Bathroom Flooring Options: Pros and Cons of Every Type

TL;DR: Tile and LVP are the best bathroom flooring options for most homeowners because they're waterproof, durable, and easy to maintain in a high-moisture environment.

Key Points

• Bathrooms need fully waterproof flooring, not just water-resistant

• Tile (ceramic and porcelain) is the most durable and water-resistant bathroom flooring option

• LVP is the most popular all-around choice right now — waterproof, comfortable, and budget-friendly

• Laminate can work in bathrooms, but only waterproof varieties should be used

• Engineered hardwood is an option for powder rooms with minimal moisture exposure

• Slip resistance matters — look for textured surfaces, especially in wet areas

• Carpet and solid hardwood should never be installed in a bathroom

• Utah's dry climate can affect how some materials acclimate and perform over time

What Makes Bathroom Flooring Different from Every Other Room?

Bathrooms are the most demanding environment for flooring in your entire home.

Between daily showers, steam, splashing water, and constant humidity, your bathroom floor takes more moisture abuse than any other surface. That's why the standard rules for flooring selection don't always apply here. A floor that works beautifully in a living room or bedroom can warp, swell, or grow mold in a bathroom.

The two most important qualities to prioritize are full waterproofing and slip resistance. Not just water-resistant — waterproof. Here's the difference.

Water-resistant flooring can handle surface moisture and minor splashes. But if water sits on it, or seeps into the seams or edges, the core material can absorb it and swell over time.

Waterproof flooring is unaffected by water even if it penetrates the surface. The core material itself does not absorb moisture, which means no warping, no buckling, and no mold underneath.

For bathrooms, waterproof is always the right standard to hold.

What to Look for Before You Choose

Beyond waterproofing, here's what matters most in a bathroom floor:

• Slip resistance — Wet bathroom floors are a genuine safety hazard. For tile, look for a higher COF (coefficient of friction) rating, which indicates better grip. For LVP, choose a textured surface rather than a high-gloss finish. This is especially important in households with young children or older adults.

• Comfort underfoot — Bathrooms are rooms you visit barefoot, often first thing in the morning. Hard surfaces like tile feel colder and less forgiving than LVP or laminate.

• Ease of maintenance — Grout lines require regular cleaning and occasional resealing. Smooth surfaces like LVP clean faster with less effort.

• Size of the space — Larger format tiles and lighter colors can make a small bathroom feel more open and spacious. Busy patterns or very dark floors can make small bathrooms feel smaller.

• Budget — Material and installation costs vary widely. Setting a realistic budget before you shop saves time and narrows your choices quickly.

Bathroom Flooring Option #1: Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)

LVP has become the most popular bathroom flooring choice in recent years, and it's easy to see why. It's 100% waterproof, comfortable underfoot, and available in styles that convincingly mimic hardwood, stone, and tile at a fraction of the cost.

It's also one of the warmest options available for a bathroom floor, which makes a real difference on cold Utah mornings.

Pros:

• Fully waterproof — safe for all bathroom types including wet areas

• Softer and warmer underfoot than tile or stone

• Highly scratch and dent resistant

• Easy to clean — sweep and damp mop

• Budget-friendly compared to tile or natural stone

• Available in a wide range of realistic wood and stone looks

• Comfortable for households with kids, seniors, or anyone on their feet for extended periods

Cons:

• Cannot be refinished if damaged — individual planks must be replaced

• Lifespan of 15 to 25 years (shorter than tile or stone)

• Heavy objects like vanities can dent lower-quality vinyl

• Does not add the same resale value as tile or natural stone

Cost range: $4 to $10 per square foot installed

Best for: Families with kids or elderly household members, anyone wanting warmth and comfort underfoot, and homeowners looking for the best combination of value and performance.

Explore our luxury vinyl plank flooring options to see what's available for your bathroom.

Bathroom Flooring Option #2: Tile (Ceramic and Porcelain)

Tile is the most time-tested bathroom flooring material for good reason. It's fully waterproof, nearly indestructible, and can last 50 years or more with minimal maintenance.

Ceramic tile is made from clay fired at high temperatures. It's affordable, comes in endless styles, and performs well in most bathroom applications. Porcelain tile is denser and harder than ceramic, absorbs virtually no water, and is the better choice for bathrooms with very high moisture exposure or heavy foot traffic.

For wet areas like the floor directly outside a shower, porcelain with a textured finish is the strongest performer.

Pros:

• Fully waterproof when properly installed and grouted

• Extremely durable — can last 50 or more years

• Huge range of colors, sizes, patterns, and finishes

• Easy to clean and highly stain resistant

• Works well with radiant floor heating systems, great for cold Utah winters

• Strong resale value

Cons:

• Hard and cold underfoot — can be tough on feet and joints during long bathroom routines

• Grout lines need regular cleaning and periodic resealing

• Professional installation is strongly recommended, which adds to upfront cost

• Dropped items like glasses and ceramic cups are more likely to break on tile

• Can be slippery when wet unless you choose a textured or matte finish

Cost range: $7 to $20 per square foot installed, depending on tile type and layout complexity.

Best for: High-moisture bathrooms, master bathrooms, homeowners focused on longevity and resale value, and anyone interested in radiant floor heating.

Bathroom Flooring Option #3: Laminate

Waterproof laminate has changed the conversation around this material in bathrooms. Traditional laminate was never suitable for bathrooms because the inner core would swell and warp when water seeped into the seams. Modern waterproof laminate uses a sealed, moisture-proof core that resists this problem.

The key word here is waterproof. Standard laminate should not go in a bathroom. If you're considering laminate, confirm it's rated as fully waterproof before purchasing.

Pros:

• Budget-friendly — one of the lowest-cost options available

• Mimics the look of hardwood convincingly

• Scratch and stain resistant

• Softer and warmer underfoot than tile

• Comfortable and DIY-friendly installation

Cons:

• Only waterproof varieties should be used — standard laminate will fail in bathrooms

• Cannot be refinished if damaged

• Lifespan of 15 to 25 years

• Not recommended directly in front of a shower or tub where standing water is common

• Adds minimal resale value compared to tile

Cost range: $3 to $8 per square foot installed

Best for: Budget-conscious renovations, guest bathrooms, and powder rooms where moisture exposure is lower.

Learn more about our laminate flooring options to see what styles are available.

Bathroom Flooring Option #4: Natural Stone

Natural stone — including marble, travertine, slate, and granite — is the most luxurious bathroom flooring option available. No two tiles are identical, and the result is a bathroom that feels genuinely high-end and custom.

It also adds significant resale value and can last the lifetime of the home when properly maintained.

The tradeoff is cost and maintenance. Natural stone must be sealed regularly to prevent water absorption and staining. Without proper sealing, moisture can penetrate the stone and cause damage over time.

Pros:

• Stunning, one-of-a-kind appearance that elevates any bathroom

• Extremely durable when properly sealed and maintained

• Adds significant resale value

• Many stone varieties are compatible with radiant floor heating

• Timeless aesthetic that never goes out of style

Cons:

• Highest upfront cost of any bathroom flooring option

• Must be sealed regularly to prevent water damage and staining

• Can be slippery when wet — choose a honed or textured finish over polished for bathroom floors

• Heavy and requires a strong subfloor

• Professional installation required

Cost range: $15 to $30 or more per square foot installed.

Best for: Master bathrooms, high-end renovations, and homeowners prioritizing long-term value and a premium look.

Bathroom Flooring Option #5: Engineered Hardwood

Engineered hardwood is worth mentioning for specific situations, though it's not the right choice for most bathrooms.

Unlike solid hardwood, engineered hardwood uses a real wood veneer bonded to layers of plywood, which gives it more dimensional stability and modest moisture resistance. It can handle humidity better than solid hardwood but is still not fully waterproof.

Pros:

• Genuine wood appearance and warmth

• More moisture-resistant than solid hardwood

• Can be refinished once or twice over its lifetime

• Adds warmth and elegance

Cons:

• Not waterproof — still susceptible to water damage from prolonged exposure

• Not recommended for bathrooms with showers or bathtubs

• Higher cost than LVP for similar appearance

• Requires more maintenance than tile or LVP

Best for: Powder rooms and half baths only, where there is no shower or bathtub and moisture exposure is minimal.

What to Avoid in a Bathroom

Solid hardwood should never be installed in a bathroom. Even with a sealed finish, the wood planks will absorb moisture over time, leading to warping, cupping, and eventually subfloor damage. The risk simply isn't worth it when better options exist.

Standard laminate (non-waterproof) fails in bathrooms for the same reason. The inner core swells when water seeps into the seams, and the floor will buckle and peel prematurely.

Carpet should absolutely never be installed in a bathroom. It traps moisture, harbors bacteria and mold, and is virtually impossible to fully sanitize after repeated water exposure.

Quick Comparison: Bathroom Flooring at a Glance

	LVP	Tile	Laminate	Natural Stone	Eng. Hardwood
Waterproof	Yes	Yes	Varies	With sealing	No
Comfort underfoot	Good	Poor	Good	Poor	Excellent
Cost (installed)	$4–$10	$7–$20	$3–$8	$15–$30+	$8–$15
Durability	High	Very High	Medium	Very High	Medium
Maintenance	Very Easy	Moderate	Easy	High	Moderate
Resale Value	Moderate	High	Low	High	Moderate
Lifespan	15–25 yrs	50+ yrs	15–25 yrs	Lifetime	20–30 yrs

Frequently Asked Questions About Bathroom Flooring

What is the most popular bathroom flooring right now?

LVP (luxury vinyl plank) is currently the most popular bathroom flooring choice among homeowners. It's fully waterproof, comfortable underfoot, and available in styles that look like real wood or stone at a much lower price point. Porcelain tile remains the top choice for homeowners focused on longevity and resale value. The two options together make up the majority of bathroom flooring installations today.

What bathroom flooring is the easiest to maintain?

LVP is the easiest bathroom floor to maintain day to day. It has no grout lines to scrub, doesn't require sealing, and cleans up with a quick sweep and damp mop. Tile is also very easy to clean on the tile surface itself, but the grout lines require regular attention to prevent discoloration and buildup. Natural stone requires the most maintenance because it needs periodic sealing to stay protected.

What flooring makes a small bathroom look bigger?

Large-format tiles and light-colored LVP both help small bathrooms feel more open. The fewer grout lines visible on the floor, the more expansive the space appears. Laying planks or tiles diagonally can also create the illusion of more square footage. Avoid very dark colors or busy patterns in a small bathroom, as they tend to visually shrink the space.

Is LVP or tile better for a bathroom?

Both are excellent choices and the right answer depends on your priorities. Tile wins on durability, longevity, and resale value, and works well with radiant heating. LVP wins on comfort, warmth underfoot, installation cost, and ease of maintenance. For a master bathroom where long-term value matters, tile is often the stronger choice. For a family bathroom where comfort and budget are the priority, LVP is hard to beat.

What flooring should you never put in a bathroom?

Solid hardwood, standard (non-waterproof) laminate, and carpet should never be installed in a bathroom. All three absorb moisture in ways that lead to warping, mold growth, and subfloor damage over time. Even with protective finishes, solid hardwood in a bathroom is a risk that typically results in premature failure. Stick to fully waterproof materials in any room with a shower, bathtub, or high humidity.

Ready to Update Your Bathroom Floor? We Can Help.

Choosing the right bathroom flooring is one of the most important decisions in any bathroom renovation. Whether you're drawn to the waterproof practicality of LVP, the lasting durability of tile, or the luxury of natural stone, Trademark Flooring will help you find the right fit for your home, budget, and lifestyle.

We also recently put together a complete guide to kitchen flooring options if you're renovating more than one room at a time.

We serve homeowners throughout Salt Lake City and the surrounding Utah area. Visit our local showroom to compare samples in person, or request your free estimate today and we'll walk you through every option.

Further Reading

• LVP vs. Hardwood Flooring