What Flooring is Best for Bathrooms? Your Ultimate Guide

Apr 24, 2025

Moisture and humidity are two big deciding factors when it comes to choosing flooring for a bathroom. You need a material that can withstand these and still look good. 

Finding the perfect flooring solution for your bathroom doesn’t have to be stressful. 

Here, we discuss the best options for bathroom flooring, helping you design a space that’s both functional and beautiful. 

Water damage and slippery surfaces don’t have to be a worry with Mersey Flooring’s guide to the best flooring for bathrooms. 

What to consider when choosing bathroom flooring 

When choosing the type of flooring for a bathroom, there are certain factors to consider. These include: 

• Water resistance: Does the flooring you want offer water resistance? This is essential for a room like a bathroom. 

• Durability and longevity: Bathrooms are high-traffic areas in the home, so you’ll need flooring that is durable and can withstand heavy wear. 

• Safety: Slip-resistant flooring is another big factor for a wet space. You want to reduce the chances of you and your family members falling when using the room. 

• Ease of maintenance: Anything that requires meticulous cleaning and upkeep is probably not ideal in a room that’s used so much. Choose flooring that is easy to clean and doesn’t require constant maintenance. 

• Style: Certain flooring styles may be best suited to create a particular look, but thanks to manufacturing processes, you can mimic the look and feel of high-end designs at much more affordable prices. Look to the features of certain flooring to ensure that it ticks all the boxes you need. 

• Subfloor considerations: A subfloor is the structural layer underneath your flooring, typically made of wood or concrete, which provides it with support and stability. Subfloor matters because some flooring types, such as vinyl or tile, are best laid on a smooth, rigid surface like concrete, while others, like engineered wood and certain laminates, are better suited for wooden subfloors that may flex slightly.  

• Underfloor heating compatibility: If you’re having underfloor heating installed in your bathroom, choose a flooring type that is compatible with it. Otherwise, you’ll have a costly mistake on your hands. 

• Budget: Of course, the big one. Your budget for the flooring in your bathroom will be a big deciding factor in choosing the type of flooring you choose. 

Best flooring options for bathrooms 

Porcelain and Ceramic tiles 

Advantages and disadvantages

Maintenance and durability 

• You need a non-abrasive cleaner to ensure the surface isn’t damaged. 

• You'll need to regularly clean the grout to keep it looking fresh. A grout cleaner or a mix of baking soda and water can work well. 

• Professional installation is needed with waterproof backing to ensure there are no water seepages. 

Ideal for: Porcelain and ceramic tiles are ideal in busy bathrooms because they are durable, water-resistant, and relatively easy to maintain. Plus, they can withstand the wear and tear of daily use. 

LVT 

Advantages and disadvantages

Maintenance and durability 

• Use a brush or vacuum to keep the floor clear, and a simple mop and soap solution will keep your LVT flooring clean. 

• Avoid using abrasive cleaners, as they can scratch the surface. 

• Furniture pads will help to avoid dents in your flooring under heavy furniture. 

Ideal for: Those who want to mimic the look of natural materials without the matching price tag. 

Natural Stone 

Advantages and disadvantages

Maintenance and durability 

• Needs a gentle stone cleaner; otherwise, you might damage the surface. 

• Needs resealing every one to three years to protect against water damage. 

• Be gentle with the floor to avoid damage from chemicals, acidic cleaners, or even harsh brushes and sponges. 

Ideal for: Those looking to create a spa-like experience within their bathroom. It’s a luxury flooring choice, but the effect it creates is simply stunning. 

Waterproof laminate 

Advantages and disadvantages

Maintenance and durability 

• Avoid letting water sit on the surface. 

• Don’t use heavy scrubbing tools to clean, as you may scratch the surface. 

Ideal for: Homes where budget is a big factor. You can create a stylish look with this flooring without a large price tag. 

Engineered wood 

Advantages and disadvantages

Maintenance and durability

• Avoid excessive water when cleaning the floor 

• Don’t let water sit on the surface, as it may seep into the seams. 

Ideal for: Bathrooms that want to create a warm, homely environment. 

Vinyl flooring 

Advantages and disadvantages

Maintenance and durability

• Easily cleaned with a brush, vacuum, and mopping. 

Ideal for: Homes that want to mimic different flooring types but have a small budget to work with. It’s a great choice for rental homes. 

Trending bathroom flooring styles 

Looking for inspiration on the style of flooring to choose? Here are some of the most popular styles at the moment: 

Natural stone 

Natural stone flooring is a timeless design choice, giving your bathroom a luxurious feel. Stones like slate, granite, and travertine are durable and water-resistant, making them ideal for bathrooms. The beauty of natural stone is that it has unique textures and colours, which add character to your home. 

Checkerboard 

Checkerboard flooring, traditionally in black and white, is making a stylish comeback. This flooring will give your bathroom a classic but bold statement. It’s great in small spaces, as it can make them appear larger because of the striking contrast between the tiles.

Herringbone 

Herringbone flooring is a big trend within the home, and it can look just as good in the bathroom. The elegant design looks good in both modern and traditional bathrooms. The structured pattern adds depth and dimension to the room, making your bathroom feel sophisticated and spacious. 

Marble 

The beauty of marble flooring is that it’s never going to date. It will always have a sleek and polished look. Plus, the natural veining means you have a unique design. It does require upkeep in a bathroom setting, with regular sealing and careful maintenance needed, but the high-end look is worth the effort. 

Patterned tiles 

Add some character and personality to your bathroom with patterned tiles. From intricate Moroccan designs to vintage floral motifs, patterned tiles showcase your personal style while also being a practical and durable choice. 

Terrazzo

Give your bathroom a stylish and contemporary look with Terrazzo tiles, a composite material that features chips of marble, quartz, and glass. The tiles are durable and water-resistant. Plus, their simple design will add a touch of interest in the most minimal of bathrooms. 

Concrete 

Add an industrial edge to your bathroom with polished or stained concrete floors. The sophisticated design works with a variety of bathroom designs. Plus, if they’re properly sealed, concrete floors are resilient and easy to maintain. 

Wood-effect tiles

Add warmth and texture to your bathroom with wood-effect tiles. Wooden flooring isn’t best suited to a bathroom environment, so you can use wood-effect porcelain or ceramic tiles to give it that classic look in a flooring type that’s better suited to the wet area. 

Cost comparison 

Cost is obviously a major deciding factor when choosing the best flooring for bathrooms. Here we break it down for you. 

Factors that will influence cost

• Bathroom size: Obviously, larger rooms will require more materials, and labour will also cost more. 

• Subfloor condition: An uneven or damaged floor may need to be levelled before the flooring is installed on top. This can be a large and unexpected cost for some people. 

• Material quality: Expect to pay more for better quality materials. 

• Installation complexity: If you have an intricate pattern or multiple cuts that need to be made during installation, expect to pay more for labour. 

Maintaining your bathroom floor 

By taking the time to care for your bathroom floor, you’ll extend its lifespan and appearance. These are the expert tips to follow: 

• Regular cleaning: Clear away debris regularly by sweeping or vacuuming, as sharp bits could lead to scratches. 

• Clean up splashes: Don’t let water sit on the surface of your bathroom floor. It’s always best to clean them up quickly to prevent damage. 

• Appropriate cleaners: When buying cleaning products, ensure they are suitable for your flooring. Certain types of flooring can be damaged by the use of harsh chemicals. Always test a small hidden spot if you’re unsure. 

• Protective measures: Place mats or rugs near sinks or bathtubs to minimise moisture exposure. Rugs can also help protect the flooring from wear. 

• Periodic sealing: Porous materials, such as natural stone, will need sealing over time to maintain their waterproof properties. 

What flooring is best for bathrooms? 

The best flooring for your bathroom is one that finds a balance between how it looks, functionality and your budget. By considering the styles, costs, and maintenance requirements, as outlined above, you’re well-equipped to make a choice that matches your needs and enhances your home’s value. 

If you’re ready to transform your bathroom flooring, contact Mersey Flooring today for expert advice and visit us in store to see our beautiful flooring ranges in person.