Bathroom floors: What’s available?

When we think of bathroom flooring, the traditional choice of ceramic tiles is certainly at the forefront.   Tiles have been used as flooring for many centuries, and archaeological excavation of very early dwellings proves that tiles have stood the test of time.   As a bathroom flooring option, glazed tiles are up there with the best, as they are hard-wearing and impervious to moisture.  

And there’s the obvious catch with bathroom flooring – water.   While the flooring industry has developed some innovative and striking bathroom flooring products, the issue of moisture, steam and water spills can be a problem with some of the choices on offer.

Types of bathroom floors

The perfect bathroom floor is hard to find - there are pros and cons with each of the options as follows:

• The use of glazed ceramic tiles for bathroom flooring is widespread.   Other varieties of tile include marble, granite, glass, stone, slate and porcelain.   Tiles are tough and easy to clean.  Unglazed tiles can stain and all tiles are relatively cold underfoot and can be slippery.   Some of these finishes can require re-sealing from time to time
• Treated timber bathroom flooring can be constructed of hardwood, bamboo or laminate and is laid in strips, parquetry or planking.   Timber flooring is warmer than tiles and stone but moisture can penetrate and regular re-sealing may be required.   Not as slippery as  tiles  
• Vinyl tiles or sheet vinyl is a less expensive option but vinyl tiles can admit moisture or dirt at the joins, be difficult to clean and can lift.   Sheet vinyl is a more practical alternative in terms of waterproofing and cleaning.   However, vinyl surfaces are softer and can be more easily damaged and can lack the visual appeal of some of the other bathroom flooring products
• Polished concrete looks good, is easy to maintain and clean and there are no problems with water damage but like tiles, is cold to the touch

If you check out the extensive range of bathroom flooring on offer, you will find even more choices, as well as a huge variety of colours, patterns and styles.   The key to a great result in your bathroom is to take advice from the experts and resist the urge to undertake a DIY installation.   With the ever-present problems of ‘wet’ areas, a professional finish can make all the difference.