Traditionally, ceramic tile has been the most used and considered the best choice for flooring in the bathroom. Tile is non-porous, easy to clean, and moisture and allergen resistant. Tile installation is a relatively easy process, and the wealth of color and texture options really opens up the possibilities for making your bathroom look great. Some ceramic tile can even be made to look like other materials like natural stone.

Once installed, a tile surface is fairly durable and long lasting but tile does have some disadvantages. Tiles can break easily during installation, so it’s always a good idea to get extra tiles when purchasing your materials. Tile does not offer very good insulation; tiles can be quite hot or cold underfoot during extreme seasons and they don’t muffle sound. Tile is also very slippery when wet, so it’s always a good idea to use rugs, or a bath mat near the shower.

So, you may ask, what are my other options in the bathroom?

In the last few years, new materials have found a place in bathroom flooring projects – materials you may not have considered. Some progressive homeowners are using wood, cork, or bamboo in their bathrooms. Mind you, porous materials require special preparation, extra care, and sometimes additional installation expenses due to inherent issues with moisture, mildew, and other allergens, but think of how good a nice spongy, natural material would feel under your feet after a hot shower! And these materials have the added benefit of being more eco-friendly.

Natural stone is another great option for the bathroom. While on the more expensive side of the home improvement project scale, stone flooring adds elegance and a touch of class to any area of the home, especially the bathroom. It is usually cut into tiles of twelve inches or larger and its texture will vary according to the type of stone. Be prepared to think about sealants and or under-floor heating options as stone tends to be slippery when wet and is always cold underfoot.

Vinyl and Laminates are always good choices for the bathroom as well. These materials are durable and easy to maintain. Vinyl and laminate flooring can be a great do it yourself project which can save significant money on installation. These two materials are also very easy to maintain, are naturally not slippery, and insulate fairly well. Vinyl tiles are also available that look like other materials such as stone, wood, or bamboo.

Whatever flooring option you choose for the bathroom, make sure you choose something that can be waterproofed. If moisture gets into the floor it can cause warping or cracking, and mold and mildew could become problem.

With careful planning and good installation, your bathroom floor can be a durable, easy to care for asset to your home. Your bathroom floor will be with you a long time, make sure you choose what is right for you and your lifestyle.