Bathroom flooring – the essential guide
Step safely out of the bath with our essential guide to stylish and practical bathroom flooring
Bathrooms are steamy environments, making it essential to find suitable flooring.
Many of the usual options, such as solid wood, carpet and laminate, simply can't cope with the rigours of a damp atmosphere. Regular splashes can often raise and part the layers that make up laminate flooring and cause timber to swell and warp.
Carpet, although soft and warm underfoot, can start to rot and smell due to constant wetness and also proves hard to clean. Instead, go for one of the many durable materials that are water-resistant and easy to maintain.
Stone flooring
Stone flooring comes in a huge variety of styles to suit your budget.
Waterproof, durable and stylish, slate, limestone or granite will give a bathroom a luxurious finish. But most types are porous so will need sealing.
Prices start at around £25 per sq m.
TOP TIP Avoid marble and polished stone as they can be slippery.
Where to shop
Porcelain and ceramic tiles
Porcelain and ceramic tiles have the look and feel of stone, but without the natural imperfections and high price tag.
They're hard-wearing, hygienic and can be used with underfloor heating. You can also use them on the bathroom walls. Prices start at around £30 per sq m.
Where to shop
Wood tiles
Real wood is not suitable for bathrooms, but engineered wood flooring, which has a top layer of hardwood, is.
It can be used with underfloor heating, but do check first. Prices start at around £40 per sq m.
Where to shop
Use our product finder to locate the right bathroom flooring for you.
Rubber tiles
Soft, non-slip, easy-to-clean, waterproof and very hardwearing, rubber flooring is ideal for bathrooms.
Choose from sheet or tiles in smooth or studded finishes, in a huge range of colours. It costs from around £40 per sq m.
Rubber flooring, from £49.95 per sq m, Harvey Maria.
Vinyl tiles
Hygienic and waterproof, vinyl comes in sheets or tiles. Cushioned vinyl is softer and warmer, while harder types come in a variety of finishes.
It must be laid on an absolutely flat surface. Prices range from £5 to £40 per sq m.
Vinyl floor tiles, from £36 per sq m, Harvey Maria.
How to care for your bathroom flooring
Stone flooring
This usually has some kind of sealant applied, as it's otherwise very porous and will stain easily. Even when sealed, it's important to keep the floor free of grime, so sweep and vacuum and wipe up spills immediately.
There are many different finishes of stone, each with different maintenance needs, so check with the supplier on how to keep it looking its best.
Vinyl, lino and tiles
These just need a quick mop to freshen them up.
Porcelain and ceramic
These types of flooring should be swept and cleaned using a non-abrasive mop or sponge.
Bathroom tiles - our pick of the best
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