When it comes to a humid space like a bathroom, tile is always going to be the best option for a floor. Tile is water resistant, which makes it practical for spaces where the floor is likely to get regularly wet. However, there are so many options currently available on the market that you won’t feel hemmed in by choosing tile. From cork, to marble, to vinyl and laminate, the options for your tile floor are endless.
So what are some of the best options out there for your bathroom floor? We have seven of our favorite tile options for you to consider when you start shopping for your bathroom reno.
Vinyl Tiles
Vinyl tiles have come a long way from the gregarious patterned plastic sheets that used to be in your grandmother’s kitchen. Vinyl tiles now come in an almost endless variety of colors and options–some which look surprisingly realistic. Vinyl tiles are not only practical and attractive, they are also very affordable. Vinyl tiles are also softer on the feet and more durable than many other options on the market. If you’re a bit handy and are looking to install your bathroom floor yourself, vinyl tiles are self-adhering and easy to handle. You simply cut them to size with a utility knife and lay them down.
Ceramic tiles
Ceramic tiles let you get creative, and we mean really creative. There are ceramic tiles that mimic the look of wood, colorful penny tiles, terracotta tiles, hexagons, or almost anything in between. They come in every shape, size, and pattern imaginable, which you can see samples of at Simple Bath’s Bathroom Showroom, and they add quite a bit of aesthetic appeal to a bathroom. Ceramic tiles are also easy to maintain, however they are not nearly as comfortable on bare feet as vinyl tiles. This is why many people opt to install radiant in-floor heating when they’re doing their bathroom floor in ceramic tile.
Stone tiles
The natural beauty of stone can look really stunning in a bathroom. Marble, limestone, granite, or slate come in a variety of natural colors that range from muted greens, golds, reds, and blues or in more sated hues like black, white, or cream. Stone flooring also comes in many different textures, which can add a nice feeling to a room. Stone tile, however, requires more maintenance than ceramic tile. Regular cleaning and sealing is recommended to keep your stone floors looking new and stone is typically more expensive.
Plastic Laminate
Plastic laminate tiles can be printed to look like wood, slate, or almost anything you want. They are similar to laminate in that they don’t significantly raise the height of a floor, helping for room-to-room transitions, and they are also equally affordable. They are durable and easy to clean, however, they are not as moisture resistant. Standing water can infiltrate the coreboard, which can cause it to expand and buckle, so it’s best to wipe dry any plastic laminate floors that get wet.
