Navigating the myriad of laundry room flooring options can be a daunting task. Whether you prioritize durability, aesthetic appeal, or moisture resistance, every choice comes with its unique benefits and drawbacks.
This comprehensive guide dives deep into the world of laundry room floors, exploring diverse options and their pros and cons, revealing materials that might not be suitable for this space, and highlighting key considerations to ensure your selection meets both functional and stylistic needs.
Discover how the right flooring not only withstands the demands of laundry chores but also elevates the space, turning routine tasks into pleasurable activities.
Read on to transform your laundry room into a stylish and efficient haven.
5 Tips for the Perfect Laundry Room Floor
Contents
- Prioritize Moisture Resistance: Since laundry rooms are often exposed to water, spills, and high humidity, it’s vital to select flooring that can withstand these conditions. Options like Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT), sheet vinyl, porcelain tile, and properly sealed stone are all waterproof and ideal choices.
- Consider Maintenance Needs: Different flooring types come with varying maintenance requirements. For instance, while vinyl and stone can be easily cleaned with sweeping and damp mopping, tiled floors might require frequent scrubbing due to the grout lines.
- Factor in Noise Levels: If your laundry room is on the second floor or near living areas, think about noise transmission. Some flooring, like laminate, can produce a hollow sound when walked upon, which might be disturbing to those in rooms below.
- Stay Within Budget But Think Long-Term: While it’s essential to stick to your budget, also consider the long-term benefits and costs. For example, natural stone might have a higher initial cost, but its durability and potential to increase home resale value could make it a worthwhile investment.
- Don’t Overlook Style: Beyond practicality, your laundry room should also be a space you enjoy. Choose flooring that complements your home’s design style, and don’t be afraid to go for bold patterns or colors to add a touch of personality.
Luxury Vinyl Tile
Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) is one of the best options for laundry room floors. The layered construction makes it durable, yet comfortable underfoot.
Pros:
- Waterproof and moisture-resistant. The vinyl wear layer prevents water damage or warping.
- Dent-resistant. Thicker than sheet vinyl, LVT stands up to appliance moves and heavy traffic.
- Insulating and soft. LVT is warmer and quieter than tile or laminate.
- Mimics upscale looks. Printed layers imitate stone, wood, and other high-end materials.
- Long lifespan. With proper care, LVT lasts 10-30 years.
Cons:
- Cost. At $2-7 per square foot, LVT costs more than sheet vinyl.
- Substrate flaws visible. Uneven subfloors can cause gaps between planks.
Luxury vinyl tile resists moisture, stains, and heavy impacts thanks to its layered construction. A clear top wear layer protects the printed design layer underneath, which recreates natural stone, wood, and other upscale looks. With sweeping and damp mopping, LVT stays beautiful for over a decade in laundry rooms.
Sheet Vinyl
Affordable sheet vinyl is another smart laundry room flooring choice. Large vinyl sheets glue directly to the subfloor for a seamless look.
Pros:
- Most affordable option. Sheet vinyl starts at $0.50 per square foot.
- Seamless installation. No grout lines to trap dirt or moisture.
- Range of looks. From solids to stone and wood prints.
- Waterproof surface. Spills wipe up easily.
Cons:
- Less durable. Thinner than LVT and more prone to tears or dents.
- Larger sheets harder to replace. Must remove whole sections if damaged.
With proper underlayment and adhesive, sheet vinyl creates a waterproof laundry room floor. It’s the most budget-friendly flooring, starting under $1 per square foot. Just note that solid vinyl sheets are trickier for DIY installation than smaller tiles.
Ceramic and Porcelain Tile
For a stylish laundry room floor, ceramic and porcelain tile bring moisture protection and design options. Grout does require regular scrubbing.
Pros:
- Very affordable. Ceramic tiles start at $0.85 per square foot.
- Range of styles. From mosaics to large tiles, matte to glossy finishes.
- Resists moisture and stains. Especially when sealed properly.
- Long lifespan of 10-20 years.
Cons:
- Grout needs scrubbing. Traps dirt and needs frequent cleaning.
- Slippery surface. Can be unsafe when wet if not textured.
Ceramic and porcelain tiles withstand spills, splashes, and high humidity. The hard, nonporous surface resists damage from appliance moves as well. Just note that grout lines need regular scrubbing to stay clean. Opting for small mosaic sheets reduces grout. Textured tiles add traction. With proper sealing and maintenance, tile laundry room floors last up to 20 years.
Natural Stone Tile
For incredible durability, natural stone tile flooring is hard to beat. Slate, marble, and granite bring luxury to the laundry room.
Pros:
- Extremely durable. Will last decades with proper sealing.
- Elegant, upscale looks. Real stone adds beauty and value.
- Highest resale value. Stone flooring increases home value.
Cons:
- Expensive upfront cost. Natural stone starts at $5 per square foot.
- Professional installation often needed. Large tiles are very heavy.
- Can feel cold and slippery. Unless heated or textured tile is chosen.
With routine sealing and cleaning, natural stone tiles like marble, slate, and granite last a lifetime. Moisture, stains, and heavy impacts barely make a dent. While expensive initially, stone flooring increases resale value. The elegant material brings luxury to the laundry room. Opt for textured surfaces and underfloor heating for warmth and traction.
Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring adds rich, realistic wood looks to the laundry room. But moisture resistance is limited.
Pros:
- Mimics wood affordably. Printed layer has realistic grains and knots.
- Long lifespan of 10-30 years. Resists fading from sunlight.
- Quick DIY installation. Interlocking planks click together.
Cons:
- Vulnerable to moisture damage. Can swell and warp from spills or leaks.
- Noisy and hollow sound. Not good for second-floor laundry rooms.
- Avoid wet mopping. Use only damp cloth to wipe up spills.
Laminate flooring is made to recreate the look of natural wood very affordably. A printed top layer shows realistic wood grains and textures. But moisture is laminate’s enemy, since its core is fiberboard or plastic. Avoid this flooring if appliances are prone to leaks or overflows. On the second floor, people below will hear a hollow sound when walking across laminate flooring.
What Flooring to Avoid in Laundry Rooms
Some flooring types that work well elsewhere are actually poor choices for laundry rooms:
Carpet
Laundry rooms contain too much moisture for carpet. Spills, leaks, and humidity from laundry appliances lead to mold and mildew growth in carpet fibers and pads. Avoid paying to install new carpet that will require frequent replacement.
Hardwood
Lovely as it looks, solid hardwood is prone to warping and water damage in laundry rooms. Constant moisture from appliances swells the wood, leading to cupped planks or gapping. Hardwood also easily shows dents, scratches, and discoloration from heavy appliances.
Cork
Natural cork flooring falls victim to moisture like carpeting. Though touted for its green qualities, cork soaks up spills and condensation from laundry appliances. Mold and mildew growth results in ugly discoloration and odors.
Choosing Your Laundry Room Flooring
When selecting the right flooring for your laundry room, consider these key factors:
Traffic and Wear Resistance
Laundry room floors need to withstand heavy foot traffic, appliance moves, and kneeling or standing for extended periods folding clothes. Durable vinyl, tile, and stone resist scratches, scuffs, dents, and gouges best.
Moisture and Water Resistance
Frequent exposure to water, spills, condensation, and high humidity demands flooring that won’t warp, peel up, or nurture mold growth when wet. Vinyl, tile, and properly sealed stone are waterproof options.
Noise Reduction
On second floors, sound-dampening flooring becomes more important. Laminate and hard surfaces reverberate noise to rooms below. Choose softer vinyl or install sound-reducing underlayment.
Maintenance and Cleaning
Opt for floors that clean up with simple sweeping and damp mopping. Grout between tiles requires frequent scrubbing. The carpet holds onto lint and dust.
Cost and Budget
Vinyl and ceramic offer affordable flooring options starting under $1 per square foot. Natural stone and hardwood cost far more. Focus is on visual focal points like backsplashes.
Style Matches
Flooring that complements your interior design style pulls the laundry room together. Vinyl, tile, and laminate come in stone, wood, and patterned looks. Or choose a bold, unique laundry room floor like checkerboard tile or colored concrete.
With the right flooring choice, your laundry room can handle messy laundry duties in style. Durable, waterproof materials like LVT, sheet vinyl, porcelain tile, or sealed stone make chores a pleasure. Consider noise and maintenance as well. And don’t be afraid to add a touch of color or pattern for a laundry room floor that energizes your chore time.
