Bathroom Floor Tiles: The 5 Worst Tiles & Floor Options to Choose
Your bathroom floor tiles leave a big impact on your home’s overall aesthetic. More than that, they also influence your comfort level and safety.
The right tiles can mean a beautiful, restful respite that reduces stress and enhances your life, while the opposite can lower your home’s resale value, lead to mold- and mildew-causing moisture, and add to your list of cleaning and home maintenance to-dos.
Want to make sure you pick the right tiles for your bathroom remodeling project? Let’s look at the best (and worst) bathroom floor tiles you can choose from.
The worst bathroom tiles and floor options include:
- Linoleum — Linoleum used to be a staple of bathroom and kitchen floors in the ‘50s, ‘60s, and ‘70s, but it’s since gone out of style — and rightly so. Linoleum tile has seams, which allow moisture to seep in over time. This moisture means a few things: 1) a higher chance of mold, mildew, and other health hazards, 2) more cleaning and maintenance required by the owner, and 3) faster warping and separation of the flooring you just installed!
- Vinyl tile — Vinyl has taken the place of linoleum in recent years, but just like its predecessor, it also comes with seams that make it vulnerable to damage and hard-to-clean mold and mildew. It might look better than linoleum, but in the end, you’re dealing with the same problems and issues (you just paid more for it).
- Carpeting — Carpet is just about the worst choice you can make when it comes to bathroom flooring. Carpeting soaks up water and moisture, leading to mold, mildew, and musty-smelling spaces. It also rarely dries fully, especially if it’s in a warm, steamy environment for extended periods of time.
- Laminate tile — Laminate tile can be beautiful — especially the faux wood type — but a fully waterproof laminate has yet to be created (or at least, proven 100-percent effective). This, again, makes the floor vulnerable to moisture and all the issues that come with it.Laminate can also be slippery when wet, posing a safety hazard to children, older adults, and those with limited physical ability.
- Hardwood – Next to carpet, it doesn’t get much worse than hardwood flooring in the bathroom. With wood, it’s not just mold and mildew that moisture can bring — it can actually rot the floor from the inside out.
What bathroom floor tiles to choose instead:
- Ceramic tile — Ceramic tile is a great choice for any water-prone area: bathrooms, showers, swimming pools, etc. They’re highly durable, resistant to water and moisture-caused mold and mildew, and look nice too. You can get them in all kinds of colors, shapes, and styles, making them a very versatile bathroom remodeling choice.
- Natural stone tile — Natural stone is what you’ll find in most high-end or luxury bathrooms. It’s costlier than other choices, but it stands the test of time (and it’s beautiful). Stone floor tiles also add a lot in resale value and come in a variety of options. Choose from limestone, granite, marble, quartz, and more. All will make an instant impact.
- Porcelain tile — Porcelain tile is the most waterproof surface you can choose, making it an ideal choice for bathroom floors, around the kitchen sink, and even in tubs and showers. It’s also easy to clean and maintain in the long run.
- Concrete — Finally, concrete is a solid option for bathroom flooring as well. Easily sealed and highly durable, it’s a great choice if you want a forever floor that will stand the test of time. Concrete also comes in a variety of hues, so it’s pretty versatile in a design sense.
If you choose porcelain, ceramic, or stone, consider installing radiant or heated tile underneath. This will keep your floor warm in the colder seasons. You may also want to choose textured tiles, as this will reduce slippery conditions when the floor gets wet.
Choose the Best Bathroom Floor Tiles
Want to make sure you choose the right flooring for your bathroom remodel? Contact Criner Remodeling today. With more than 45 years’ experience, we can help you make the right decision for your unique taste and home.