What are the best flooring choices for your bathroom floor? As you will find when you start to do your research, there are advantages and disadvantages to all of them.
Ceramic tile flooring has been a staple of many home and bathroom renovations going back to the ancient Egyptian and Chinese empires. Ceramic tiles are basically slabs of clay that have been heated at high temperatures and glazed over to give that high gloss upscale effect that so many are attracted to. These tiles are among the most durable types of flooring you can install. In addition, they come in enough designs and colors that you will have no trouble matching them with other elements in your bathroom. The disadvantages are that they can be very cold to the touch in the winter and they can be extremely slippery when wet.
Hardwood flooring is one of the more beautiful types of flooring around. In aesthetic terms, wood is compatible with just about any type of decor you might have. Whereas ceramic tile gives your bathroom a beautiful but cold look, hardwood gives it a warm and inviting look. The biggest drawback to a wood floor is its susceptibility to moisture. More so than other type of flooring, in the presence of water, wood has a tendency to warp and discolor. To prevent moisture damage, you have to ensure that the wood is well sealed with a polyurethane or equivalent coating.
Carpet is an unusual choice for bathroom flooring. But many people love the feel of soft carpet on their bare feet. Whereas ceramic tile enhances sound, carpeting muffles sound. It is not among the most popular flooring choices, however, as most people consider carpeting in the bathroom to be a maintenance nightmare. Carpeting soaks up water voraciously making it a virtual mildew collector. Carpeting also stains easily and smells can be hard to get out. If you do choose carpeting, for the best experience, go with a short pile synthetic and washable material.
In many high-end homes, stone tile is extremely popular. Like ceramic tile flooring, this type of flooring has a long history with mankind. Stone is extremely strong and can withstand just about any type of traffic that you throw at it. It can be, however, susceptible to hairline cracks. Although, many homeowners simply ignore these as they don’t affect its effectiveness. Depending on the softness and porousness of the stone, it can be very quick to absorb stains which is one of the main complaints that homeowners have with it.
Similar Posts:
- Shopping For Bathroom Flooring Tile
- 3 Popular Types of Flooring for Homes
- Flooring: How To Make The Right Decision
- Bathroom Tile Design – Material Types For Bathroom Tile Designs
- Bathroom Tile Design – Material Types for Bathroom Tile Designs
