Best Waterproof Flooring Options For Bathrooms

Is it time to update your bathroom floors? If you’ve been Googling flooring and tile installers near you for quotes or inspiration for your bathroom redesign, this article is for you! 

One of the most common questions we get from clients is, “What’s the best flooring for the bathroom?” Followed closely by, “Which flooring choices are waterproof?” The most important detail about bathroom floors is that they need to be waterproof. 

Sound familiar? If so, you’re not alone. Understandably, you want to install the right flooring for your bathroom the first time. Here are our top bathroom flooring choices that can withstand water without compromising their integrity. 

Waterproof Vs. Water Resistant

Do you need waterproof floors, or is water resistance enough? The key difference is that waterproof flooring can handle water on its surface, while water-resistant flooring can handle brief exposure to moisture. Thus, waterproof tiles are excellent for a shower stall, while water-resistant tiles may be better as a backsplash.

Best Waterproof Flooring For A Bathroom

As flooring and tile installers, we’re going to break down which waterproof flooring options are best for your shower stall (highest moisture exposure) and the surrounding bathroom floor (lower moisture exposure).

Shower Stalls

If you’ve got plans to rework or add a shower stall in your bathroom, you’ll need waterproof tiles and high-quality grout that acts as a moisture barrier. These are the best tiles for the job:

• Porcelain: Porcelain is designed to outperform ceramic tile. It’s less absorptive, meaning moisture doesn’t seep in. Well-maintained porcelain tiles are always a popular choice for bathrooms. Ideally, choose large-format tiles, as fewer grout lines mean they do better against water.
• Pro tip: Keep in mind that many tile products have a manufacturer’s warranty that is only activated if a reputable tile installer installs them. In other words, tile is not a DIY job, especially if you want to ensure it remains waterproof.
• Natural Stone: Like human-made porcelain tiles, natural stone tiles are another popular choice for showers or bathrooms! Natural stone is an opulent, timeless, waterproof tile.
• Pro tip: Not all natural stones are created equal, so pick the most waterproof varieties, like marble. Also, do remember to get a textured surface tile to prevent slips!

Bathroom Floors 

For the spaces in your bathroom that aren’t in constant contact with water, like the shower stall, you can go for maximum protection with waterproof options or adequate protection with water-resistant options. 

Our top choices for non-shower-stall spaces within your bathroom are:

• Waterproof Luxury Vinyl Tile: Vinyl has evolved from the roll-out sheet variety into hot new choices that are popular with homeowners. A great new type is waterproof LVT that is designed for bathrooms. What makes them waterproof is their core, making them an excellent choice for your bathroom.
• Pro tip: These floors are tough against water, but not against heavy furnishings. If you want a floor that doesn’t dent, LVT may not be right for you.
• Luxury Vinyl Plank: The main difference between LVT and LVP is variety. While both are made to withstand water, some are designed to be waterproof, while others are only water-resistant. Both are sound choices for your bathroom. However, it’s a matter of preference, whether you choose waterproof or resistance for your space.
• Pro tip: While vinyl is a plastic product, many companies offer eco-friendly options with low emissions and are made of recycled materials. So if you’re on the hunt for environmentally friendly flooring, shop around for the right LVP!
• Sheet Vinyl: Lastly, we have traditional roll-out vinyl flooring. Yet modern sheet vinyl is sturdier and longer-lasting than it once was. We don’t recommend sheet vinyl for a shower, but if you want to freshen the look of your bathroom floor often or need economical flooring, sheet vinyl may be right for you!
• Pro tip: Sheet vinyl has evolved from its checkered past into hyperrealistic wood- or stone-look floors! You can also check out their mosaic or patterned types if you want a more intriguing option.

Final Thoughts On Waterproof Bathroom Flooring

Bathrooms are an oasis, where we go to wash away the stress of the day. This means bathroom flooring needs to be tough on water. It also explains why hardwood floors aren’t a common flooring material in bathrooms, as tile outperforms wood in terms of water resistance.

When we get clients asking us which flooring is best for their bathroom, as experienced flooring and tile installers, we often give them this advice:

• For shower stalls, choose waterproof tiles; for bathroom floors, it’s the homeowner’s preference: waterproof or water-resistant flooring is fine.

• Calculate a realistic budget, as this will help steer you towards which flooring materials are within your budget. Remember, some floorings may require a flooring contractor to install them, so you’ll have to factor this into your budget as well.

• Even after you decide on a flooring material, do your research. Don’t just pick any LVP product; choose the one right for the job. For instance, if you want waterproof and eco-friendly, then figure out which manufacturer offers what you’re looking for.

• Maintenance! It doesn’t matter which floor you choose; all floors need routine care to remain impervious to water. This means frequent cleaning, repairing chipped or worn grout, and resealing tiles as needed.

If you’re still struggling to choose flooring for your bathroom or you’ve got flooring questions, call us at the Brothers Flooring today! We offer free consultations to help you choose the best flooring for your space!