The criteria we use to choose the flooring for our house do not work for the bathroom floor. This is a particular space in which the presence of water and humidity imposes certain requirements. Below we will try to unravel the keys to finding the best floors for the bathroom, taking into account the characteristics of the most common materials in this space.
Damp proof
The bathroom is a highly used space that needs a resistant and durable floor. Being a humid area, choosing a material that can withstand splashes of water and humidity is essential. This leaves out of the equation some materials such as wood, which are perfect for other spaces in the house but are not so suitable for the bathroom.
Safety first
In the bathroom, it is easy to slip due to the humidity and the water that can fall on the floor. So we get out of the shower barefoot and wet, and we can stumble and have an accident. That is why choosing a floor with a non-slip finish is important to minimise this possibility.
Some materials, such as natural stone, can be more slippery than others, and it is important to consider this when choosing, especially if it is a bathroom used by children or the elderly.
Wood, yes or no?
If you love wood in all its versions, you will surely like floors made of this material for the bathroom. However, it is not highly recommended because it does not withstand humidity well, and water can deteriorate it in a short time.
Sometimes tropical woods are used for these spaces, which are more suitable in humid environments and must be treated properly. If you like wood and you don’t want to give up its beauty and warmth, you can try to choose another material that imitates its appearance.
Natural stone, elegant and glamorous
Marble, granite, slate, limestone, etc. Natural stones are a very decorative material for the bathroom floor.
However, not all benefits. There are also some drawbacks when choosing a natural stone. To begin with, it is a fairly expensive material, not affordable for all budgets.
In addition, it requires some maintenance. Being a porous material, it is necessary to clean, polish and seal it from time to time; otherwise, it will stain irremediably.
As with wood, other materials mimic the appearance of natural stone, which can be a more practical and economical option.
Bet on ceramics
Although it is a traditional covering, ceramic or stoneware has not lost a single bit of modernity, as it has been able to update itself over time. However, it is quite resistant and perfectly withstands humidity, so you can choose it without fear of the bathroom flooring.
One of the advantages of choosing ceramics is the wide variety of designs, models and formats. For example, you find flooring with a non-slip and antibacterial finish.
One piece of advice: if you choose XXL-sized pieces, your floor will have fewer joints and be easier to clean.
Porcelain, one step further
Porcelain stoneware is a more advanced material than ceramic. Although they share the same raw material and manufacturing method, porcelain tile is subjected to a higher temperature and pressure, thus achieving a denser, more resistant and waterproof coating.
In addition to offering you various models and designs, it is also non-slip, perfect for wet spaces such as the bathroom. Porcelain does not require any maintenance and is very easy to clean.
The versatility of vinyl floors
It is one of the most innovative materials for the floor of the whole house, including the bathroom. As it is made from PVC, it withstands humidity without problems, as long as the joints between the pieces are well sealed.
The most important advantage that vinyl floors offer is the ease with which they are installed, without the need for time-consuming work. To begin with, removing the old floor is unnecessary, but it can be installed on top of it. The installation method can be self-adhesive or with a click system, in which the pieces are inserted into each other very easily.
It will suffice to pass the vacuum cleaner or a soft mop for daily cleaning. If you have any stains, they will come out easily with a microfiber cloth and neutral soap. Vinyl floors can be easily mopped with a mop.
Microcement, the modern finish
If you like continuous surfaces, micro cement is a great material for bathroom flooring. It is modern and practical and has the particularity that you can choose in different colours.
Microcement offers a waterproof, non-slip surface that is very resistant to shocks and humidity, which does not affect it at all. In addition, as it does not have any type of joint, it is very easy to clean and has almost no maintenance.
Hydraulic tiles, a handmade touch
Stained cement tiles, or hydraulic tiles, are a good coating for the bathroom. Made by hand, they give the space a decorative vintage touch that is also highly appreciated.
Today some firms continue to manufacture this type of cladding following the same traditional manufacturing processes that were used in the past, like the hydraulic pieces of Mosaics Torra, with a catalogue of more than 300 different models.
