Photography: Dylan James / Interior design: Studio Ezra
When it comes to bathroom flooring, tiles are an enduring preference for spaces big and small, yet other options such as cork, microcement and hybrids should be considered.
“I find a home’s aesthetic really sets the stage for bathroom flooring choices,” says Merian Migliore, interior designer and project manager at The Classic Outfitter. “When the bathroom floor aligns with the rest of the home, it feels much more cohesive and intentional.”
Looks matter, but they’re not everything. When pondering flooring ideas for your wet zone, some are better than others. Here, we walk through what’s available (and suitable), plus how to select stunning floors that function well, too.
What type of floor tile is best for a bathroom?
Tiles are the top preference for most bathroom floors for a reason. “Marble, stone and porcelain tiles are popular in bathrooms because they’re water-resistant, durable and easy to clean,” explains Merian. “Each adds a high-end, stylish look, with porcelain being the most budget-friendly and low-maintenance.”
“Marble, on the other hand,” she continues, “does require more care. Thorough sealing is key to ensure nothing penetrates and discolours the tiles.” As for current trends, timber-look tiles are also having a moment. “To make them look chic, select tiles with a realistic grain and texture – those with subtle colour variation and a weathered effect are ideal.”
What is the best size tile for bathroom floors?
The proportions of your tiles will affect the price tag as much as the appearance. “Large-format tiles offer a sleek, modern look with fewer grout lines, creating a sense of space and making cleaning a breeze,” explains Merian. “They’re quicker to install, which can save on labour costs. However, they can be heavy to handle, require a perfectly level subfloor and may limit intricate design options.”
Smaller mosaics, on the other hand, create a character-filled look thanks to the time-intensive and intricate nature of the job. “They allow for unique patterns and can easily adapt to irregular surfaces, making them perfect for showers,” says Merian. “The variety of colours and textures can help you create a truly customised look. However, the increased number of grout lines can mean more maintenance and it could be a time-consuming installation.”
What type of flooring is best for a bathroom?
“There are other bathroom flooring options, such as poured resin and polished concrete, for a seamless and modern look,” explains Merian. “If you’re after a sleek, minimalist or industrial vibe, microcement can help you achieve it.”
Solid timber floors are fraught with issues such as rot and warping and, for this reason, are highly regulated. “They require careful selection and maintenance due to moisture exposure. We generally wouldn’t recommend using timber flooring,” advises Merian.
Some suppliers have stopped offering timber for bathroom floors due to the difficulties.
As an alternative, hybrid flooring (a vinyl and laminate blend) can create the look or cork, which is naturally resistant to moisture.
Hybrid
Pros: A vinyl/laminate blend that is waterproof and low-maintenance.
Cons: It may be off-putting to those opposed to faux.
Polished concrete
Pros: Durable, water-resistant and economical.
Cons: Seal properly if you don’t want it to stain. Concrete floors can be cold so you may want to add underfloor heating.
Timber
Pros: Real timber floorboards are visually warm and timeless.
Cons: Must be sealed with a water-resistant finish, but still prone to issues.
Brick
Pros: Add a textural element to any home style, from urban to country.
Cons: Must be properly sealed and maintained to retain a good condition.
Cork
Pros: An eco-friendly, water-resistant, soft and comfortable floor option.
Cons: Doesn’t suit some home aesthetics. Can scratch easily.
Microcement
Pros: Free of grout lines so easy to clean and visually expands a compact space.
Cons: Requires expert application to ensure it’s waterproof and to avoid future cracking.
What is the current trend for bathroom floors?
Pushing the design boundaries by playing with tile patterns and colours is huge in interiors right now. “I literally tell this to clients all the time!” says Georgia Ezra, interior designer at Studio Ezra. “You can do so much with basic shapes, you just have to have an eye for it.”
A simple square lay becomes a chequerboard if you alternate colours, subway tiles can be turned into trending stripes, and plain white squares can get an interesting twist when framed in bold choices. The possibilities are endless when you start to mix and match.
“Experiment with shapes and colours while leveraging the expertise of your tile installer to craft something truly unique and exclusive to you,” suggests Georgia.
Is it worth getting underfloor heating in a bathroom?
Helpful advice from The Classic Outfitter about underfloor heating.
- Underfloor heating adds a luxurious feeling to any bathroom. Installation and the power required to run it is relatively low-cost and could be worth it in a forever home.
- It’s good to know that underfloor heating is compatible with most floors, but tiles are especially suitable as they conduct and retain heat very effectively.
- Extend heating to the shower bed to help dry out the wet area for added comfort and practicality.
5 things to know before buying antique encaustic tiles
Tips from Sonya Marish, owner and director of Jatana Interiors.
- They’re genuine antiques. “Ours have been salvaged from old buildings around Europe and carry with them years of history and layers of patina.”
- They hold heat beautifully. “I have underfloor heating and am often found lying on my bathroom floor on a winter day to warm up!”
- Sealing is a must. “The terracotta tiles need to be dip-sealed prior to installing in a wet area. They will also need a final seal once grouted. If sealed correctly, the terracotta tiles work very well in a wet area.”
- They don’t like acids. “I always recommend a PH neutral cleaning agent for the maintenance of these tiles to avoid any etching of the surface.”
- Antique tiles are more expensive than new tiles. “This is because they have been salvaged as carefully as possible. They are worn and imperfect which makes them more special and beautiful.”
