Popular Bathroom Flooring Options
Choosing the right flooring for your bathroom can be a real head-scratcher, innit? You need something that’s durable, waterproof, and looks the biz. So, let’s break down the top 5 bathroom flooring options from 2017, and see what’s the best fit for your bathroom.
Popular Bathroom Flooring Options
Here’s the lowdown on the most popular bathroom flooring choices in 2017:
- Ceramic Tile: A classic choice for bathrooms, ceramic tile is known for its durability, water resistance, and variety of styles. It’s also relatively cheap, making it a good choice for those on a budget.
- Porcelain Tile: Porcelain tile is a bit fancier than ceramic tile. It’s even more durable and water-resistant, and comes in a wider range of colours and designs. But it’s also a bit pricier.
- Natural Stone: Natural stone, like marble or granite, adds a touch of luxury to any bathroom. It’s also super durable and water-resistant. However, it’s the most expensive option on the list, and can be a bit high-maintenance.
- Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVP): LVP is a newer flooring option that’s quickly gaining popularity. It’s made from a durable, waterproof material that looks like real wood or stone. It’s also easy to install and maintain, and it’s more affordable than natural stone.
- Laminate Flooring: Laminate flooring is a good budget-friendly option. It’s made from a durable, water-resistant material that looks like real wood. However, it’s not as durable as tile or natural stone, and it can be susceptible to scratches.
Comparison of Bathroom Flooring Options
To help you make the best choice for your bathroom, here’s a table comparing the durability, water resistance, maintenance, and cost of each flooring option:
| Flooring Option | Durability | Water Resistance | Maintenance | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ceramic Tile | High | High | Low | Low |
| Porcelain Tile | Very High | Very High | Low | Medium |
| Natural Stone | Very High | Very High | Medium | High |
| Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVP) | High | Very High | Low | Medium |
| Laminate Flooring | Medium | Medium | Low | Low |
Factors to Consider When Choosing Bathroom Flooring: Best Flooring For Bathrooms 2017
Choosing the right bathroom flooring is crucial as it needs to withstand moisture, foot traffic, and potential spills. You want something that looks good, lasts, and fits your budget. Here’s a breakdown of the key factors to consider:
Moisture Resistance
Moisture resistance is paramount in a bathroom. Water spills, steam, and humidity are all part of the bathroom experience. You need flooring that can handle these conditions without warping, rotting, or becoming a breeding ground for mold.
- Tile: Ceramic and porcelain tiles are excellent choices for moisture resistance. They’re impervious to water and easy to clean, making them ideal for high-traffic areas like bathrooms.
- Vinyl: Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) and luxury vinyl tile (LVT) are also highly moisture-resistant. They come in various styles to mimic wood, stone, or even concrete, offering a wide range of design options.
- Natural Stone: Some natural stone options, like granite and slate, are naturally moisture-resistant. However, they can be more porous than other options, so proper sealing is essential.
Durability
Bathroom flooring faces constant wear and tear from foot traffic, dropped objects, and cleaning products. It needs to be durable enough to withstand these conditions without scratching, chipping, or fading.
- Ceramic and Porcelain Tile: Tile is known for its durability. It can withstand heavy foot traffic, scratches, and impact.
- Luxury Vinyl Plank/Tile: LVP and LVT are also surprisingly durable. They can handle scratches and dents better than some natural stone options.
- Engineered Hardwood: Engineered hardwood is more water-resistant than solid hardwood, making it a suitable option for bathrooms. It offers a more natural look and feel compared to tile or vinyl.
Style
The style of your bathroom flooring should complement the overall design of the space. It should also reflect your personal taste and preferences.
- Traditional Bathrooms: Natural stone, ceramic tile, and engineered hardwood can create a traditional and elegant look.
- Modern Bathrooms: Large format tiles, sleek vinyl planks, or polished concrete can create a contemporary and minimalist vibe.
- Rustic Bathrooms: Reclaimed wood, natural stone with a rough finish, or distressed vinyl planks can add a rustic charm to your bathroom.
Budget
Budget is a crucial factor in choosing bathroom flooring. Different flooring types come with varying price tags.
- Budget-Friendly: Vinyl flooring, especially LVP and LVT, is generally the most affordable option. It offers a good balance of style, durability, and moisture resistance.
- Mid-Range: Ceramic tile and engineered hardwood are mid-range options. They offer a good balance of price and quality.
- High-End: Natural stone, especially exotic varieties, and high-end porcelain tiles can be significantly more expensive. However, they offer exceptional durability, beauty, and longevity.
Trends in Bathroom Flooring
In 2017, bathroom flooring trends reflected a desire for both style and practicality. People wanted floors that looked great but also held up to the wear and tear of a high-traffic space. This led to a surge in popularity for durable, low-maintenance materials and designs that were both modern and timeless.
Innovative Materials and Designs, Best flooring for bathrooms 2017
This period saw a rise in innovative materials and designs for bathroom flooring. Some of the most popular choices included:
- Large-format tiles: These tiles, often measuring 12 inches or more, created a sleek and minimalist look, reducing the number of grout lines and making cleaning easier.
- Geometric patterns: Hexagon, chevron, and herringbone patterns were all the rage, adding visual interest and a touch of sophistication to bathroom floors.
- Wood-look tile: Ceramic and porcelain tiles that mimicked the appearance of wood were a popular choice for creating a warm and inviting atmosphere, while still offering the durability of tile.
- Textured surfaces: Tiles with textured surfaces, such as those with a subtle ribbing or a rough finish, provided a slip-resistant surface, making them ideal for wet areas.
Key Trends in Bathroom Flooring in 2017
| Trend | Materials | Colors | Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimalism | Large-format tiles, polished concrete | Neutral colors like white, gray, and beige | Simple, geometric patterns like squares and rectangles |
| Natural Elements | Wood-look tile, stone tile, bamboo | Earthy tones like brown, green, and beige | Organic patterns like wood grain and stone veins |
| Industrial Chic | Concrete, reclaimed wood, metal | Dark colors like black, gray, and brown | Geometric patterns like chevron and herringbone |
| Contemporary Style | Ceramic tile, porcelain tile | Bold colors like blue, green, and yellow | Geometric patterns like hexagons and triangles |
