Bathroom

The best bathroom flooring ideas and options

Published on December 19, 2024
Revised on December 16, 2024
9 min read

Melissa Hollingsworth

Writer

Scandinavian-style bathroom with wooden floor, wall panel, vanity, freestanding bathtub and mullioned windows overlooking lush greenery

The bathroom has always served as a sanctuary and modern home design promotes it as an escape zone–a space where functionality meets indulgence. Whether it’s a new construction or remodel, finding the ideal flooring plays a pivotal role in crafting the perfect bathroom. From classic ceramic to innovative modern choices, the world of flooring is vast and varied. With such a wide range of options available, we’re sure you’ll find a viable one that suits your taste and meets your needs and budget.

Types of bathroom flooring

Vinyl

Minimalist bathroom with taupe cement tile floor and walls, white freestanding bathtub, wooden Japanese stool, beauty products in backlit niche

Photo: Leroy Merlin

Vinyl flooring is an excellent choice for bathrooms due to its waterproof properties, durability and versatility. It provides a comfortable and warm surface underfoot, making it a practical option for cold mornings. Vinyl comes in a wide variety of styles, mimicking the look of hardwood, stone or tile, offering aesthetic appeal alongside its functional benefits. Easy maintenance and affordability make vinyl the ideal choice for many.

Ceramic and porcelain

Bathroom with black and white ceramic floor tile featuring rosette patterns, dark green vanity with marble countertop, white tile wainscoting highlighted by a row of checkerboard tile, wood-effect tile shower, large mirror and potted plant

Photo: Aparici

Ceramic and porcelain tile are ideal for bathroom flooring, combining timeless elegance with practical durability. These materials are waterproof, preventing damage from spills and humidity. Known for their easy maintenance and stain resistance, ceramic and porcelain tile are suitable for high-traffic areas. With a wide range of styles and textures, they allow for creative design choices, adding a touch of sophistication to any bathroom space. A piece of advice: Avoid smooth finishes that could cause a wipeout. Relief tile with a raised surface (porcelain stoneware, for example) is non-slip.

Polished concrete

Bathroom in shades of grey: polished concrete floor, handleless vanity with two white vessel sinks, wall with matte, vertical, and relief mini-tile, walk-in shower with curved wall covered in glazed ceramic

Photo: Ragno

Polished concrete flooring in bathrooms offers a modern and industrial aesthetic. Its durability withstands moisture, making it a resilient choice. Sealed concrete provides a sleek surface that’s easy to clean and resistant to stains. While it may seem unconventional, concrete is one of the building blocks of minimalist and contemporary design, lending an urban vibe to the bathroom while maintaining practical functionality.

Marble

Bathroom with sand-coloured marble floor and walls, two symmetrical vanities with white countertops and undermount sinks, tinted mirrors, rain shower separated from the room by a light grey glass partition

Photo: Anatolia

Marble bathroom flooring lends timeless luxury and sophistication. Its natural beauty and unique veining patterns create an elegant atmosphere. While requiring proper sealing to resist moisture, marble is durable and easy to clean. The cool, polished surface adds a touch of opulence, making it a popular choice for those seeking a lavish and refined bathroom aesthetic. Marble is slippery. Some opt for honed or matte finishes to ensure a somewhat textured surface. However, if the elegance of polished marble is desired, non-slip mats will add safety in the most splash-prone areas.

Wood

Bright Scandinavian-style bathroom with light wood floor, vanity, and beams, mullioned windows, two oval mirrors, white freestanding bathtub, bath mat, low wooden stool with beauty products, white rice paper lantern lamp, black hardware shower

Photo: Shutterstock/Iamsuleyman

Wood flooring in bathrooms adds warmth and natural ambiance. Engineered hardwood or specially treated hardwood with water-resistant finishes can withstand moisture and humidity. Proper sealing and regular maintenance are essential to prevent water damage. Wood offers a timeless and versatile aesthetic. Keep in mind that it will require constant attention in wet areas to ensure longevity and minimize any potential moisture-related issues.

Cork

White freestanding bathtub with black faucet, black shelf with beauty products, glass partition and beige sand cork floor

Photo: Flordeco

Cork flooring in bathrooms blends eco-friendliness with comfort and keeps mould and mildew out. Its naturally water-resistant properties make it ideal for humid environments. Soft and comfortable underfoot, cork provides a unique, cushioned feel. Regular sealing ensures durability and its renewable sourcing appeals to those seeking sustainable flooring options for bathrooms, adding a touch of natural warmth and comfort.

Natural stone

Slate floor and wall in the walk-in shower, turquoise wall adorned with an oval mirror and white porcelain sink, floral patterned tiles on the other shower wall

Photo: Iperceramica

Natural stone tile, such as slate, travertine or limestone, adds a luxurious and earthy touch to bathroom flooring. Each stone type exhibits unique textures and colours, providing a custom look with their slight differences. While stone tile is durable, sealing is still crucial to make it resistant to moisture. Its innate beauty introduces a timeless elegance to bathrooms, making natural stone tile a popular choice for those seeking a blend of durability and aesthetic appeal.

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Ambiance rétro dans une salle de bain à carrelage décalé de tuiles blanches, plancher de bois, baignoire à l’ancienne sur piédestal, meuble-lavabo double gris, miroirs ovales et éclairage mural en forme de globes dépolis

The ultimate bathroom flooring checklist

Choosing the right flooring for your bathroom is essential to ensure durability and safety, as well as achieve the look you want. As this area is prone to humidity and splashes, it requires a water-resistant material that’s easy to clean.

Bathroom with blue and green cement tile with faded patterns on the walls and floor, dark wood vanity with two undermount sinks, wooden and cane chair, two vertical mirrors, black fixtures, white freestanding bathtub

Photo: Aparici

Durability

It’s worth taking the time to find the perfect material for your bathroom floor. Although some want an option that’s easily replaceable, most homeowners prefer a durable material. High moisture levels and heavy foot traffic demand resilient materials that resist water damage, stains and wear. Most popular flooring solutions, including ceramic, vinyl and concrete, are tough enough to withstand this humid environment.

Water-resistant, waterproof or watertight?

It’s important to understand the difference between water-resistant, waterproof and watertight materials.

Water-resistant Water-resistant flooring, like laminate, can handle small spills and a bit of water. However, it’s not suitable for prolonged submersion in or constant exposure to water.

Waterproof Waterproof material prevents water from penetrating under moderate pressure. It’s therefore suitable for a more humid environment that needs frequent cleaning. Vinyl is a great example. Porcelain and glazed ceramic are waterproof. However, cement tile is porous and will need a water-repellent treatment.

Watertight Watertight flooring provides the best overall protection against water. It’s designed to prevent any water from getting through, even when completely submerged. Epoxy flooring is resistant to moisture and stagnant puddles. There are other options, too. A liquid waterproofing system (LWS), installed under ceramic or porcelain tile, forms an effective protective layer after drying. Waterproofing membranes (like plastic mats) add an additional barrier. These membranes, like an LWS, are installed before the tile is laid.

Safety

Since bathroom floors get plenty of water exposure, it’s important to choose non-slip flooring, like tile crafted with a slight relief, as it provides a better grip. If you prefer a more slippery material, such as marble, ceramic or slate, the surface should be treated with a non-slip coating.

Maintenance

Low-maintenance bathroom flooring options include vinyl and ceramic tile, renowned for easy cleaning and durability. Conversely, natural stone like marble or porous materials may demand more upkeep but offer luxurious aesthetics. While high maintenance, the visual impact may justify the effort for those prioritizing style. Reflect on lifestyle, desired aesthetics and your willingness to invest time in maintenance when choosing bathroom flooring.

Installation

When selecting bathroom flooring, consider installation factors. Vinyl and floating flooring (also called laminate flooring) are easy to lay–you could even do the work yourself. Keep in mind that ceramic or natural stone should be professionally installed. Subfloor condition, absorption of moisture and room layout influence installation feasibility and may add additional costs, emphasizing the need for careful planning and skilled installation, when necessary.

Cost

Cost is a crucial factor in choosing bathroom flooring. Affordable options like vinyl or laminate are a budget-friendly choice for bathrooms, while natural stone and high-end tile can be more expensive. Consider not only initial costs but also long-term durability and maintenance expenses to make an informed decision.

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Salle de bain contemporaine blanche avec vue sur miroir et vasque blanche.

Bathroom flooring ideas by colour

Dark floors

Black

Bright bathroom thanks to generous industrial-style windows and an accent wall with vertical yellow tiles, everything else is black including the speckled concrete floor, freestanding bathtub, two vessel sinks on console tables

Photo: Shutterstock/ImageFlow

Picking a black bathroom floor adds a bold and sophisticated touch. It exudes timeless elegance and pairs well with various design styles. While admittedly showcasing dirt and dust more visibly, regular cleaning can maintain its sleek appearance. Black floors contribute to a modern aesthetic, creating a dramatic and stylish bathroom ambiance.

Grey

Bathroom with mouse grey marble tiles on the floor and walk-in shower wall, anthracite grey freestanding bathtub, accent wall with wasabi green ceramic tiles, contemporary light fixture with two frosted glass globes

Photo: Shutterstock/ImageFlow

Selecting a grey bathroom floor brings versatility and a contemporary vibe. Grey complements various colour schemes and allows for easy coordination with accessories. Its neutral tone hides dirt and wear effectively. Different shades of grey offer options from soft elegance to industrial chic, providing a modern and adaptable foundation for your bathroom.

Brown

Black bathroom with walk-in shower, copper freestanding bathtub, and brown herringbone wood plank floor

Photo: Adobe Stock/Kien

A brown bathroom floor introduces warmth and natural ambiance. Brown tones, reminiscent of wood or earthy materials, create a cozy and inviting space. Stains and dirt may be less conspicuous and, with a variety of shades from light tan to rich chocolate, brown flooring allows for versatile design choices in your bathroom.

Light floors

White

Bright bathroom thanks to white tile flooring and walls, enhanced by a skylight above the walk-in shower, floating vanity, light wood shelves mounted on the wall holding green plants and towels, woven basket on the floor

Photo: Adobe Stock/Naphat

A white bathroom floor creates a clean, airy and timeless aesthetic. White reflects light, making the space feel larger and brighter. White shows dirt rather prominently so regular cleaning is needed for a pristine appearance. Overall, white flooring is a versatile and classic foundation for multiple bathroom styles from simple to luxurious.

Blue

Blue rosette pattern cement tile floor, vintage wooden vanity with drawers and towel bar, two square vessel sinks on the countertop, limestone tile walls in various neutral shades, two vertical mirrors

Photo: Aparici

Blue bathroom flooring adds a serene and refreshing atmosphere. A chambray blue floor evokes a sense of tranquility and maritime charm. Blue coordinates especially well with white fixtures for a coastal or spa-like feel, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a calming and stylish bathroom retreat.

Green

Asparagus green square tile covering the walls, floor, and apron of the alcove bathtub, gold fixtures and slanted skylight

Photo: Zia Tile

A green bathroom floor lends itself to a palette inspired by nature. From soft mint to calming sage to invigorating emerald, green floors bring a sense of freshness and harmony to the space. This versatile colour pairs well with various styles and materials, creating a rejuvenating and visually appealing atmosphere in your bathroom.

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Mur soufflé dans une salle de bain avec gros carrelages au sol

FAQs about bathroom flooring

What type of tile is best for bathroom floors?

You can’t go wrong with porcelain or ceramic tile. Both are durable, waterproof and come in a variety of colours and designs. Luxury vinyl tile (LVT), also known as professional-grade PVC tile, is also worth considering.

What is the best flooring for a small bathroom?

Most small bathroom flooring ideas seek to create an illusion of space. Rectangular-shaped tile, large-format tile, laying diagonal and, last but not least, the time-tested light colour trick, will help make the space appear larger or deeper. Another tip would be to use the same ceramic to create a seamless visual flow between the bathroom floor and shower floor.

Are heated bathroom floors worth it?

Heated bathroom floors are considered worth it for many, offering comfort, energy efficiency and a truly luxurious bathroom. However, the initial installation cost and potential complexity of retrofitting should be weighed against the long-term benefits of warmth and enhanced comfort.

Can I paint bathroom floor tile?

Yes, you can paint bathroom floor tile as a cost-effective way to refresh the look. Choose a suitable tile paint and thoroughly clean and prime the tile before painting. Ensure proper ventilation during and after the process. While this can be a temporary solution, the durability of painted tile may not match that of other flooring options.

Should bathroom floors be light or dark?

The choice between light or dark bathroom floors really comes down to personal preference and desired effect. Light-coloured floors can make a small bathroom feel more spacious and airy, while dark floors can add a touch of luxury and coziness. Take into account the room’s overall design, lighting, as well as size when selecting a flooring colour.

In the realm of bathroom design, flooring is the foundation. It will probably be one of the first decisions in any bathroom remodel. Ponder your unique needs: accessibility needs, bathroom structural issues and budget will all affect the choice of flooring. In the end, whether you opt for the timeless appeal of ceramic tile or the modern convenience of vinyl, the choice of flooring sets the tone in a space that harmonizes comfort and style.

Melissa Hollingsworth is a freelance writer/editor who has been writing since she was eight years old. She has been interested in home construction and renovation since the 20th century. She now combines these two interests into writing about construction and design. She lives in Hillsboro, Oregon, with her son and her cat.