Your All-Important Guide to Flooring for Your Bathroom

There are a variety of materials you can choose for your bathroom flooring, but with the range of choices out there, it can be more difficult to make the right choice for your needs. Bathroom floor materials include marble, porcelain, ceramic, granite, and others, but before you make your selection, it's important to understand what each material?s characteristics are. The flooring you choose should be just the right fit ? not only when it comes to functionality and preference, but also when it comes to budget. Here, then, is your all-important guide to choosing the best flooring for your bathroom.

Marble and other natural stone

Marble and other natural stone'such as limestone and travertine spell timeless, classic elegance. They have been used for centuries and are still as popular today as they were in Roman times. These natural stone tiles are undoubtedly the most luxurious type of flooring you can find for your bathroom, and they come in a wide selection of colours, although earth hues are the most popular. Marble, travertine, and limestone are stones comprised of calcite, and they'require a bit of care and maintenance and the use of the right cleaning products if you want them to last for a long time. Sealing is often a requirement and they can be prone to etching, but the beauty they bring to your bathroom is priceless. These natural stone tiles go exceedingly well with luxurious fittings and fixtures such as a whirlpool bath or a freestanding bath, and if you want your bathroom to have a truly elegant and stylish look, you can?t go wrong with these.

Granite

Granite, another kind of natural stone, has become another popular option for flooring, particularly since granite is sturdier and hardier than other natural stones such as marble or limestone. Granite is not prone to etching or scratching, and there is less likelihood of staining as well. Granite may require some extra maintenance, depending on the type. Polished granite tiles may need re-polishing after some time, and some tiles may also need to be sealed, but it comes in a variety of distinctive patterns and colours which can really add a unique personality to your bathroom.

Ceramic

Ceramic tile flooring can be said to be the most common type of flooring used in bathrooms and kitchens today, and they are not only budget-friendly, but easy to maintain and long-lasting as well. Most cleaning products can be used with ceramic tiles and will not be an issue.

Vinyl

Vinyl is another option for bathroom flooring, although it can be susceptible to scratches, abrasions and cuts, and stains. Cleaning vinyl flooring can be tricky as well, since most soaps and cleaning products may leave a thin film on the surface, which can attract more residue and dirt.