Bathroom flooring buying guide

To make your decision easier, we've put together the main advantages and disadvantages of each type of bathroom flooring as well as the average price per square metre of each option.

Flooring plays a huge part in the overall decor of a room. Even if you only have a small surface to work with, the bathroom is still an important room in the home and you should feel comfortable using it. No matter which type of flooring you have in mind, you will have a lot of choice. In recent years, flooring manufacturers have really recognised the value of creating products specially designed for bathroom use.

This essentially means you have a wide range of floors to choose from. That said, the most popular option remains tiling and there's no denying the aesthetic qualities of tiles whether you go for decorative tiles or ones made to look like materials such as wood, stone or concrete.

But other types of flooring can provide the same qualities and can also be made to look like other materials. PVC or laminate floors, for example, come in all colours, finishes and formats. From traditional to modern designs, there's a floor out there for everyone. However, remember that no matter what kind of flooring you choose, it must be waterproof. Luckily, many manufacturers have entire ranges of flooring designed specifically for bathroom use. Here are are 9 different types of flooring that can work in a bathroom:

1. Tiles: attractive and naturally moisture-resistant.

2. PVC and vinyl floors: easy to fit and water-resistant with a wide range of designs.

3. Solid wood floors: classic, elegant flooring with waterproof versions available.

4. Laminate floors: a budget-friendly wood-based flooring.

5. Carpet: a floor making a comeback with water-resistant versions.

6. Cork: an environmentally friendly option.

7. Natural flooring: on-trend natural materials like sisal, rush or coconut fibre.

8. Natural and reconstituted stone: strong and elegant materials.

9. Waxed concrete: rustic floors that work perfectly in modern homes.

Be careful to match your floors to your walls and remember that bathrooms tend to be small spaces. As such, it's best not to go for floors that come in larger formats (e.g. large format tiles) as this can make your room look smaller. It may come as a surprise but most types of flooring can be used in a bathroom as long as you follow the manufacturer's installation and maintenance recommendations. In the end, it's up to you to pick the right version of each product!

Let's take a look now at a few different types of flooring and their installation requirements in a bathroom.

Tiling is the most popular option for bathroom floors. A perfect fit for bathrooms, tiles are water-resistant and very easy to clean. This means that water won't be able to penetrate the materials and cause damage over time – which, of course, is a huge advantage in a bathroom! Tiles can also be fitted inside wetroom showers.

A wide variety of formats is available and you're sure to find a design you love with options ranging from solid colours to stone, wood, concrete or marble effects. In short, anything is possible when it comes to tiles! Another bonus of tiling is that most tiles can also be used to cover your walls.

Cleaning is very straightforward using just a mop and a diluted cleaning product. The only downside of tiles is that they do require some skill to install. If you have any doubts, it's best to call in the professionals as badly laid tiles will degrade very quickly – especially in a bathroom.

Tiles can also feel cold underfoot and will not stand up to heavy impacts.

Tile standards and ratings

To help you pick the right tiles for your floor, it's important to refer to various standards and ratings.

PEI ratings

Ratings by the Porcelain Enamel Institute (PEI) are governed by standard BS EN ISO 10545-7 and provide information on the abrasion resistance of glazed tiles. These ratings range from the most light duty tiles (P0), which cannot generally be used as floor tiles, to the thickest and most hardwearing tile (P5) for heavy footfall.

Mohs scale

The Mohs scale defines the scratch resistance of a tile using a scale of hardness ranging from 1 to 10:

• 1 to 4 for low scratch resistance;

• 5 to 6 for fair scratch resistance;

• 7 to 8 for good scratch resistance;

• 9 to 10 for scratch-resistant tiles.

R ratings

R ratings evaluate the slip resistance of tiles underfoot on a scale ranging from R9 to R13. A rating of R10 offers a good level of slip resistance in wet areas and is therefore perfect for a bathroom.

ABC rating

The ABC rating evaluates the slip resistance of tiles under barefoot on a scale of A to C. For tiles used in a bathroom, you should look for B or C ratings.

PVC and vinyl plank flooring are inherently waterproof making them a great budget option for bathrooms. The variety of products on offer is huge so you are sure to find a floor to match your tastes. Maintenance is very straightforward – simply vacuum and mop using a gentle cleaner diluted in clean water.

Fitting a vinyl plank or PVC floor should be relatively straightforward for any good DIYer whether you go for vinyl sheet or tiles. It is possible to have a glue down or floating floor, depending on the material and format.

Floors made of natural wood aren't generally the best option for wet areas like bathrooms. However, it is possible to have a solid wood bathroom floor as long as you pay attention to a few constraints.

The main problem is, of course, moisture. Wood seriously soaks up moisture which expands the material. Your floor will therefore warp quickly if you don't take certain precautions. Avoid floating engineered wood flooring in the bathroom. A glue down solid wood floor will handle conditions in a bathroom much better. It's also important to choose an exotic wood like teak or wenge for better moisture resistance.

Adequate ventilation in the bathroom is essential to ensure that the wood does not have to deal with fluctuations in moisture level.

When it comes to design, consider adding a boat deck seal between planks for a unique bathroom finish.

In terms of maintenance, wood floors in bathrooms are often oiled. It's important to not to let water sit too long on the wood. Be sure to re-oil the floor using a spray-on maintenance oil and microfibre cloth to keep it in good condition.

PEFC and FSC labels

Wood floors can come with a few different labels to serve as verification that the wood has been sourced from a sustainably managed forest, such as:

• PEFC label (Pan European Forest Certification) which attests that the wood has been sourced from a responsibly managed forest;

• FSC label (Forest Stewarship Council) which, like the PEFC label, guarantees that the wood has been sustainably sourced.

While laminate floors are wood-based, they offer much greater stability than solid wood floors. But be sure to check that the flooring has been designed specifically for bathrooms.

These specially designed ranges have been tested for bathroom use and feature a moisture-resistant substrate and backing layer. This should prevent the material from warping. Some products are perfectly waterproof and designed to repel water meaning there's zero risk in the bathroom!

The patterned layer comes in a wide range of designs with different colours, finishes and formats for all tastes.

Laminate flooring is very easy to clean – simply vacuum and clean with a microfibre mop and the job is done.

It may come as a surprise but some carpets are also suitable for bathroom use. Of course, you can't fit just any old type of carpet, but bathroom carpet does exist! It is essential to choose a moisture-resistant carpet to avoid damage through water splashing.

An interesting choice, carpet can make for a very comfortable floor. But when it comes to maintenance, do be careful! Carpet needs to be hoovered regularly to keep it clean and hygienic.

In terms of aesthetic, bear in mind that carpeting usually comes in solid colours.

Carpet classification

Moisture-resistant symbol

Look for a moisture-resistant label to identify carpets that are suitable for bathroom use.

Fire protection ratings

Even in a wet room like a bathroom it is important to be aware of the fire protection rating of your chosen carpet. The Euroclass fire protection classification ranges from A to F:

• A1FL and A2FL: little to no contribution to fire.

• BFL: very limited contribution to fire.

• CFL: limited contribution to fire.

• DFL: acceptable contribution to fire.

• EFL: acceptable contribution to fire.

• FFL: no performance requirements.

If you're after an eco-friendly floor, why not lay a cork floor in the bathroom? Cork has really made a comeback in recent times and manufacturers have even created moisture-resistant versions suitable for bathrooms.

This isn't the cork of the '70s we're talking about here! These days, you can choose from a variety of highly decorative finishes and the most convincing options don't look like cork at all!

As with all other types of flooring, be sure to choose a product suitable for bathroom use.

Natural fibre floors have become a seriously popular choice for bathrooms. From seagrass and coconut fibre to jute, these floors offer a completely natural look but feature a texture that may not please everyone.

Seagrass

Found in coastal water around the world, seagrass can be used to create natural flooring that works perfectly in a bathroom. Seagrass is not only rot-resistant but non-slip, too. With a rustic finish and a range of different weaves (twisted, split, braided, pressed and coiled), seagrass is ideal for anyone looking for a natural and eco-friendly floor. It is also highly resistant and offers good value for money. On the downside, it does tend to cling onto dust meaning it must be cleaned regularly.

There's no beating the look of natural stone and while stone may be costly, it is durable. In terms of care, it's important to avoid harsh cleaning products – a bit of soapy water will generally suffice. Stone is a traditional option known for its long lifespan. But it can be tricky to lay so it's important to have the right tools and skills for the job. Among the most common types of stone are:

• Granite: water and stain-resistant, this stone is favoured for its elegant grey tones. However, it is also the most expensive natural stone.

• Marble comes in a wide variety of tones and finishes and is one of the strongest types of flooring However, it must be meticulously maintained.

• Limestone comes in a range of pale tones and is favoured for its aesthetic and easy care needs.

• Slate is known for its dark grey – or even black – colour but can also feature red, green or white tones. Lighter than most natural stones, slate is straightforward to clean but easily scratched.

• Local natural stones: it might be interesting to look into the types of natural stone sourced in your area.

Please note that some stone floors are porous. It is therefore essential to coat them with a waterproofing treatment before using in a wet room. Other types of stone are naturally water-resistant. Granite, for example, is known for its ability to withstand water. What's more it is highly resistant and non-slip. Stone may come as slabs or tiles.

Reconstituted stone

Reconstituted stone is generally made of a mixture of crushed stone, water, cement, colourants and additives, and can provide an interesting and convincing alternative to natural stone. Non-slip, impact-resistant and durable (though less so than natural stone), engineered stone is easier to lay than natural stone as it is lighter and perfectly formatted. It is also more affordable.

Engineered stone can provide a good alternative given its properties and lower price point.

Waxed concrete features an industrial style that is sure to please fans of contemporary minimalism. Used for walls and furniture as well as floors, waxed concrete is made using concrete with the addition of pigments and mineral powders. Smooth in appearance, waxed concrete is also known as béton ciré or microcement. It provides a hygienic finish and does not require expansion joints.

When used in a bathroom, concrete must be given a waterproofing treatment. The process of pouring a concrete floor can be tricky for inexperienced DIYers, as can the task of preparing the surface. Soapy water will suffice for day-to-day cleaning but a waterproofing treatment must be reapplied over the years to ensure your concrete surface lasts. It's worth noting that waxed concrete kits will offer a shorter lifespan – with micro-cracks and cracks appearing after a few years – compared to traditional waxed concrete floors which tend to last longer.

Each room of the home has its own technical requirements that should be taken into account when choosing flooring and bathrooms are no exception. Bathrooms are classified as wet areas so it is essential to choose specially adapted flooring.

That said, most types of flooring can be used in the bathroom as long as you choose a specially designed version and pay attention to certain constraints concerning installation, care and waterproofing treatments.

Moisture resistance: the number one condition for bathroom flooring

When choosing a bathroom floor, you need to think about moisture resistance above all else. Bathrooms naturally contain a lot of water and your floor needs to be highly moisture-resistant or even completely waterproof.

Bathrooms have to deal with a lot of water splashing and have to be cleaned on a regular basis – but that's not all! The level of humidity in the air also varies widely which can have an effect on floors. Condensation that is allowed to stagnate isn't good news for any floor that isn't designed with humidity in mind.

Always choose a floor designed for bathroom use. This will always narrow down your choice among the vast array of products available, but you will usually benefit from a manufacturer's warranty.

Standard EN ISO 10874 classifies flooring such as vinyl plank floors or laminate according to usage.

Flooring in the bathroom should have a good wear class if you want it to last. However, there's no need to choose flooring with a high class for heavy footfall since you are unlikely to need it in a bathroom and these floors are more expensive. A minimum wear rating of 23/31 will do for a bathroom (Heavy domestic use / Light commercial use).

• Flooring buying guide

• Engineered wood flooring buying guide

• Vinyl plank flooring buying guide

• Waterproof laminate flooring buying guide