Renovating your bathroom is a big task, especially if you plan on changing the flooring. Some materials work better than others, but it can be hard to know which one to choose. Today, we’ll look at the pros and cons of different flooring materials that you can use in your bathroom.

Carpet and Hardwood

Although these two materials could not be more different, they share one similarity in that they are not great materials to use in a bathroom. Carpet sucks up water, just as any fabric will, which can make things difficult when you step out of the shower. Even if you have a bath mat, water will inevitably end up on the floor, leading to wet spots that can turn into mold. Even worse, if a toilet overflows you will have a soggy and dirty floor that will likely need to be professionally cleaned to ensure it is sanitary.

Much like carpet, true hardwood is porous and will allow water to seep into the cracks. This can warp the floor and can also cause many of the same problems as carpet. With so many better flooring options, it’s best to stay away from these two.

Porcelain and Ceramic

If you want a material that looks great but does not absorb water, these two materials are a few of your options. Porcelain absorbs less water than ceramic, making it a slightly better option for a regular bathroom. However, it can be more expensive, so it’s not necessary in a half-bathroom. There are many beautiful designs you can achieve with a porcelain or ceramic floor, too. This may also help when selling your home.

Vinyl

Vinyl flooring is 100% waterproof, meaning it can be a stellar choice when it comes to inexpensive flooring that gets the job done. However, vinyl won’t increase your home’s resale value (unless you had bad flooring previously) and it can still become warped due to issues with the plywood underneath. Still, if you have a solid foundation underneath, vinyl might be the right material for you.

Stone

Another material that does not absorb water is stone. Well-installed stone looks beautiful and can make your bathroom one-of-a-kind, but it will cost you a good amount of money. Stone can also be slippery, depending on the type of stone you use. However, it is a great option for people who want to be sure their floor is waterproof while also making the room look great.

There are many options for flooring materials, but choosing the right one ultimately comes down to preference and price. When you plan to remodel your bathroom, make sure you consider the pros and cons of the material you want.