When the time comes to choosing flooring for your bathroom renovation, you may wonder which material is best. The goal is to find an attractive option that suits your aesthetic tastes while also withstanding splashes from the sink, steam from the shower, and the occasional overflowing toilet. Use this list of the best flooring options for your bathroom to help you decide what will work best for you.

Ceramic and porcelain tile: Tile has long been the go-to material for bathroom floors. It’s relatively inexpensive, yet it can mimic more costly stone or wood. Tile is also available in a seemingly endless array of shapes, sizes, colors, and textures. Just be aware that tile feels cold underfoot and may be slippery when wet, depending on the finish.

Vinyl sheets, planks, or tiles: Vinyl earned a negative reputation in the past, but this material has come a long way in the past decade. In fact, it’s one of today’s most popular bathroom flooring options, thanks to its water resistance, ease of installation, and reasonable price point. Like tile, it comes in stone- or wood-like finishes for a high-end look. The downside to vinyl is that it can develop bumps or gaps over time and is relatively easy to puncture with sharp objects.

Natural stone: Durable and attractive, natural stone is a popular choice in luxury bathroom designs. It also offers an excellent return on investment if you ever sell your home. However, the cost is prohibitive for some, and softer stones like travertine and limestone must be resealed every few years.

Cork flooring: Cork is a relatively new flooring material that works well in the bathroom and kitchen. It’s naturally waterproof, warm to the touch, and soft underfoot. The texture also makes it the perfect slip-resistant surface. In addition, cork is environmentally friendly and easy on your budget. Just remember, cork must be resealed every few years for ongoing moisture protection.

Laminate flooring: Laminate is often confused with vinyl, but it’s made of resin-impregnated paper atop a wood-chip base. Laminate makes a suitable bathroom flooring material as long as the planks are installed tightly, making it difficult for moisture to seep through. Still, if water reaches the wood base, it will expand and make the floor bubble. If this happens, the only fix is to tear out the damaged section and replace it.

Engineered wood: Do you have your heart set on wood bathroom floors? If so, consider engineered wood over solid wood. The plywood base stands up well to moisture, while the hardwood veneer lends a stunning finish.

For more help selecting bathroom flooring, turn to Capitol Design Build. We have over 30 years of experience performing custom bathroom and kitchen remodeling in homes and businesses across Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, DC. With services spanning many disciplines, including engineering, design, remodeling, and construction, we can take your project from concept to completion. To schedule your free, no-obligation estimate, please contact us at 703-436-6919 today.