There are many aspects to consider when choosing a bathroom floor. Unlike big bathrooms, small ones might call for more inquisitiveness because the goal is to make your bathing space look modish regardless of its size. So, what type of flooring should you use for your small bathroom?
The best floorings for small bathrooms include laminate flooring, cork tile, ceramic tile, natural stone tile, vinyl tile, engineered wood, and porcelain tile. It would be best to choose floorings that are elegant and augment your safety.
When most people choose floorings for their homes, they prioritize aesthetic value over performance. But this should not be the case for bathroom floorings, given they come in contact with water most of the time.
So what makes one flooring option better than the other? Are there certain floor options you should avoid for your bathroom? I will answer these questions, and hopefully, you will have gained the insight you need to pick the best flooring for a small bathroom by the end of this article.
How Do I Choose A Bathroom Floor?
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Most people perceive that they cannot use the same flooring option in their living room and bedroom for their bathroom. Accidents can happen in the bathroom; for instance, water can overflow from the toilet. Additionally, most people prefer showering in warm water, and the steam can damage certain floors.
Since bathrooms are often exposed to moisture, the flooring must be waterproof. Hence hardwoods may not be a great choice as they get damaged when constantly exposed to water.
You should never pick a bathroom floor because most people use it. Instead, choose something that reflects your style. Many exemplary bathroom floorings come in different designs. So pick one that complements the fixtures, counters, and vanity in your bathroom.
Good bathroom floors do not call for frequent maintenance. It is wise to pick a material that is easy to clean and does not get stained.
The best bathroom floor is one that isn’t technical to install. There are some options like vinyl which you can install by yourself; they are neither time-consuming nor labor-intensive.
It would help to reflect on the cost of materials and installation of the flooring you chose. There are materials which are highly-priced than others. So if you want to stick on a low budget, know your options. Similarly, if you are looking for a highly-priced exquisite bathroom floor, go for it.
Another important aspect to consider is what purpose the house will serve. If you want to sell the house, choose a high-quality, long-lasting, functional floor that will give your home a higher resale value.
What is the Best Flooring For A Small Bathroom?
Laminate Tiles
It is a reasonably priced flooring that is pretty easy to clean. Laminate tiles come in numerous attractive designs that resemble stone and hardwood floorings. Most people like it because it is long-lasting and is easy to install. It also has its cons; it has a somewhat fake appearance and is quite hard underfoot.
Cork Tile
Cork material is archetypal for moist locations. These tiles are treated with a polyurethane finish and are directly installed into the subfloor. The classic cork tiles for small bathrooms are those made from the bark of oak trees, given they are hypoallergenic, eco-friendly, and resistant to mold.
However, some controversies surround this flooring choice. Some builders argue that this material is soft thus prone to cracking. Additionally, it can expand when there is high humidity in the air.
Ceramic Tile
It is by far the best option for a small bathroom, given it is affordable and aesthetically pleasing. Ceramic tiles come in varying colors and shapes and can serve you a long period if well maintained. Unlike other flooring options, it does not wear and tear easily. This flooring works well with radiant heating, is easy to maintain, and has a good resale value.
Still, some may find it less engaging as it is cold and hard underfoot, making it uncomfortable to stand for a long time.
Natural Stone Vile
This tile is a good option because it is durable and stylish. If you desire to portray a unique sense of modernity and class, this is your option. Most people love it because it has a high resale value, is visually pleasing, comes in unique textures and colors, and creates an illusion of space in small rooms.
Still, it is pretty expensive and cold. It is also delicate as it cracks and breaks easily. The stone is slippery and must be sealed before use. This flooring is not recommendable for bathrooms used by children and older adults.
Vinyl Tile
The vinyl tile is an affordable and nice-looking option. There are many vinyl products like the vinyl roll and the luxury vinyl tile; both are perfect for bathroom flooring. If you want something waterproof, stain-resistant, and scratch-resistant, you should choose it. Of course, you can easily install it; you do not need the help of a professional.
Nevertheless, this material is non-biodegradable and difficult to remove. It is easily pricked if in contact with a sharp material, and it does not last long, given it easily discolors.
Engineered Wood
Although wood flooring is often not ideal for dampish rooms, the engineered wood is sustainable under high moisture. It has plywood that makes it water-resistant. It is dimensionally stable and is perfect for people who love natural wood floors. Even so, it is highly priced.
Porcelain Tile
It is another great affordable and waterproof flooring option. It is quite easy to maintain and comes in varying textures and colors. Despite that, some people deem it imperfect as it can be slippery.
Which Floorings Should I Avoid in the Bathroom?
Solid hardwood is not a great choice for a bathroom of any size. It retains moisture and rots out after a short period. If you opt for this flooring, you will probably spend money remodeling your bathroom time and again.
Carpeting is also not commendable in the bathroom because it retains water for long, and the high humidity may make your bathroom reek of an unpleasant smell. Be as it may, if this is still your choice, go for inorganic carpets like nylon.
What Size of Tiles is Ideal For A Small Bathroom?
Tiles come in different shapes and sizes. With a small bathroom, you are most likely trying to make an illusion of spaciousness. Choose large tiles because they make your space look bigger and more elegant. The small-sized ones can make your bathroom look squeezed, hence less attractive.
Remember that the tiles that go on your bathroom wall greatly impact its general outlook. If possible, use the same color and design of tiles used on your floor, so you have a less-busy bathroom. I recommend going for large tiles because they have a neat finish than the small ones, which have more grout lines.
In closing, I hope you found this piece helpful. All the materials mentioned make great choices, although they also have a few demerits. Weigh the pros and cons of each option, then decide which one will be worth investing in; there you go!
