Modern Bathroom Flooring Ideas
Since bathroom floors are exposed to constant abuse, it’s important to choose a bathroom flooring design that’s both functional and stylish. When choosing a modern bathroom flooring concept, these materials are good options – modular carpets, glass tiles, cork, bamboo, concrete, hardwood, rubber leather, and pebble tiles.
Flooring is one of the first choices you will have to make
when designing your bathroom. But unlike the rest of your house, bathroom flooring takes several other factors into account, such as the constant heat,
moisture, and general wear and tear. Bathroom floors take a lot more abuse than
living room and bedroom floors. You want to make sure they’re up to the
challenge.
For most people, the choices are obvious: vinyl, stone,
ceramic tile. But although these work perfectly well, they’re not exactly creative
or original. Modern bathroom design favors unusual materials previously thought
unsuitable for bathroom use. Advances in technology and manufacturing now allow
you to use carpets, hardwood, and other unconventional floorings. Here are some
new choices you might want to try.
1. Modular carpets. These
new “carpet tiles” are resistant to water, stain, and mildew—the very problems
that wall-to-wall carpets fail to address. They come with an antimicrobial
adhesive backing, which prevents the growth of bacteria and molds even with
constant water buildup. Each tile can be removed and cleaned separately, making
maintenance and spot cleaning all the more convenient. You also get a wide
range of color and texture choices, so no worries about matching or clashing
with your bathroom theme.
2, Glass tile. Glass
tiles were introduced as part of the eco-friendly design movement. Made from
recycled jars and bottles, they are a great choice for people looking for something
that’s stylish, durable, and environmentally friendly at the same time. Colors and
textures vary widely; some people even combine different compositions for a
sort of “patchwork” look. The tiles are treated for crack resistance, although
it’s best to use smaller tiles to evenly distribute your weight. Look for
sandblasted or textured tiles to prevent slipping.
3. Cork. Cork is a bathroom-friendly
alternative to parquet, a popular choice for other areas of the home. It gives
the exact same look but without the noise, rot, and high maintenance often
associated with parquet. It’s also naturally insulating, so there’s none of
that cold shock you get from stepping into the shower on a winter morning. It’s
also a great choice if you have small kids or elderly people in the house, as it
has natural cushioning and anti-slip properties.
4. Bamboo. In the past, people who
wanted wooden bathroom floors had to settle for laminate with a wood finish. Bamboo
offers a cheap but durable alternative. It isn’t a type of wood; it’s actually a
tree-like grass that grows abundantly without much intervention. This makes it
an environmentally friendly choice, and with advanced manufacturing techniques,
it’s also made sturdy enough to withstand bathroom environments. It’s naturally
resistant to mold, mildew, moisture, and bacteria, which ensures long-lasting
quality even with years of everyday use.
5. Concrete. If you’re after that
rough stone look, you don’t need to haul in expensive stone slabs or pay
hundreds of dollars for a stone finish. What you can do is finish your floor
with a layer of strong concrete, or simply keep the original concrete flooring
that came with your home. Acid staining can give it the look of natural stone
without affecting its strength or structural integrity. Maintenance is extremely
easy—occasional mopping and polishing is usually all it needs.
6. Hardwood. Most people consider
hardwood floors a bad choice, right up with wall-to-wall traditional carpeting.
But with a few extra precautions, you can make a hardwood floor work for your
bathroom and last just as long as tile or concrete. Apply two extra layers of
polyurethane coating, and reseal the wood every year or so. Seal the gaps with
wood putty and reapply as necessary. With proper care and maintenance, hardwood
floors can perform just as well in the bathroom as they do anywhere else.
7. Rubber leather. If
you’re feeling adventurous, try going for a rubber floor with a leather-like
finish. Available in tile and rolled form, this type of flooring gives you the
look and feel of fine leather and the excellent wear of good old rubber. It’s extremely
easy to maintain, doesn’t rot or scratch, and is highly resistant to mold and
mildew formation. Simply clean it with soap and water and wax it occasionally,
and your flooring should last several years.
8. Pebble tiles. Ever
fancied an outdoor or Zen-style bathroom? Create a calm, relaxing atmosphere
with smooth, natural pebble tiles. You can install a heating system underneath to
keep your feet warm in cold weather, and add a few indoor plants to complete
that fresh outdoor look. Look for tiles with mesh backing and a textured finish
for better wear.