Cleaning is a breeze, as tiles are stain-resistant and easy to wipe clean.
Cons
Cold underfoot: In colder climates, tiles can feel uncomfortably cold, especially during the winter months. With underfloor heating, however, this shouldn’t be a problem.
Installation challenges: Proper tile installation is crucial to prevent water seepage, making the fitting process quite complex at times.
Grout maintenance: Grout lines between the tiles may require regular cleaning and sealing to prevent mould and mildew growth.
2. Vinyl flooring
Vinyl flooring has come a long way and is now a popular choice for bathroom flooring. Not only is it a practical choice for your bathroom needs, but it’s also a comfortable option underfoot.
Pros
- Affordable: Vinyl is a cost-effective option that provides good value for money.
- Water-resistant: Modern vinyl flooring is designed to resist moisture, making it suitable for bathrooms.
- Comfortable: It is softer underfoot compared to ceramic tiles and provides a warmer foot-feel.
- Easy installation: Vinyl sheets or tiles are relatively easy to install, making the bathroom fitting process simple and stress-free.
Cons
- Durability: While vinyl is durable, it may not last as long as some other options like ceramic tiles.
- Limited design options: Although there are various patterns and styles available, vinyl may lack the premium look of alternative materials.
3. Natural stone
Natural stones such as marble, granite, and travertine can add elegance to your bathroom design. They’re also a great aesthetic choice if you’re looking to add a touch of decadence to your bathroom space.
Pros
- Luxurious appearance: Natural stone exudes a sense of luxury and timeless beauty.
- Unique patterns: Each piece of natural stone is unique, providing a one-of-a-kind look for your bathroom.
- Durability: When properly sealed, natural stone can withstand moisture and heavy use.
Cons
- Cost: Natural stone can be quite expensive, both in terms of materials and bathroom fitting costs. However, it’s better to view high-quality stone bathroom tiles as a long-term investment.
- Maintenance: Stone tiles require regular sealing to prevent staining and water damage.
- Cold surface: Like ceramic tiles, natural stone can sometimes feel cold underfoot.
4. Engineered wood
Engineered wood offers the warmth and charm of hardwood without the drawbacks. It also adds a cosy, rustic feel to your bathroom.
Pros
- Warmth and aesthetics: Engineered wood provides the warmth and beauty of hardwood floors, enhancing your bathroom design.
- Moisture resistance: Engineered wood is designed to be more resistant to moisture compared to solid wood.
- Comfortable: It feels warmer underfoot compared to tiles and stone.
Cons
- Cost: Engineered wood can be more expensive than some other options like vinyl.
- Maintenance: Regular maintenance is essential to prevent water damage, and it may require refinishing over time.
- Limited moisture resistance: While more moisture-resistant than solid wood, it’s still not as impervious as ceramic or vinyl.
Find your perfect flooring with The Cambridge Bath Co.
Your choice of bathroom flooring should be both practical and aesthetic. Far from just being a functional space, your bathroom is a place to relax and unwind, too — so it’s important to make it a comfortable space.
At The Cambridge Bath Co. we offer bathroom design, fitting, and refurbishment services, and we’ll be with you every step of the way to bring your bathroom dreams to life.
Get in touch with us to discuss your vision today.