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How to Choose the Right Flooring for Your New Bathroom

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Designing a new bathroom is about more than picking out the perfect shower or towel rack. Every little detail matters, from top to bottom - quite literally, as that includes your flooring too!

The right flooring isn't just about looks (although that's important too); it needs to stand up to daily wear and tear. After all, you don't want to find yourself needing a replacement just a few years later.

At M J Burt, we've spent over 30 years creating bathrooms that are both beautiful and practical. Keep reading for our breakdown of the main bathroom flooring choices and the pros and cons of each!

1. Tile (ceramic or porcelain)

Tiled Bathroom Floor

Tile has long been a favourite for bathroom flooring, and it's easy to see why. Typically made from ceramic or porcelain squares and set in neat rows with grout, tile offers a range of benefits that make it an excellent choice for bathrooms.

Pros of tile:

  • Excellent at resisting moisture, which is crucial for bathrooms.
  • Durable enough to withstand scratches and stains, so it lasts a long time.
  • Comes in lots of colours, shapes, and finishes, making it easy to get the look you want.
  • Easy to clean with just basic products.
  • You can match it with your wall tiles for a smooth, stylish look.

Cons of tile:

  • Can feel cold and hard underfoot, but radiant heating can help make it more comfortable.
  • Some glazed finishes can get slippery when wet, though textured or matte options are available.
  • Might be uncomfortable to stand on for long periods, and dropped items like glass can easily break.
  • Grout lines can stain or grow mould over time, so regular cleaning is needed.

2. Vinyl flooring

Bathroom with vinyl flooring

Vinyl flooring is a versatile type of synthetic flooring made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC). It's designed to mimic the look of more expensive flooring materials like hardwood, stone, or tile, but at a lower cost and with added benefits.

Pros of vinyl:

  • Great water resistance, especially in sheet vinyl which has fewer seams.
  • More affordable compared to many other flooring options.
  • Softer and more comfortable to walk on than tile or stone.
  • Available in different styles and shapes, including sheet, plank, or tile.
  • Vinyl planks or tiles are often easy to install, making them DIY-friendly.

Cons of vinyl:

  • While durable, vinyl can be more prone to dents or scratches than tile or stone.
  • Lower-end vinyl options may not have the same high-end look as ceramic or natural materials.
  • Some types of vinyl aren't as eco-friendly due to the materials used in manufacturing.

3. Natural stone (marble, slate, granite)

Natural stone flooring in bathroom

Natural stone is a classic choice that never goes out of style, with the most popular options being marble, slate, and granite. Marble gives a smooth, elegant finish, slate brings a more rustic, textured look, and granite has a unique speckled pattern that adds character to any bathroom.

Pros of natural stone:

  • Stone adds a natural, high-end touch that's both elegant and timeless.
  • Extremely durable and lasts for years with proper care.
  • Comes in a variety of textures, colours, and finishes to match your style.

Cons of natural stone:

  • Natural stone is one of the more expensive flooring options, both for materials and installation.
  • Regular sealing is required to protect most natural stones from moisture and staining.
  • Like ceramic tile, stone can feel cold and uncomfortable to stand on for extended periods.
  • Polished stone can be slippery when wet, but textured options like slate provide better traction.

4. Engineered wood

Bathroom with engineered wood flooring

Engineered wood, also called mass timber, is a manufactured flooring that combines real wood with a plywood base and hardwood veneer. It offers the look of real wood at a more affordable price.

Pros of engineered wood:

  • Engineered wood emulates the warmth and natural beauty of real wood to add a lovely touch to your bathroom's design.
  • More stable in humid environments than traditional hardwood, making it a great choice for bathrooms.
  • Feels warmer and softer underfoot compared to tile or stone, adding extra comfort.

Cons of engineered wood:

  • While more moisture-resistant than hardwood, it's not completely waterproof and can warp or swell with too much moisture exposure.
  • Requires proper cleaning to prevent damage from water.
  • Typically more affordable than solid hardwood, but can be pricier than vinyl or laminate.

4. Laminate flooring

Laminate flooring in bathroom

Laminate flooring is a synthetic material that mimics the look of natural materials like wood or stone. It's built with multiple layers, including a clear, protective top layer and inner layers designed to provide insulation and resist moisture.

Pros of laminate flooring:

  • Usually more affordable than real wood or stone.
  • Many options have easy click-lock planks, great for DIY projects.
  • Comes in a variety of styles, including wood and tile looks.
  • Softer underfoot compared to tile or stone, and can be installed with cushioned underlayment for extra comfort.

Cons of laminate flooring:

  • Most laminates are water-resistant, but not completely waterproof. Excessive moisture can seep into seams, causing swelling or warping.
  • Can scratch or dent more easily than tile or stone, though higher-end options tend to be more durable.
  • Doesn't last as long as tile or stone, and may need more frequent replacement in areas with high moisture.

5. Cork flooring

Bathroom with cork flooring

Cork flooring is a natural flooring material made from the bark of the cork oak tree. It's considered one of the most eco-friendly flooring options due to its renewable material source.

Pros of cork flooring:

  • Cork is an eco-friendly option as it's harvested from cork oak trees without damaging them.
  • Soft and warm to the touch, making it comfortable to walk or stand on.
  • Naturally resistant to moisture thanks to its waxy makeup, though sealing it adds extra protection.
  • Helps reduce noise, making it a quieter flooring choice.

Cons of cork flooring:

  • Needs to be sealed properly to guard against water and moisture.
  • Softer than tile or stone, so it can dent or scratch more easily.
  • Cork has a unique look that might not fit with every bathroom style.

6. Concrete flooring

Concrete flooring in bathroom

Concrete flooring is a strong and long-lasting option created by blending cement, aggregates, and water. It can be polished for a sleek finish or textured for different styles.

Pros of concrete:

  • Concrete is tough, handling moisture, wear, and heavy foot traffic with ease.
  • It's highly moisture-resistant with proper sealing.
  • Provides a sleek, modern vibe, perfect for minimalist or industrial-style bathrooms.
  • Can be stained, coloured, or textured to suit different design preferences.
  • Typically more affordable than many other flooring options. 

Cons of concrete:

  • Like tile, concrete can feel cold underfoot unless used with radiant heating.
  • It has an industrial look that might not match all bathroom styles.
  • Hard on the feet and can lead to breakage if items are dropped.
  • Requires regular sealing to protect against moisture and stains.

Talk to Dorset's first choice for new bathroom designs

Ready to create your dream bathroom? At M J Burt, we specialise in designing stunning bathrooms and wet rooms across Poole, Bournemouth, and Dorset. Whether you're starting from scratch or giving an older space a refresh, we're here to help you choose the best flooring and create a bathroom that combines style, durability, and comfort.

Get a free quote online or give us a call on 01202 721955 to start planning your perfect bathroom today!

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