What Type of Flooring Is Best for a Bathroom?

Choosing the right flooring for your bathroom is crucial—not just for aesthetics, but also for durability, water resistance, and safety. Bathrooms are high-moisture areas, so the flooring must withstand water exposure, humidity, and daily wear while maintaining a stylish appearance.

Here’s a breakdown of the best bathroom flooring options, their pros and cons, and expert recommendations to help you make the right choice.

1. Porcelain & Ceramic Tiles – The Most Popular Choice

✅ Best for: Durability, water resistance, and design versatility.

Porcelain and ceramic tiles are the most commonly used flooring in bathrooms due to their exceptional water resistance and design flexibility. Porcelain is denser and less porous than ceramic, making it slightly more durable.

💡 Why Choose Porcelain or Ceramic Tiles?
✔ 100% waterproof – Perfect for wet areas like bathrooms and showers.
✔ Wide range of styles – Available in various colours, textures, and even wood-look finishes.
✔ Durable and scratch-resistant – Long-lasting and low-maintenance.

⚠ Things to Consider:

• Tiles can be cold underfoot, so consider underfloor heating.
• Grout lines need regular sealing to prevent staining and mould growth.
• Textured or matte tiles provide better slip resistance than glossy ones.

🔗 Ideal Home: Best Bathroom Tiles for Style & Durability

2. Luxury Vinyl Flooring (LVT) – Waterproof & Budget-Friendly

✅ Best for: Affordability, warmth underfoot, and easy maintenance.

Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) or vinyl plank flooring has become a top choice for bathrooms due to its 100% waterproof nature, affordability, and ability to mimic high-end materials like wood or stone.

💡 Why Choose Luxury Vinyl Flooring?
✔ Waterproof & moisture-resistant – Ideal for bathrooms.
✔ Soft and warm underfoot – More comfortable than tiles.
✔ Budget-friendly – Cheaper than natural stone or hardwood.
✔ Easy to install – Click-and-lock or glue-down options available.

⚠ Things to Consider:

• While durable, LVT can dent or scratch over time.
• Not as luxurious as natural stone or real wood.
• Choose high-quality brands to ensure long-term performance.

🔗 Houzz: Best Waterproof Vinyl Flooring for Bathrooms

3. Natural Stone – Luxurious & Timeless

✅ Best for: High-end homes, spa-like aesthetics, and durability.

Natural stone, such as marble, travertine, or slate, gives bathrooms a luxurious and elegant look. When properly sealed, natural stone can be water-resistant and durable, making it an excellent high-end option.

💡 Why Choose Natural Stone?
✔ Elegant & timeless – Adds value to your home.
✔ Highly durable – Long-lasting when properly maintained.
✔ Works well with underfloor heating – Keeps floors warm in winter.

⚠ Things to Consider:

• Requires sealing to prevent water damage and stains.
• Can be expensive compared to other flooring types.
• Slippery when wet unless textured or treated with anti-slip coating.

🔗 Grand Designs? Guide to Natural Stone Flooring

4. Engineered Wood – The Best Wood Option for Bathrooms

✅ Best for: Warmth, natural beauty, and semi-water resistance.

If you love the look of hardwood but need better water resistance, engineered wood is a great alternative. Unlike solid hardwood, engineered wood has a stable core layer that resists moisture better.

💡 Why Choose Engineered Wood?
✔ More water-resistant than traditional hardwood.
✔ Adds warmth & elegance to the bathroom.
✔ Works well in low-humidity bathrooms (e.g., en-suites, guest baths).

⚠ Things to Consider:

• Not fully waterproof – Avoid excessive moisture exposure.
• Requires proper sealing to prevent warping.
• Better suited for powder rooms than high-moisture areas.

🔗 Houzz: Best Engineered Wood for Bathrooms

5. Concrete – Industrial Chic & Ultra-Durable

✅ Best for: Modern, minimalist, and industrial-style bathrooms.

Polished concrete is an ultra-durable and seamless flooring option that suits modern and industrial-style bathrooms. When sealed properly, it is resistant to water, stains, and cracks.

💡 Why Choose Concrete Flooring?
✔ Highly durable & waterproof when sealed.
✔ Minimalist & contemporary aesthetic.
✔ Works well with underfloor heating.

⚠ Things to Consider:

• Hard underfoot – Not as comfortable as vinyl or wood.
• Needs sealing to prevent stains and moisture absorption.
• Can be costly depending on customization.

🔗 Ideal Home: Polished Concrete Flooring Guide

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Best Bathroom Flooring

The best flooring for your bathroom depends on your budget, style, and durability needs. Here’s a quick comparison:

🚀 Thinking about a bathroom renovation? At Hudson and Parker Interiors, we help you choose the best flooring for your needs and style. Get in touch today!