If you’re remodelling your bathroom, it’s important to choose a type of flooring that won’t be ruined in two years. Flooring demands a more practical approach. Apart from giving a good finished surface, the floor should have good damp resistance. The bathroom is a water-heavy environment, so water and steam are ever-present. The flooring should be durable, hygienic, and at least mostly waterproof. If you don’t know what type of flooring to install in your home, think about using one of these materials for your bathroom remodel. Even if you want to design a beautiful new bathroom, it shouldn’t be your end goal. You should rather focus on waterproofing your bathroom from dampness.
Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl flooring is made up of several layers of different materials, which come in interlocking stripes. It’s printed to look like wood. Thanks to modern printing technologies, vinyl can look like nearly any material. You can have the floor of your dreams without spending a fortune. The material is available as sheets, tiles, and planks. As far as installation is concerned, it’s virtually seamless. Vinyl flooring is easy to clean, waterproof, and stainproof. If you’re an experienced DIYer, you can tackle vinyl floor installation. Professional help is necessary for large bathrooms. An expert will correctly seam the material to make sure the floor remains impermeable.
Choosing the right type of vinyl flooring for your application is essential. In case you didn’t know, there are two main categories of constituent materials: WPC (wood plastic composite) and SPC (stone plastic composite). WPC is preferable because it’s more flexible and more resilient. With the lowest maintenance requirements, it offers the best long-term value. Luxury vinyl flooring is growing in popularity because it’s elegantly designed, durable, and easy to maintain. The floor gives your interior a more sophisticated look and it’s the fraction of the cost of natural stone or hardwood flooring. However, it won’t do much for your home’s resale value as more expensive materials might.
Bamboo Flooring
Bamboo is a great flooring choice because it’s naturally resistant to abrasion caused by footwork. Engineered bamboo is preferable to strand woven bamboo as the planks are very durable and perfect for wet environments. The flooring planks consist of a relatively thin layer of bamboo that’s fixed to a backing layer and is covered by a wear layer. Engineered flooring can be installed by any amateur. The floor expands and contracts as humidity levels change in the room. Spillages or water should be wiped right away to avoid damage. Cheap bamboo can scratch easily, so lay down protector pads when moving furniture around.
Concrete Flooring
Not only does concrete withstand wear, but also it’s resistant to water. And the design is customisable. You can create a smooth look across the floor. You can dye, polish, stamp, or paint the slab to create a modern aesthetic. Blending texture is a fantastic way to add depth to the room. Choose colours that work well together or complement one another. If concrete is considered for an above-grade floor, attention needs to be paid to the weight. Standard joist platforms aren’t strong enough to support a concrete slab. Concrete is slippery if it’s finished with a smooth surface. The best way to improve slip resistance is to use an anti-slip resistant sealer. Some sealers work below the surface, meaning that they don’t change the texture.
Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring is exceptionally scratch- and stain-resistant. It’s protected by a sturdy external layer and resin coating. If you have kids running around, it will make your life a lot easier. Manufacturers ensure the material’s top layer is highly resistant to water. You don’t have to worry about destroying your flooring laminate. Surface spills can be cleaned right away. The surface doesn’t require periodic waxing to look great. If the joints of the laminate are soaked in water, problems can occur. It’s paramount to check with the flooring laminate supplier if your chosen laminate is suitable for the bathroom.
As compared to hardwood, laminate flooring is inexpensive. There are laminate flooring choices for every price range. DIY enthusiasts and those looking to save installation costs should opt for click system laminate flooring. The click-together joints don’t require glue or nails, so they’re pretty straightforward to fit. Each of the laminate planks is milled with tongues and grooves, which click into place right away. If you find any defects, don’t install the floor. It’s recommended to speak with the supplier to determine the best course of action. Manufacturers don’t validate a warranty if defective flooring is installed. Flooring laminate is made to look like wood, but it couldn’t be any different. Laminate sounds and feels differently underfoot.
Cork Flooring
Cork is new to the flooring world, but it’s a great material. It’s affordable, environmentally-friendly and durable. What is more, it’s waterproof and more forgiving on your joints than concrete. Cork is naturally resistant to mould, mildew, and termites. Cork flooring is at the higher end of inexpensive options, but it’s a worthwhile investment. Cutting-edge technology enables manufacturers to provide flooring with the look of marble or hardwood. You can play with the pattern of cork itself to create a one-of-a-kind design. It’s a good idea to reseal the cork flooring every few years to protect it from moisture. It’s better to be on the safe side.
As you can see, bathroom flooring can be done using different materials. The flooring material should be selected based on different factors. You shouldn’t make a choice based on your preference alone. Some of the things to consider are:
- Your family’s lifestyle. Select a flooring material that’s suitable for your family. If there are kids, pets, or elderly ones, it’s advisable to use carpets. The flooring material should be strong and durable enough to withstand various actions.
- Initial cost. The more qualitative a flooring material is, the more expensive it’s going to be. Costs can change with the season, along with installation costs. Knowing your budget is key when searching for the ideal flooring option.
- Maintenance requirements. Check out the maintenance requirements for the floor ahead of time. The flooring material should come with minimum maintenance requirements. Plus, if repairs are necessary, they shouldn’t cost an arm and a leg.
