Bathroom Flooring
From LoveToKnow HomeImprovement
If you are looking for new bathroom flooring, you've come to the right place. This article offers an overview of everything from carpet and hardwood flooring to laminate and tile.
Bathroom Flooring Options
Not every existing type of bathroom flooring option is listed here, but the following does include some of the most popular options.
Carpet
Some think this is the absolute worst flooring you could put into a bathroom, due to the fact that moisture is held by the carpet fibers and is a pain to try and keep clean. One of the positives of having carpet in your bathroom is that it feels good under bare feet.
Solid Hardwood
This type of bathroom flooring is another that can be damaged by moisture. However, solid hardwood looks beautiful when it is installed correctly. If you decide solid hardwood is the flooring for you, be sure to have it professionally installed. You will also want to make sure that it has many coats of waterproof sealant to protect it from moisture and keep it looking beautiful for years to come.
Laminate
Laminate flooring is yet another type of bathroom flooring that is not impervious to moisture. Although moisture would have to get through various layers of glue and paper to get to the woodchip base to do damage, it is not impossible. If laminate is the way you're going to go with your flooring, be sure to make sure the manufacturer warranties this flooring in bathrooms; some laminate flooring warranties are void if installed in a bathroom, shower room, and similar spaces.
Stone
You will have almost no moisture problems with stone flooring. Granite, marble, and limestone are a few of the choices for a stone bathroom floor. Although stone can get very slippery when wet, it is possible to get a textured stone to allow more traction when moisture is present. One of the main complaints about stone flooring is that it tends to get cold; this can easily be solved with an electric heating grid that is installed underneath the stone. It should also be noted, however, that stone is one of the most expensive flooring options available. You will want to make sure you will be happy with the final product before spending any money.
Vinyl
Vinyl flooring is the most popular choice for bathrooms for many reasons. To begin with, it very easy to install. This type of bathroom flooring can be installed two different ways: it can be installed in 12-inch by 12-inch tiles, or it can be installed using a vinyl sheet. The tiles can be installed by the do-it-yourselfer in a weekend. The only downside to the tiles is that they tend to come off after awhile. While the sheet vinyl is slightly more difficult to install, it will not come up like the vinyl tiles. Vinyl flooring is also very cost effective.
Ceramic
Ceramic tiles are waterproof and are fairly inexpensive. Available in many different styles including octagonal, square, hexagonal, and mosaic, ceramic tiles can achieve almost any look you are going for. The downside to ceramic tile is the same as stone--it is cold and slippery. Of course, these problems can easily be solved with an electric heating grid and textured tiles.
Selecting the Right Bathroom Flooring
When you are choosing bathroom flooring, it is important to know how your choice is going to fare in your bathroom. Unlike other rooms in your home, you will have to consider how moisture will affect your floor. There is no point having a beautiful bathroom floor that warps or discolors after a short period of time.
In other words, be sure to take your time and evaluate all of the different options available to you. If you take the time to do your homework, you should find something that is both suitable and in your price range.
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This page has been accessed 9,925 times. This page was last modified 03:35, 18 April 2007.
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