Choosing the right tile for your bathroom floor is an essential decision that affects not only the aesthetics of your space but also its safety, durability, and maintenance needs. With so many options available, finding the best tile for your bathroom floor can feel overwhelming, especially when trying to strike the perfect balance between style, functionality, and budget. What is the best tile for bathroom floors?
This guide will walk you through the best types of tile for bathroom floors, their pros and cons, and which materials are ideal, or best avoided, for small or moisture-prone bathrooms. If you need new tile for your bathroom, we serve the entire Sacramento area, including Roseville and Folsom, with home remodeling and general contracting.
Paint Before or After Flooring?
Why Tile Is The Preferred Choice for Bathroom Floors
Tile remains one of the most popular flooring options for bathrooms for several reasons:
- Water Resistance: Tiles, especially ceramic and porcelain, are excellent at repelling water.
- Durability: Quality tiles can last for decades with minimal maintenance.
- Design Variety: Tiles come in an extensive range of colors, sizes, textures, and patterns.
- Easy Cleaning: Tiles are generally easy to clean, making them ideal for spaces prone to spills, splashes, and humidity.
Best Types of Tile for Bathroom Floors
Let’s explore some of the top tile materials and how they perform in a bathroom setting
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Porcelain Tile
Overview: Porcelain tile is a type of ceramic tile made from finer, denser clay and fired at a higher temperature, making it more water-resistant and durable.
Pros:
- Extremely Water-Resistant: Almost impervious to water, making it ideal for high-moisture areas.
- Durable: Highly resistant to scratches and chips
- Variety: Comes in many colors and can mimic natural stone or wood.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal sealing or upkeep.
Cons:
- Cold and Hard: Can feel cold underfoot unless paired with radiant heating.
- More Expensive: Generally costs more than standard ceramic tile
- Heavy: Maybe harder to install on second floors or over certain subfloors.
Best for: Any bathroom, especially high-traffic or full bathrooms, due to its durability and water resistance.
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Ceramic TIle
Overview: Ceramic tile is made from natural clay, fired at a lower temperature than porcelain, and often glazed for protection.
Pros:
- Water-Resistant (When Glazed): Adequate for most bathroom floors if properly sealed.
- Affordable: More budget-friendly than porcelain.
- Wide Design Choices: Available in numerous colors, patterns, and textures.
- Easy to Work With: Lighter and easier to work with for DIY projects.
Cons:
- Less Durable Than Porcelain: More susceptible to cracks and chips.
- Water Absorption: Less resistant to water if not properly glazed and sealed.
- Cold Surface: Like porcelain, it can feel cold and hard underfoot.
Best for: Guest bathrooms or powder rooms where moisture exposure is moderate.
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Natural Stone Tile (Slate, Marble, Granite, Travertine)
Overview: Natural stone tiles bring an organic, high-end feel to bathroom floors and come in various textures and colors.
Pros:
- Luxurious Look: Adds timeless beauty and increases property value.
- Unique Patterns: Every tile is one-of-a-kind.
- Durable: Especially in the case of granite or slate.
Cons:
- Porous: Requires sealing to protect against water and stains.
- High Maintenance: Needs regular resealing and careful cleaning.
- Expensive: One of the priciest tile options.
- Slippery When Polished: Unless textured, can be hazardous when wet.
Best for: Master bathrooms or luxury remodels, with proper care and sealing.
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Vinyl Tile (LVT/LVP)
Overview: Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) or Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) mimics the look of wood or stone but is made of plastic composites, making it water-resistant and comfortable underfoot.
Pros:
- Waterproof: Perfect for moist environments like bathrooms.
- Comfortable and Warm: Softer and warmer than ceramic or stone.
- Cost-Effective: Cheaper than natural stone or high-end porcelain.
- Easy Installation: Often DIY-friendly with click-lock systems.
Cons:
- Less Luxurious Look: May not match the aesthetic value of real tile.
- Susceptible to Dents: Can be damaged by heavy furniture or sharp objects.
- Lower Resale Value: May not add as much value to a home as ceramic or stone.
Best for: Family bathrooms or budget-conscious remodels where comfort is key.
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Cement TIle
Overview: Also known as encaustic tiles, these are handcrafted and offer vibrant, artistic patterns with a matte finish.
Pros:
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- Unique Aesthetic: Bold, artistic, and trendy patterns.
- Non-Slip Surface: Naturally matte and textured.
- Eco-Friendly: Often made from natural materials.
Cons:
- High Maintenance: Requires sealing before and after installation.
- Stains Easily: Especially from harsh cleaners or bathroom products.
- More Expensive: Pricey and labor-intensive to install.
Best for: Accent areas or statement bathrooms where style is paramount and maintenance is manageable.
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Pebble Tile
Overview: Made of natural river stones set into mesh tiles, pebble tile creates a spa-like, textured look.
Pros:
- Non-Slip Surface: Naturally textured for grip.
- Unique Appearance: Adds an organic, spa-inspired ambiance.
- Comfortable Underfoot: Great for walk-in showers or barefoot areas.
Cons:
- Difficult to Clean: Grout lines are more extensive and prone to mildew.
- High Maintenance: Requires sealing and regular cleaning.
- Uneven Surface: May not be ideal for all users.
Best for: Shower floors or accent areas rather than the main bathroom floor.
Best Flooring for Small Bathrooms
In a small bathroom, every detail matters. Here’s what to consider when selecting the right tile:
Recommended Options:
- Porcelain Tile: Choose large-format porcelain tiles to visually expand the space.
- Ceramic Tile: Light-colored ceramic with minimal grout lines can make a small room feel bigger.
- Vinyl Tile: Especially in wood-look planks, it can elongate the room visually.
Design Tips for Small Spaces:
- Go Light: Light colors make the room feel more spacious.
- Use Large Tiles: Surprisingly, larger tiles can reduce the number of grout lines, making the space feel less cluttered.
- Matte Finishes: Offer a modern look and are less slippery.
- Diagonal Patterns: Lay tiles at a 45-degree angle to create visual movement and openness.
Flooring Types to Avoid in Bathrooms
While many materials can technically be used in bathrooms, some are best avoided due to safety, maintenance, or water damage risks:
- Hardwood Flooring:
- Why Not: Prone to warping and damage when exposed to moisture.
- Alternative: Use wood-look porcelain or waterproof vinyl planks instead.
- Laminate Flooring
- Why Not: Prone to warping and damage when exposed to moisture.
- Alternative: Use wood-look porcelain or waterproof vinyl planks instead.
- Carpet
- Why Not: Traps moisture, leading to mold, mildew, and odor. Also, very hard to clean in a damp environment.
- Alternative: Area rugs or bath mats on top of tile flooring provide warmth without the issues of carpet.
Which Tile is the Best?
So, what is the best tile for bathroom floors?
Winner: Porcelain Tile
If you’re looking for the most well-rounded choice in terms of durability, water resistance, style, and ease of maintenance, porcelain tile is hard to beat. It performs exceptionally well in most bathroom sizes, from tiny powder rooms to spacious master suites.
Best Budget Option: Glazed ceramic tile offers excellent performance for the price, especially in less moisture-prone bathrooms.
Best Style Statement: Cement tile or natural stone can transform a bathroom into a design centerpiece, provided you’re ready to invest in upkeep.
Most Comfortable: Luxury vinyl gives you warmth and softness, perfect for family or children’s bathrooms.
What Is The Best Tile For Bathroom Floors? Conclusion
Choosing the right tile comes down to your priorities, whether that’s resilience, ease of cleaning, safety, or aesthetics. Whichever tile you choose, make sure it’s rated for floor use (not wall-only) and has an anti-slip finish or adequate texture for safety.
If you’re thinking about installing tile in your bathroom, there’s no better choice than LNL Construction. With years of experience and a reputation for quality craftsmanship, we deliver stunning, durable tile work that transforms ordinary bathrooms into elegant, spa-like spaces. Our team works closely with you to choose the right materials, patterns, and finishes to match your style and budget. Whether you’re going for a modern look or a classic design, we ensure every detail is handled with precision and care. Don’t settle for less. Contact us at LNL Construction today and bring your vision to life with expert tile installation you can trust.
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