Remodeling Your Bathroom? Here Are Just A Few Practical Flooring Options
When it comes to completing home renovations, no two homeowners are exactly alike. A surprising 35% of remodeling jobs involve the whole home, but many homeowners also tend to prioritize the bathroom in their remodeling endeavors.
Whether you have dreams of converting your outdated bathtub into a sleek glass shower, upgrading to a low-flow toilet, or anything in between, you should take some time to consider whether your bathroom remodeling plans should include new flooring.
Bathroom additions offer an average of 86.4% ROI, but investing in new and modernized flooring can make your home stand out even more if you ever want to relocate.
More importantly, some bathroom flooring options are bound to make your everyday experience that much more comfortable. Here are just a few practical flooring types to consider for your bathroom remodel.
Ceramic Tile
As many interior designers’ top selection for bathroom flooring, ceramic tiles are sure to provide any half or full bathroom with a luxurious look and feel.
In a 2017 interior design trends survey, more than a third of respondents said they would choose a neutral color palette if redecorating their home, and fortunately, this option gives homeowners virtually endless choices when it comes to selecting the tile shape, size, and colors they prefer. The cost of ceramic tiles varies; at their most affordable, they can be found for just a dollar or two per square foot.
On the higher end of the spectrum, homeowners can expect to pay up to $20 per square foot. Of course, if you’re hiring a professional installer, you’ll have to add on those costs as well, which usually range from $5 to $10 per square foot.
Cork
If you thought cork was only useful to keep your wine fresh, you’ve been delightfully misinformed. This eco-friendly material won’t absorb moisture and cause mold or mildew like other flooring types. It also stays naturally warmer than most bathroom flooring types, so you won’t freeze after stepping out of the shower on a chilly day.
Every homeowner should consider an eco-friendly material for their bathroom floor if it’s within their budget.
A significant amount of the world’s plastic waste ends up in the ocean, where it causes damages amounting to at least $13 billion per year. Fortunately, cork is a highly sustainable material, and it requires very little maintenance.
“Cork is waterproof, resilient and warm, so it’s both splash-proof and comfortable underfoot. It has a textured surface that’s slightly slip resistance, too…Cork is made from harvested tree bark that grows back again, so it’s sustainable as well as biodegradable. Cork flooring should be resealed every two to three years,” writes John Riha on DIY Network.
Vinyl
Vinyl has long been considered as one of the most affordable options for bathroom flooring. Plus, it’s easy to clean and almost completely stain-proof. You can determine which type of vinyl flooring to get based on the amount of maintenance you’re able to put in: a high-quality sheet of vinyl will keep moisture out much better than traditional peel-and-stick tiles because there are fewer seams in which water can enter and cause damage.
If you’re experienced with DIY projects, you may be able to handle the installation process yourself, but if you’re hesitant, it’s always best to invest in a professional installation job to maximize longevity and durability.
Above all, this should provide you with some guidance when it comes time to select your new bathroom floors. The ultimate goal is to find the perfect balance between practicality and visual appeal.