Choose The Best Types of Vinyl Flooring for Bathrooms

Helen Skeates
Helen Skeates
18 min read

Over the past century, vinyl flooring has been around as a replacement for linoleum, the original resilient flooring material. During the 1940s, vinyl flooring became a popular choice for situations where water-resistance, resilience, and durability were critical. Vinyl flooring has long been popular in wet spaces like the bathroom and kitchen. If you’re looking for a low-cost, easy-to-maintain flooring option that can withstand the demands of these areas, vinyl is a good option.

The Composition of Vinyl Flooring

PVC (poly-vinyl chloride), a synthetic resin comprising carbon, hydrogen, and chlorine, transformed vinyl flooring into a practical flooring option. This type of flooring is made up of a PVC-coated fiber core, a printed pattern layer, and an impermeable clear wear layer, all of which are bonded together. Thickness and toughness of the wear layer serve as a criterion for determining if a product is of high or low quality.

The Best Flooring Options for Bathrooms - This Old House

In today’s market, vinyl flooring is available in a variety of shapes and sizes, including planks, luxury vinyl tiles, and vinyl composite tiles (known as either LVT or LVF). There are several significant advantages to vinyl flooring, regardless of the type you select:

  • Durability. In spite of its plush feel, vinyl flooring is a surprisingly durable option.
  • Resistant to water. In bathrooms and kitchens, vinyl flooring is a popular choice since it is resistant to water and steam. Water will have a difficult time penetrating this material’s surface and causing harm to the subfloor, but the seams are more susceptible.
  • It’s simple to keep up. If Vinyl Floring is constantly exposed to direct sunshine, it may turn yellow (although high-quality products have UV protection). It’s a cinch to get it clean. If heavy furniture legs aren’t protected by pads to prevent abrasion, vinyl will get dirty, stained, scratched, and punctured. Vinyl can be damaged by chemical reactions caused by rubber-backed rugs.

Vinyl Composite Tile

To create vinyl composite tile (VCT), natural limestone, filler materials and thermoplastic binders and color pigments are combined in a process known as pulverization. They are fused together into a single sheet, then cut into tiles. VCT is not as low-maintenance as sheet vinyl, which requires only regular sweeping and mopping, because it requires surface polishing to protect its porous surface. Vinyl planks were once the most extensively used type of vinyl flooring, but these days, sheet vinyl and luxury vinyl are far more popular.

A VCT installation’s lifetime cost may be higher than that of other vinyl flooring because of the high maintenance costs. In terms of texture and design, VCT lags behind other forms of vinyl flooring in terms of range of colors and patterns. This floor will not be as water-resistant as sheet vinyl because of the many seams between tiles. The foundation layer might become loose if water seeps through the seams.

Towel-on adhesive or a peel-and-stick adhesive are the most common methods for attaching vinyl tile to an underlayment. This type of vinyl flooring is the most affordable. As a bonus, the component sections are small enough for a do-it-yourselfer to install.

Sheet Vinyl

Polymer sheet vinyl flooring is available in widths ranging from six to sixteen feet. Pattern and color are given to the flooring by a digital graphics “film” layer of PVC that’s then adhered to the base layer of felt or fibrous material. The PVC layer is protected by a layer of clothing on top of it.

Sheet vinyl has fewer seams and is better at resisting water because it is sold in large rolls. It is possible to entirely cover a small room with a completely impermeable flooring material without any seams at all.

It is possible to install sheet vinyl in a variety of ways, from a full glue-down application to a “floating” application over the underlayment. Sheet vinyl installation is not a popular do-it-yourself endeavor.

Vinyl sheet flooring, on average, is more expensive than ceramic tile. Luxury vinyl flooring is progressively displacing hardwood as a preferred option (LVF).

Luxury Vinyl Flooring (LVF)

When the flooring is in the form of tiles or long planks, it is referred to as luxury vinyl flooring (LVF) or luxury vinyl tile (LVT). PVC composites and limestone-based material are used to make it. This is a solid material the entire way through because it has no felt or fiber layer. A modified tongue and groove method can be used to “click” tiles or planks together, allowing it to be more rigid than sheet vinyl or vinyl tiles, but it is still relatively flexible. In addition to the composite material, there is a digitally printed film layer, which may be used to produce any look wanted, protected by a hard wear layer.

A more cost-effective long-term investment may be found in the more expensive luxury vinyl of the three vinyl flooring varieties. When it comes to simulating wood, stone or ceramics or even metal, the graphic method employed for this flooring is far superior to that of sheet vinyl.

Luxury vinyl is available in a variety of shapes and sizes, from 1-by-1-foot square tiles to 5-foot-long planks that imitate laminate or wood flooring. As a result, luxury vinyl, which is impermeable to water, is gradually overtaking plastic laminate as a preferable option for bathrooms and kitchens. If you have concrete or below-grade floors, you may want to avoid plastic laminate flooring, but luxury vinyl works great. As a result, luxury vinyl tiles and planks are increasingly becoming the flooring of choice in many areas of the home. This is due to their easy installation and improved beauty and function.

Cost Considerations

Vinyl’s low cost is yet another reason to select it for a bathroom floor. As little as fifty cents to one dollar per square foot is possible with low-end vinyl. As a result, low-quality vinyl materials are not going to last as long or be as low-maintenance as high-quality items. High-end vinyl, which is more expensive but also more durable, can range in price from $2 to $10 per square foot when installed. Installing the flooring yourself will save you half the money.

Bathroom Flooring Ideas - Choosing Bathroom Flooring

Choosing vinyl floors for a bathroom

For good reason, vinyl is a popular option for bathroom floors. There are multiple layers layered together in vinyl flooring to form a long-lasting and cost-effective floor covering. Vinyl flooring is well-known for its long life, water resistance, and low cost, but it’s also simple to clean and maintain, quick to install, and available in a wide range of styles and colors. Vinyl flooring is a great option for bathrooms because of its many advantages.

LVTs and vinyl rolls are the two most common types of luxury vinyl flooring (also known as sheet vinyl flooring). Both LVT and vinyl roll are excellent choices for bathroom flooring because they are made of the same materials and have similar properties.

Browse our LVT and vinyl roll selections to help you select a vinyl floor for your bathroom. Design possibilities are available in each collection that may be adapted to any kind of interior design. Alternatively, you can get some ideas from our editorial pages, which feature some of the most recent bathroom trends and designs.

Benefits of vinyl flooring in bathrooms

Because of its utility, attractiveness, and affordability, vinyl is the most popular choice for bathroom flooring. In truth, vinyl flooring in bathrooms has a number of advantages.

Pros of using vinyl flooring in the bathroom

• Resistant to water

• Extremely simple to maintain

• The ground is soft and cozy to walk on.

• Slip-resistant grip is available as an option

• Ease of installation • Cost-effectiveness

Vinyl is naturally resistant to water and moisture because it is made of PVC. The joints between planks and sheets of vinyl, however, are not waterproof. So, be careful while laying vinyl flooring in the bathroom to eliminate gaps.

With a damp mop and a neutral detergent, it’s as simple as vacuuming or wiping with a damp mop. Vinyl flooring is one of the easiest surfaces to keep clean.

Vinyl is more comfortable and toasty underfoot than ceramic tile because it has higher insulation. The softer feel on bare feet in the bathroom compared to tile or stone is also a plus. Slip-resistant grip is available as an option, enhancing both comfort and safety.

Vinyl is one of the simplest floors to set up, albeit the method you choose will depend on the vinyl product you select.

Vinyl is cheaper than other bathroom flooring options including ceramic tile, stone tile, and marble.

With a wide variety of styles and colors to choose from, you’ll be able to build a bathroom floor that exactly matches your own preferences and home decor.

Drawbacks of vinyl flooring in bathrooms

Cons of using vinyl flooring in the bathroom

Repairs are a challenge.

Vinyl flooring in bathrooms does not appear to have any obvious drawbacks. Vinyl flooring’s only drawback is that it might be difficult to restore once it has been damaged. It’s not uncommon for vinyl floors to last for decades before needing to be completely replaced if something goes wrong, like water damage.

If you are putting LVT flooring in a damp area such as a bathroom, you will need to follow special recommendations. Silicone edge joints can be used in smaller bathrooms (up to 10 m2) to prevent water from seeping into the installed surface through the expansion joint. Before filling up the joint with silicone or using a skirting board with a lip, we recommend placing insulating tape to the region of the joint.

Best Vinyl Flooring for Bathrooms

If you’re remodeling your home, the bathroom is a great place to start! Even if it’s just a corner of your house, this is where you go to take care of yourself. It’s important that it’s well-thought-out in order to promote rest and hygiene. If you’ve had the same bathroom flooring for years, or if it’s no longer in keeping with your personal style, it may be time to replace it.

Vinyl is an excellent choice for bathroom flooring. For a low-cost, waterproof, and long-lasting flooring option, manufacturers have you covered. Learn about the advantages of vinyl before making a decision about your bathroom.

What to Look for in Bathroom Flooring

The best materials for your home’s bathroom flooring should be at the top of your priority list when purchasing. Spills are almost always a given in the bathroom, especially if you have young children. As a result, if you don’t pick the right kind of flooring, moisture damage to your home might be severe.

Choosing a waterproof bathroom floor is the first step. The sink, tub, and even the toilet can all be prone to dribbles and splatters. It’s critical to have a floor covering that can withstand high levels of dampness without being harmed.

Next, think about the practicality of the flooring you’re looking at. As an example, you’ll need a floor that can hold up to heavy foot traffic if you have many family members using the same bathroom. Alternatively, if you have children, you may require more robust materials that are waterproof and long-lasting.

There are a wide range of design options for bathroom flooring. To go with your current style, you can pick from a wide range of colors and designs. If you’re shopping for new flooring, consider both classic and cutting-edge styles.

It’s also a good idea to look at things like price, convenience of use, and upkeep. Many flooring companies have in-house designers that can assist you in making the right flooring choices for your home.

The Best Types of Vinyl Flooring for Bathrooms

Vinyl flooring in the bathroom is available in a variety of styles, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Think about what you and your family need most while shopping for new bathroom floors.

Here are some of our top picks for vinyl flooring in the bathroom:

Vinyl Plank Flooring

The waterproof and scratch-resistant properties of vinyl plank flooring make it an excellent choice for a wide range of homes. In addition to being easy to put in place, it is also rather comfortable to walk on. You can get vinyl planks that appear like wood, stone, or tile flooring if you want to mimic other flooring kinds.

Vinyl Sheet Flooring

Because sheet vinyl is so easy to install, many homeowners prefer to use it in bathrooms that are particularly filthy or wet. It’s perfect for a kid’s bathroom or the laundry room, and it’s easy to install yourself if you’re handy with tools.

Vinyl Tile Flooring

Vinyl tile is an excellent DIY alternative because it looks like stone tile. If your vinyl flooring ever has to be replaced, peel-and-stick alternatives are a great option because they’re quick and easy to install. Vinyl tiles are more expensive than vinyl sheets, as should be noted.

The Worst Flooring for the Bathroom

You have a wide range of alternatives when it comes to flooring in many parts of your home. To some extent, the type of flooring you choose is dependent on the room’s intended purpose. It is important to note, however, that not all types of flooring are suitable for use in bathrooms.

There are numerous types of bathroom flooring to avoid due to the high likelihood of spills or splashes. Moisture and high bathroom activity can quickly deteriorate certain materials.

The following types of bathroom flooring are the absolute worst:

  • In order for carpet to be comfortable, it must be made of a material that can retain moisture and dry slowly. When the carpet in the bathroom becomes damp, it can emit a musty odor and even grow mold.
  • Even though linoleum tile is water-resistant, it can still be damaged by standing water. This type of flooring can be damaged by moisture, especially in high-traffic bathrooms.
  • With just a top layer to guard against moisture, hardwood flooring is considered solid. As a result, it’s not recommended for use in public restrooms. The wood will eventually deteriorate if water seeps into it.

Our Recommendation for Vinyl Flooring

If you’re thinking about remodeling your bathroom, you might want to think about working with an expert flooring firm like LL Flooring. Because it has direct relationships with the flooring producers, the business is able to provide its consumers with discounted prices. Luxury vinyl plank and engineered vinyl plank are available at LL Flooring in a range of styles and colors.

Visit LL Flooring’s website to make an appointment with a design professional in your area to learn more about its waterproof vinyl planks and how they may help you with your remodeling project.

Best flooring for bathroom 2022: The best ceramic tiles, laminate, vinyl and porcelain flooring from £15 | Expert Reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between waterproof and water-resistant flooring?

For a limited time, water-resistant flooring is able to withstand the effects of water or moisture. However, prolonged exposure to damp might cause harm. It’s best to avoid this. Instead, waterproof flooring is designed to prevent water damage to your floors.

Consider the subfloor while looking for new flooring and waterproof solutions. If new flooring isn’t properly sealed, moisture might still affect it.

What is the easiest bathroom flooring to install on your own?

Vinyl flooring installation is a do-it-yourself project that most homeowners can handle.

Which type of bathroom flooring has easy maintenance?

Keeping ceramic tiles and vinyl flooring in your bathroom is a cinch. Waterproof, stain-resistant, and long-lasting, tile flooring is a great choice. When it comes to dents and scrapes, you won’t have to worry about it.

In the event of a spill, vinyl flooring makes cleanup a cinch. Regular sweeping and mopping are all that is required for ongoing maintenance.

Helen Skeates

Helen Skeates

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