Bathroom Flooring GuideBathroom flooring takes a lot of abuse! Naturally we want it to look good, even great, and hold up under pressure too...
Since most flooring areas in a bathroom are small expense may not be an issue, but moisture and water is...
The truth is, some types of floor coverings are just not meant to be installed in a bathroom... Here you will find the simple facts about different types of floor covering typically used for bathroom flooring.
Natural StoneStone floor tiles in bathrooms create a very luxurious effect! Made by nature to last a life-time... natural stones are very beautiful and captivating with a one-of-a-kind uniqueness! Of all the natural stones, marble, granite, slate and travertine are the ones used the most often for bathroom floors. Above everything else, bathroom flooring should be slip-proof and able to resist (or cope with) water. Warmth and comfort should also be considered... Floors are a focal point in every room, so choose wisely...
Marble is sleek and elegant, granite is dramatic and rich with colors, while slate and travertine have multiple, mingled earth tones and warmth appeal. Visit Bathroom Floor Tile to learn more about these extremely artistic, durable, timeless flooring materials. The demand for stone tile floors in a bathroom is at an all-time high, and it doesn't appear to be slowing down... You can't go wrong with natural stone floors... Disadvantages of Stone TileHardwoodsSolid hardwood flooring is timeless! Classic and naturally warm, they look inviting in homes of any age. There is no question about wood's durability, this type of flooring will last years and years in most settings. Hardwoods are available in a wide range of colors, grain patterns, grades and prices. The more evenly colored the more costly it will be. All hardwood flooring materials are tough enough for domestic use, but some are tougher than others. You can choose a hardwood floor finish that is matted, semi-gloss or high gloss... All wood floors are sensitive to moisture, even those with a high gloss. In reality, water and wood floors are enemies and should avoid each other, so using it as bathroom flooring is risky... but it isn't out of the question, and many consumers want nothing else! However, hardwood flooring with a penetrating oil finish is the only one that can withstand moisture on a constant basis. This type of finish protection works from the inside-out and will require a paste wax be applied to the surface every 6 months. This is the one wood finish that works very well for bathroom flooring. Although wood floors are relatively easy to clean, they need to be cleaned often and keeping a good finish or surface wax on the wood is a must to keep it looking it's best and prolonging the life of the wood! Disadvantages of HardwoodNOTE Engineered wood is real hardwood on the surface glued to plywood underneath. It can be sanded, but not often, and will tolerate a bit of moisture, although it is not built to last forever where moisture is a constant factor... Ceramic & Porcelain TileCeramic and porcelain tiles are resistant to moisture and acidic products and make one of the best choices for a bathroom floor! Both are considered ceramics, as are clay and terra-cotta, too! Long-wearing, affordable, easy to install and take care of makes them a wise alternative when compared to natural stone tile. As "manufactured" (man-made) tiles, ceramic offers more vivid, "baked" on colors, shapes, sizes and designs, where porcelain has fewer sizes and more "earthy" tones, but the color is throughout its thickness. Both will need to be sealed after installation, or can be purchased already sealed from the manufacturer. Porcelain tiles have a matted finish, whereas ceramic tiles tend to be glossy. Either one will make your bathroom flooring come alive with its own unique "look". Disadvantages of CeramicsGo to ceramic tile flooring to learn more abouth these terrific flooring materials!
Resilient FlooringCorkCork has been around for hundreds of years, but is sometimes ignored as a flooring option... Although some claim cork flooring is not as durable as vinyl, but that is not necessarily true! There are "old" (Library of Congress) buildings still in use with the original floors still in tact... Hard to believe, but true! Warm and soft underfoot, cork must be sealed for waterproofing where moisture is a factor, like a bathroom or kitchen. It's natural properties are resistant to moisture, bugs, rot, bacteria, mold, dust, stains, punctures and most everything else. It is a natural insulator and noise buffer, light-weight and very long-wearing. NOTE: For areas where water and moisture are a constant factor, (bathroom, kitchen, utility rooms) a coat of water-based polyurethane sealant should be applied for added protection against moisture. Easy to clean and maintain. For the do-it-yourselfer it is very easy to install... All and all, cork make a terrific bathroom flooring material, and is a remarkable, natural product. And cork floor tile is a "snap" to install... Try it, you'll like it! Disadvantages of Cork
Vinylmay still be the most popular flooring in bathrooms today!Practical, inexpensive and easy to install, vinyl flooring is available in sheeting or floor tile form and a selection of thickness. Tiles offer greater flexibility to be creative and are easier to install, thicker vinyl sheeting will wear longer... and cost more. Self-adhesive tiles are available, but not recommended because they are usually of poor quality. Scads of Colors, patterns, strips, borders and simulations of every wood and stone are available to choose from, with price brackets to suit any budget. Vinyl can wear well with care and is inexpensive to replace when needed. Disadvantages of Vinyl
RubberMeet the the new kid on the block... you will be surprised! Ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, utility areas, childrens room, most any room, but especially those that need to withstand lots of moisture and abuse, rubber flooring is made of synthetic materials and is available in tile or sheet form with many different thickness and sizes, so your not stuck with one-size-fits all! Practical and hard-wearing, it is slip-proof (textured finish) resistant to moisture, heat, sound, shock, and is easy to take care of. Warm and comfortable underfoot, tiles are inter-locking and easy to install, as is sheeting. You'll find a whole array of colors to choose from ranging from warm neutrals to as bright as you like, plus a matte or polished finish with either textured, smooth, dimpled or swirl designs, all are available. One exceptional thing you will notice about rubber flooring materials is the color is dyed throughout the thickness of the rubber, so it will never fade! Disadvantages of Rubber
CarpetingSome people like carpeting in a bathroom, even though it is definitely the most unsuitable floor covering for wet areas! Think of bacteria, mold and rot... What better place for it to grow than on a bathroom floor covered wall-to-wall with carpeting... You would be putting it down only to rip it up within a very short time... Then there is the water and carpet do not mix issue, plus the feel of wet carpet under your feet... yuk! But if you MUST, make sure it is made of 100% Olefin (synthetic) material, low/short piled and glue it down with indoor/outdoor carpet adhesive. The subfloor should be of concrete, or lay concrete backer board over the existing subfloor for protection. Remember, carpeting is hard to keep clean and should be vacuumed often. A shop-vac will extract water and moisture. Disadvantages of CarpetingWe hope this guide serves it's purpose when choosing a floor covering for your bathroom.... The rest is up to you. No matter what flooring material you choose for any room it should make a positive impact, so chose wisely! GOOD LUCK!
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