From pristine, modern porcelain tiles to textured natural stone, there are many options for bathroom flooring. Our guide to bathroom flooring materials discusses the most popular materials, what to consider when updating your bathroom flooring, and more.
What Should I Consider When Selecting Bathroom Flooring?
One of the most important considerations for selecting a material for your bathroom floors is the amount of water and heat it will be exposed to. Some materials, like porcelain tiles, are durable and resistant to the elements. Others, such as hardwoods, may warp with repeated exposure to moisture. Another important factor in selecting bathroom flooring is cleaning and maintenance. While natural stone floors are beautiful, they can require greater upkeep to prevent mildew and etching.
In addition to durability and maintenance concerns, consider how your floors will complement the overall design of your bathroom. It can be helpful to create vision boards with your ideal styles. We also recommend viewing samples of potential flooring options alongside other elements of your bathroom, such as countertops, tiling, hardware finishes, and mirrors. Consider, too, the slipperiness of your bathroom floors. Many homeowners gravitate toward tiles with textured or slip-resistant surfaces to prevent accidents.
Finally, selecting a strong, high-quality grout will safeguard your bathroom floors against staining and bacterial growth. We recommend opting for an epoxy or epoxy-like grout installed by a professional.
Popular Bathroom Flooring Materials
Porcelain Tile Flooring
Porcelain is one of the most popular materials for bathroom flooring due to its durability and water resistance. This material comes in a wide range of hues, from pale white and gray to warm brown and beige, resembling natural stone. Porcelain floor tiles are created by firing highly refined clay at high temperatures, leading to a dense polished surface.
Porcelain tile can last for years due to its dense construction and tough exterior. The non-porous surface of porcelain is highly water resistant and protects against the buildup of mildew, mold, and bacteria while reducing odors. Additionally, porcelain tiles are easy to clean and don’t require resealing making them ideal for bathrooms.
Concerned about safety? Porcelain tiles are particularly well-suited for bathrooms as you can select matte or textured finishes which reduce slippage.
Porcelain tiles are thick, dense, and heavy, making them more difficult to install and repair. Homeowners should consider the weight of porcelain tiles before installing them, particularly in upstairs rooms. Due to their complex installation, professional remodelers should be contracted for the installation. Many homeowners select porcelain tiles for their bathroom flooring due to the many beautiful and durable options that fit a bathroom of any style.
Porcelain Tile Flooring Cost
Porcelain tile flooring is one of the more expensive options. Depending on the quality of the material, porcelain tiles alone cost from $3 to 30 per square foot. With professional installations, prices typically range from $15 to $50 per square foot.
Ceramic Tile Flooring
Ceramic tile flooring is created by shaping and baking clay at high temperatures. Some tiles are glazed to enhance their sheen and increase their water resistance.
Ceramic tiles come in a variety of designs, with some resembling natural stone and others showcasing bolder patterns and colors. These versatile tiles are an excellent option for bathrooms since they are durable, water-resistant, and easy to clean.
While ceramic tiles can be an excellent option for bathrooms, be sure to select thicker, more durable tiles to increase the longevity of your floors. Many of the cheaper, thinner ceramic tiles on the market can crack. Additionally, ceramic tiles require regular cleaning as dust can accumulate in grout lines.
Quality ceramic tiles are an excellent bathroom flooring material due to their water resistance and wide range of design options.
Ceramic Tile Flooring Cost
Ceramic floor tiles typically cost $10 to $30 per square foot, making them a good mid-range flooring option.
Marble Flooring
Marble is a natural stone flooring material created by exposing limestone to intense heat and pressure. The resulting material is smooth with distinctive swirling banded patterns. Marble comes in a wide range of colors, including subtle hues like white, cream, and gray, as well as bolder options like green, pink, blue, and black. If properly cared for, marble flooring is also heat resistant and relatively durable.
A high-quality, sealed marble stone is good for bathroom floors. However, more involved care is needed compared to other materials. Marble must be regularly sealed and polished to maintain its smooth, refined appearance. Additionally, certain cleaners commonly used in bathrooms, such as those containing bleach or ammonia, can permanently etch the stone. Take care to clean up spills since water can stain, crack, and discolor marble floors.
With many color options, marble flooring beautifully complements a range of bathroom styles, from modern to traditional.
Marble Flooring Cost
Marble is a more expensive flooring material with the average cost per square foot ranging between $20 and $40.
Our Recommendation
For their water resistance, beauty, and durability, we strongly recommend installing porcelain tiles in your bathroom.
Of course, the right flooring for your bathroom depends on where the room is in your home, how you are using your space, and your vision for your remodel. We recommend consulting with an experienced design/build remodeling partner to thoroughly review your needs and help you select from the most suitable bathroom flooring options on the market.
View our portfolio for more bathroom flooring inspiration
Are you still deciding which material you’d like to use for your bathroom flooring? Check out our award-winning bathroom remodels for more inspiration.
