When it comes to bathroom tiles, porcelain, vinyl and ceramic are the most popular. They are easy to clean, maintain and install for DIYers. These tiles are also some of the most practical and affordable. However, the choice does not end there. There are wood, cork, linoleum and stone tiles that also look good as bathroom flooring. Here are other great choices for your bathroom floor.
Plastic Laminate
Plastic laminate tiles come in planks and are very affordable. They are a good choice when remodeling because they don't raise the surface too much making planning and transitioning from room to room easier. The best think about this kind of floor is that it is easy to clean and maintain. But be wary because moisture is its biggest weakness. Standing water can infiltrate the gaps and cause the laminate to buckle and expand. When using plastic laminate it is important to caulk gaps along the walls, around the tub and fixtures to prevent moisture seepage.
Stone Tiles
These tiles were once staples in many foyers but have found themselves in different parts of the house including the bathroom. Stone tiles are made from granite, marble, limestone, slate and other materials. They also come in a variety of textures such as sandblasted, tumbled, cleft, edged and many others. These tiles look luxurious but are also more expensive than similar looking tiles like porcelain and ceramic. Stone also requires more maintenance, cleaning and resealing than other tiles.
Cork
Cork tiles are easy on the feet and warm to the touch. This kind of tile comes in a variety of colors and installation is not difficult making them a good choice for DIY-ers. They are also fire resistant and do not give off toxic fumes when they are combusting. Just make sure not to drop sharp materials on your cork floors as these can cause damage.
Wood Floor Tiles
If you are adventurous and like luxury even in your bathroom, try some wood floor tiles. Not many people like to use wood in the bathroom because once water penetrates the finish, it is done for good. Because wood is tricky to install in the bathroom, it is probably best to let the pros handle this as the wood parquet needs to be sealed around the room perimeter and joints. Two coats of polyurethane should also be applied for added protection. Many people use wood floor tiles in their powder rooms because it has a lower risk of being exposed to moisture compared to full bathrooms.
Linoleum
Some people think linoleum and vinyl are the same materials but they are not. Linoleum is made from natural materials including linseed oil, tree resins, cork and mineral pigments. They make good bathroom floors because they are resistant to bacteria and are biodegradable. With proper care and maintenance, linoleum tiles can last up to 40 years. Linoleum tiles come in click-in-place plank designs making them easy to install.
Glass
If installed properly, glass tiles can last a long time. Install textured glass tiles in the bathroom so that it is slip-resistant. Glass tiles are ideal for small bathrooms or powered rooms because they can give a room depth and make it seem a bit bigger. It also creates a lovely stained glass effect to give your bathroom a unique look. Glass tiles are easy to maintain and install.
Clearly there are many other alternatives to the usual bathroom floor tiles. People can access different materials, styles and designs to make bathrooms unique and give it character. Understanding the pros and cons of the different kinds of tiles will make choosing easier for you.