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Bathroom floors need to be both durable and stylish to meet all of your needs and should give your bathroom a strong and solid foundation
Looking for bathroom flooring ideas?
With so much to choose from, it can be difficult to decide which option to choose. Take your daily routine and lifestyle into account: Do you have children who need a non-slip and hard-wearing floor? Or do you have a glamorous and grown-up bathroom that needs an equally chic floor?
Don’t be afraid to try unusual materials like wood, which work well in a bathroom, despite concerns about the damp conditions that affect the wood. Try hardwood, laminate, or PVC floors for the same effect but without the damp results. Marble, granite, or polished concrete floors also add a dramatic effect and give your bathroom a chic, polished finish. These are all durable materials that look stunning and will last for years.
For something really unique, try cork or rubber. Popular in the 1960s and 1970s, cork is on the rise again and is one of the most environmentally friendly flooring options around. Rubber is warm, waterproof, and easy to keep clean, making it a great option for anyone with children. An interesting or unusual floor can add personality to your bathroom without overwhelming the space. There are many options to choose from that are reasonable – waterproof, durable, and attractive. Combined with a white bathroom suite, a statement floor can add style points for a relatively small amount of effort – the average bathroom in the UK is around 2 x 2 m.
You can find more bathroom ideas and inspiration in our bathroom channel
1. Fake it with wood flooring
Photo credit: Tim Young
When it comes to flooring, hardwood and laminate are not ideal in a bathroom because they can easily warp with frequent contact with water. However, luxury vinyl floors add the beauty of natural wood without the practical drawbacks and are the perfect choice for a bathroom floor. The waterproof, extremely durable and easy-care boards with a wood effect reproduce the complex grains and details of real wood without any problems.
2. Be brave with patterns
Photo credit: Future Plc
Patterned tiles aren’t just for walls, they’re the perfect way to make a statement on the floor. That bold green floor is the star of this bedroom (pun intended). Complement a large, bold pattern on the floor with paired wall tiles that mimic the design. Play around with different tile shapes and sizes to add interest and texture.
3. Introduce paint with rubber and vinyl floors
Photo credit: Rachael Smith
Rubber, vinyl, linoleum, and marmoleum are warm underfoot, affordable, waterproof, and easy to keep clean. The clever rendering of digital photography gives unlimited design options, while textured surfaces improve slip resistance and mimic the feel of stone or wood.
Would you like more ideas for bathroom floors and walls? READ: Bathroom tile ideas – to give your room a whole new look
4. Go for something durable
Photo credit: Claire Lloyd Davies
Polished concrete or stone looks fabulously stylish in a chic, grown-up bathroom like this one, but isn’t as practical in a family bathroom as polished concrete or stone can be slippery when wet. Custom made resin or acrylic floors can achieve a similar effect, but with a little more grip. However, you need to talk to your bathroom designer about it.
5. Choose a luxurious option for your bathroom floor
Photo credit: David Parmiter
Natural marble, granite, limestone, slate, and travertine are all porous but will last for many years when sealed. Granite comes in a wide variety of colors, while the distinctive marble and onyx patterns can look stunning. The nice thing about natural stone is that you can have a uniform color but a random pattern to create interest.
6. Work wonders in a small bathroom
Photo credit: James Mitchell
When it comes to small bathrooms, a lot can be achieved with the right flooring. Using the same tiles on your floor that you use on your walls will visually expand the space, and medium to large tiles are better as small or mosaic tiles can make the bathroom look even smaller.
7. Try teak and bamboo
Photo credit: Rachael Smith
Solid wood or laminate floors are usually not suitable for bathrooms because the moisture in the air causes the material to discolor, swell and warp. However, hardwood floors like teak and bamboo can work well (check with the manufacturer first), and wood-based panels and bathroom-specific PVC laminate are moisture-resistant.
Do you need more inspiration for your bathroom? READ: Bathroom Storage Ideas – Keeping You Neat and Tidy
8. Warm up in winter
Photo credit: Mark Williams
Underfloor heating is fast becoming the most popular choice for bathroom floors. There is nothing worse than stepping on a cold ground in winter. In addition, a wet floor with underfloor heating dries faster and you don’t need radiators if you have underfloor heating. There are two systems to choose from: “wet”, in which the floor is heated by hot water pipes under the floor. And “dry” where electrical cables are laid. Both systems must be installed by a professional. Talk to your bathroom designer or builder about which one is best for your home.
9. Perfect with porcelain
Photo credit: David Giles
Porcelain is a cheaper alternative to stone. It’s easy to care for and comes in a wide variety of colors and styles. You can buy tile packs in bulk and no longer have to worry about sealing after grouting like you do with stone. Ceramic tiles and porcelain tiles can also mimic the look of natural stone. Porcelain is more durable than ceramic tiles and better suited for high-traffic areas.
10. Take to Tadelakt
Photo credit: Mark Luscombe-Whyte
Tadelakt is a decorative, waterproof plaster that was originally made in Marrakech. The seamless, subtly marbled surface is perfect for bathrooms and beautifully highlights the clean nooks and crannies of this white vanity. The muted hue makes for a simple yet sophisticated look.
11. Create a bathroom floor with slate
Photo credit: Katie Lee
Traditional slate can create a smart surface for a modern bathroom. Slate must be cleaned and resealed when it shows signs of wear and tear. Always use detergents recommended by the manufacturer of your floor.
Are you updating your bathroom with these bathroom flooring ideas?
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