If you’re renovating your bathroom, one of the most important decisions to make – after choosing the suite – is what kind of flooring to lay. There are lots of different types out there but you will need to decide on the one that will work best for you; your taste, your budget and your DIY skill level. Following are some of the best options for bathroom floor coverings – and we’ll point out some of the pros and cons for each choice.

Vinyl

Vinyl flooring is one of the most affordable choices of material. It’s sold in either rolls or tiles and can be laid by a confident DIYer, eliminating any labour costs. It is a very versatile material; it comes in lots of different colours and patterns and is suitable for tiny or expansive bathrooms in equal measure. It can mimic the look of wood or stone at a fraction of the price. Vinyl is a warm material and often has a foam or padded underside, making it extra comfortable when walking on it barefooted.

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Rubber

Rubber flooring is available with a raised, patterned surface which makes its textured finish very slip resistant. Similar to vinyl, rubber is sold in rolls or as tiles in a huge array of colours. Again, it’s a warm material that stands up well to a wet environment such as a bathroom. Rubber flooring requires specialist installation knowledge, so it’s probably best to get the experts in to lay it.

Stone

Manufactured stone flooring can be either ceramic or porcelain – the latter is more suitable for bathrooms as its composition is denser and therefore less porous. Stone floors also encompasses naturally occurring materials such as marble, slate, granite and limestone. Generally available as tiles in various sizes, stone floors are cold surfaces so should be laid in conjunction with underfloor heating. Stone floors look amazing but can be the luxury choice. Stone tiles need to be cut and laid by expert fitters and can be expensive to buy, especially Calacatta marble and Jura limestone. However, reclaimed tiles and flagstones can be bought from salvage companies at a much more affordable cost. Although a very durable material, some stone floors can stain easily and often require a lot of specialist maintenance such as cleaning using specialist products and regular sealing.

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Concrete

Concrete is a relatively cheap material, so a good choice if you’re on a limited budget. Like stone, concrete can be cold underfoot, so it should be poured on top of pre-laid underfloor heating. Concrete can be painted in an almost endless array of colours or polished to a fine finish. It’s one of the most durable flooring surfaces if maintained properly.

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Bamboo

Bamboo is a grass so it’s a natural, renewable resource and is therefore a good, environmentally-friendly choice. Although a more unusual material choice, it’s becoming more popular and easier to find. Treated bamboo flooring is more water resistant than many wooden floors. Bamboo flooring comes in click-to-fit planks so can be easily fitted by a proficient handy-person.

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Cork

Cork flooring is available in rolls or as tiles in a variety of colours. Cork is a natural, renewable material taken from the bark of tree trunks; so this makes it another of the eco options. It’s slip resistant and water resistant – perfect for a room where there will be wet feet and possible puddles. Cork is also a sound deadening substance; a great advantage if you live in an upstairs flat.

Now that you know a little more about the possibilities of bathroom floor coverings, you can make a much more informed choice about which one is best for you.

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