Choosing the Right Bathroom Flooring

Planning a remodel in any room of your home requires tons of little things to think about. From wall colors to accent decor, sometimes you overlook the most important part of any room – the floor! When it comes to remodeling your bathroom, choosing the right bathroom flooring can make or break your renovation. Not only does it need to look great, but it also has to withstand moisture, be easy to clean, and fit within your budget. At Re-Builders, we understand the unique challenges and opportunities of bathroom flooring, especially in the humid climate of Myrtle Beach. Here’s an informative guide to help you in choosing the right bathroom flooring for your next remodel.

Ceramic and Porcelain Tile

Pros:

Ceramic and porcelain tiles are the classic choice for any bathroom. Not only are they incredibly durable and capable of withstanding heavy foot traffic, they are also highly water-resistant. This makes them ideal for bathrooms of any size. Additionally, they offer a wide variety of colors, patterns, and sizes, allowing for creative and personalized designs. Whether you’re looking for classic white tile or a more Mediterranean design, there are plenty of options to choose from!

Cons:

If you’ve ever stepped on tile flooring barefoot, you know how cold it can be! While it may be able to withstand the water from your shower, it can also easily become uncomfortable as you walk through your bathroom. Not only is quite cold and hard, but it can also become slippery very easily, making it an accessibility issue for some people.

Also, the installation of tile flooring can be labor-intensive, meaning you will definitely need a professional installation. Laying tile flooring can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days depending on the size and shape of your bathroom. So, if you’re looking for a quick and easy remodel, this may not be the best choice.

Vinyl Flooring

Pros:

Vinyl flooring has become increasingly popular in modern homes. This is because most new construction homes use vinyl flooring throughout the main rooms of the home. Because of this, vinyl flooring in your bathroom remodel can seamlessly be incorporated into your other flooring. Not only that, but vinyl flooring is also family-friendly, meaning it is waterproof! It provides a softer and warmer feel over tile, and is generally cheaper material. Vinyl flooring is the perfect choice for a budget-friendly bathroom renovation.

Cons:

While vinyl flooring may be waterproof, it is not scratch-proof. This means, that if you have larger pets or small children, the surface can easily be scratched by sharp toys or claw marks.

While not the biggest priority, vinyl flooring doesn’t have the biggest high-end appearance compared to other options. While this may not matter for smaller bathrooms or half-baths, if you are looking for a fancy, high-quality finish, you may not get that from your basic vinyl flooring options.

Natural Stone

Pros:

As opposed to vinyl, natural stone is the perfect option for that aesthetic appeal! Natural stone like marble, granite, and travertine offers a luxurious and timeless look. Natural stone such as granite can also be sealed, making it slightly waterproof. Plus, because it is quite literally stone, it has high durability, allowing it to last for decades with the proper care.

Cons:

If you’ve ever renovated your kitchen with granite countertops, you know natural stone can be expensive. If it was that much for a small countertop – just imagine your entire floor!

While the price may be fit for the look you’re going for, you also have to realize that the maintenance for natural stone floors can be extensive. As stated, they require regular sealing to ensure water does not absorb into the stone. Because of this, it also means it can stain easily. Because of the seal, stone can also be cold and slippery when wet, though textured finishes can help with grip.

Engineered Wood

Pros:

When choosing the right bathroom flooring for your renovation, you can’t overlook a classic like wood. Not only is it warmer than tile, but it also creates a naturally beautiful look while being more moisture-resistant than solid wood. While solid wood can be quite heavy and hard to install, engineered wood is made for easy flooring, meaning it is easier to install and is a great DIY project for those looking to take on the challenge!

Cons:

Just like all wood, engineered wood is not completely waterproof, and can still be damaged but large amounts of moisture. There are sealants you can use to help, but it may get rid of that natural wood finish you are looking for. Not only that, but it can be quite costly. In fact, some engineered wood options are more expensive than vinyl, and even some tile options!

Laminate Flooring

Pros:

Laminate floor is a great choice when choosing the right bathroom flooring for a cost-effective renovation. It is generally more affordable than most hardwood or stone options. Not only that but if you’re looking for a great DIY project, laminate flooring offers easy installation!

Worried about the look of laminate flooring? The good news is, that you can find this style of flooring in almost any finish – including wood or stone! While it may not have the feel you’re looking for, the finish can still have the look you’re going for.

Cons:

Similar to wood flooring, laminate is water resistant, not waterproof. This means that laminate can still be damaged by large amounts of standing water. It is also the least durable of all your options. It can scratch more easily than some other options and may not last as long as tile or stone. However, while it may be cheap to replace, you may have to look into replacements every 15 to 25 years while other options like tile can give you 50+!

Choosing the Right Bathroom Flooring with Re-Builders

Choosing the right bathroom flooring involves considering your budget, aesthetic preferences, and practical needs. At Re-Builders, we’re here to help you make an informed decision that suits your style and stands up to the unique conditions of your Myrtle Beach home. Whether you’re leaning towards the durability of ceramic tile, the luxury of natural stone, or the affordability of vinyl, we have the expertise to ensure your bathroom remodel is a success.

From design to acquiring permits to project completion, Re-Builders can handle it all!  We are here to help through your Grand Strand renovation journey. Contact Re-Builders to learn more about our home renovation options. Please give us a call at 843-448-0041 or request a quote here!