Choosing the right flooring for your bathroom is crucial as it needs to withstand moisture, humidity, and frequent use while remaining stylish and inviting. Let’s explore the best tile alternatives for bathroom floor in 2024, considering durability, functionality, and aesthetic appeal.
One of the most important things to consider when shopping for flooring for a bathroom is safety. You do not want your flooring to be slippery when wet. Bathrooms are one of the biggest places for accidents in a home, and your bathroom floor is so important. Do not use polished, shiny tiles on your bathroom, or you could really be in some trouble.
Table of Contents
Best Tile Alternatives for Bathroom Floor
1. Porcelain and Ceramic Tile
Porcelain Tiles
Porcelain tiles are made from clay, pressed, compounded hard, and then fired at a really high temperature. They absorb nearly 100% of the moisture, which is why they are so dense, hard, and can be hard to drill and hard to cut.
Ceramic Tiles
Ceramic tiles are kiln-fired, so the temperature doesn’t get as high. It reduces some of the moisture out of them, but not all, and they end up with quite a biscuit-backed effect.
Porcelain and ceramic tiles are top choices for bathroom flooring in 2024:
Advantages:
The good thing about ceramic tiles is that because of their lightweight capabilities and flexible manufacturing process, you can actually mold them into different 3D shapes and designs. For example, we’ve done a big feature wall on a bathroom with ripples and 3D effects.
- Easy to clean.
- Available in a wide range of colors, patterns, and textures.
- Customizable designs, from classic subway tiles to modern geometric patterns.
- Highly durable and water-resistant.
Disadvantages
- Porcelain tiles can be tough to cut and drill.
Porcelain and ceramic tiles offer a stylish and practical solution for bathroom floors.
2. Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)
The beauty of LVT is that it is basically a waterproof flooring. It can go, whether it’s in the basement or in a bathroom, in a bedroom, anywhere in the home. They have great wear layers on them, so they’re great, they’re ideal for pets.
They come in vinyl sizes; this one happens to be 18″x18″. You can get them in 12″x24″, 16″x16″, depending on the manufacturer. And then they also have a plank style which mimics wood planks.
Luxury vinyl plank remains a popular option due to its versatility:
Advantages:
- Mimics the look of hardwood with added durability and water resistance.
- Easy to install and low maintenance.
- Affordable and available in various styles and finishes, including wood and stone looks.
LVP is an excellent choice for budget-friendly, durable, and stylish bathroom flooring.
3. Natural Stone
Natural stone tiles have long been revered for their unparalleled beauty and durability, making them an ideal choice for shower floors. Their distinctive patterns, colours, and textures create a spa-like haven in our bathrooms, bringing a little bit of the tranquilly of nature into our homes.
For a touch of luxury, natural stone flooring adds elegance to any bathroom:
Advantages:
- Timeless beauty and sophistication.
- Creates a spa-like atmosphere.
- Highly durable.
- It’s softer on your feet.
Disadvantages:
- Requires more maintenance compared to other options.
- Higher cost for materials and installation.
- Natural stone is ideal for homeowners seeking a high-end look and unique character.
Natural Stones
- Granite (best natural stone for flooring)
- Marble
- Kota
- Limestones
- Sandstones
4. Engineered Wood Flooring
Wood flooring in bathrooms is a great idea. Wood is the perfect material for any renovation and decoration, it is always on trend, adding a refined, warm and stylish touch to the space. Wood matches all existing decorating styles and looks great as a complement.
It is considered taboo to use wood in wet and heavy traffic areas and is not preferred in bathrooms. But in the bathroom, wood looks very nice, giving it a warm and inviting touch and a natural character. Having wood flooring in your bathroom is the same as having flooring in another room of your home. Wooden floors are generally warmer and more relaxing than tile and provide comfort in your bathroom.
Engineered wood combines the beauty of hardwood with added moisture resistance:
Advantages:
- Warmth and charm of real wood.
- Resistant to moisture compared to solid hardwood.
- Available in various species, widths, and colors.
Disadvantages:
- Higher cost for materials and labor.
- Requires proper installation to prevent water damage.
This option is perfect for those wanting a natural wood look without the risk of warping.
Engineered Wood
- Plywood
- Laminated veneer lumber
- MDF Board
- Composite Lumber
5. Waterproof Laminate
Waterproof laminate flooring is designed to offer an enhanced level of moisture protection, making it a suitable option for bathrooms where humidity and water exposure are common.
Waterproof laminate is a newer option gaining popularity for bathrooms:
Advantages:
- Affordable and durable.
- Easy to install.
- Wide range of styles, including realistic wood and stone designs.
Waterproof laminate offers a practical and stylish alternative for budget-conscious homeowners.
6. Terrazzo Flooring
Terrazzo is one of the hottest materials and designs in bathrooms today. We’re seeing it used for everything from flooring to feature walls and even vanity tops. There are so many options, from real terrazzo to terrazzo-look tiles, available in different colors, sizes, and formats. It is the best alternative for tilles on floor.
What Is Real Terrazzo?
Real terrazzo is made from chips of marble and glass bonded together with a composite material. It’s thicker than standard tiles, giving it a luxurious feel. Terrazzo-look tiles, however, are porcelain tiles with a terrazzo pattern printed on top, offering a similar look at a lower price point.
Real terrazzo is porous, making it prone to water damage in wet areas like showers. For this reason, some designers prefer terrazzo-look tiles, which are non-porous and more suitable for moisture-prone areas.
Advantages
- Versatility: Works well for floors, walls, and countertops.
- Durability: Long-lasting when properly sealed and maintained.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Offers unique patterns that add character to any bathroom.
Disadvantages
- Cost: Real terrazzo is expensive compared to terrazzo-look tiles.
- Maintenance: Requires sealing and ongoing care, especially in wet areas.
- Thickness: May require adjustments during installation.
One of the biggest downsides is cost. It ranges from around $120 to $250 a square meter, whereas terrazzo-look tiles can be found from around $35 to $85.
7. Cork Flooring ( Best Alternative for Floor Tiles )
Cork has become a popular flooring choice among homeowners and designers for its unique style and sustainability. It’s made from the bark of the Cork Oak tree, and harvested without harming the tree. Not only is cork one of the most resilient and comfortable flooring materials, it also absorbs sound and takes on the temperature of a room. Cork Flooring is one of the best alternative for floor tiles.
Advantages
- Comfortable: Ideal for barefoot walking, providing comfort in all seasons.
- Thermal Insulation: Helps regulate room temperature, improving energy efficiency.
- Durable: Withstands heavy traffic, including children’s activities.
- Affordable: A cost-effective flooring option, especially when bought on sale.
- Aesthetic: Neutral colors that hide dirt and footprints, blending with various decor.
Disadvantages
- Water Sensitivity: Can be damaged by excessive water, especially in kitchens.
- Scratches and Dents: Susceptible to damage from sharp objects or heavy furniture.
- Replacement Needs: May require early replacement due to water damage in high-moisture areas.
Final Thoughts (Tiles Alternative for Floor)
Each flooring option has unique benefits and drawbacks. Tiles are among the most popular surface coverings because of their versatility and performance. However, the best alternative depends on your specific requirements, including the application area, durability, budget, time constraints, and aesthetic or environmental priorities. Evaluate the suitability of different options based on these criteria and make an informed decision. In our opinion natural stones are best tile alternative for bathroom floor.
People Reviews (Source YouTube)
@fh3486
I had laminate flooring for about 11 years and it has multiple water damage areas. Everytime , i would be stressed when people not carefully and spill water on it. I just installed vinyle flooring. First thing i noticed is when stepping on it, it feels better solid when ur subfloor is even. I have few spots where subfloor is not and i can feel a dip and the plastic feeling. I also compared both side by side and notice that laminate has woods vs vinyl is completely none wood material. I took a piece of vinyl scrap from the installer and soacked in water for about 1 hr and it was in good condition. My conclusion is that laminate feels more durable because it partially made out of wood. Vinyl is 99.99 waterproof but it is partially made out of plastic.
@delegate104
Today’s laminate is alot better than 10 years ago, I did lvp in my house 3 years ago 8mm not cheap, we don’t use shoes in my house and the lvp floors are trash, the material it self its very durable still looks like new but a lot of the locks at the seams broke and some buckle when I install them I make sure I had at least 1/2 inch space from any wall and it still fail. don’t do lvp it’s trash.
@labradorshalladore4966
Never put luxury vinyl flooring in restroom always go with tile or linoleum flooring I don’t care what they say if your toilet ever leaks or overflows you will have to remove your flooring and put new flooring in if you use any type of luxury vinyl flooring in your restroom.
@denispaquette5855
As a flooring installer for most my life I’m 59 today, installing pretty much everything over the course of my life even did hard floor sending,stain and varnish. I got to say those vinyl products to me are much better than laminate products because of moisture issues. But as you said they are not miraculous.
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FAQS
What Is Real Terrazzo?
Real terrazzo is made from chips of marble and glass bonded together with a composite material. It’s thicker than standard tiles, giving it a luxurious feel. Terrazzo-look tiles, however, are porcelain tiles with a terrazzo pattern printed on top, offering a similar look at a lower price point.
Which Flooring Option is better for Bathroom?
Each flooring option has unique benefits and drawbacks. Tiles are among the most popular surface coverings because of their versatility and performance. However, the best alternative depends on your specific requirements, including the application area, durability, budget, time constraints, and aesthetic or environmental priorities.
What is the best Alternative for floor tiles?
Porcelain tiles are made from clay, pressed, compounded hard, and then fired at a really high temperature. They absorb nearly 100% of the moisture, which is why they are so dense, hard, and can be hard to drill and hard to cut.
What is the most important things to consider when shopping for flooring?
One of the most important things to consider when shopping for flooring for a bathroom is safety. You do not want your flooring to be slippery when wet. Bathrooms are one of the biggest places for accidents in a home, and your bathroom floor is so important. Do not use polished, shiny tiles on your bathroom, or you could really be in some trouble.
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