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Bathroom floor ideas not tile


10 Bathroom Flooring Alternatives To Tile

When choosing a flooring option for your bathroom, there are several different things to consider. And though tile is the go-to option for most bathrooms, there are several different alternatives that you can choose from. We have researched some of the best bathroom flooring options, and in this post, we will go over them.

Disclosure: We may get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

Here are 10 bathroom flooring alternatives to tile:

  1. Rubber
  2. Vinyl
  3. Engineered Hardwood
  4. Sheet Linoleum
  5. Natural Wood
  6. Concrete
  7. Laminate
  8. Bamboo
  9. Cork
  10. Carpet

Trying to find the best flooring option for your bathroom can be overwhelming with so many choices to choose from. Things to consider when choosing a flooring option include budget, personal style, and lifestyle. Continue reading to learn about the best alternative flooring options to tile.

10 Bathroom Flooring Alternatives To Tile

1. Rubber

While rubber flooring may not be as commonly used in home bathrooms as in industrial or public bathrooms, it makes for a great flooring option. It's also increasing in demand due to its durability and easy installation. There are polished rubber flooring options available that can add a more luxurious texture to your bathroom.

This flooring material has antimicrobial properties, is eco-friendly, and provides insulation to your bathroom floors. Rubber flooring is also naturally water-resistant. Compared to other flooring materials, rubber flooring is fairly inexpensive, and you can typically install it yourself.

2. Vinyl

One of the most popular flooring options for bathroom flooring options is vinyl. Vinyl sheets are water-resistant and very easy to maintain. If you have a bathroom that receives a lot of foot traffic daily, this material is definitely worth considering. Vinyl flooring can come in long strips or planks, depending on the installation method that you prefer.

However, you will find that the sheets are typically easier to install. You'll also find that vinyl flooring is one of the most inexpensive flooring options that you can pick for your bathroom, which is great if your bathroom is on the larger side.

Read more about this vinyl flooring on Amazon.

3. Engineered Hardwood

Engineered hardwood flooring is manufactured wood that closely resembles natural hardwood. The benefit of this type of material is that it holds up better to humidity and moisture way better than natural wood. This makes it a great choice for home bathrooms. If you want the modern or rustic look of natural wood in your bathroom without having to worry about it cracking or buckling, engineered wood is worth taking a look at.

The flooring is also relatively easy to maintain, only requiring occasional sweeping and mopping to remove dust and debris. The planks are easy to install, and you can install them yourself in no time.

4. Sheet Linoleum

Linoleum flooring is also a good option if you prefer not to have tile in your bathroom. It's similar to vinyl and appearance; however, it's very different in its makeup. Linoleum flooring has natural anti-microbial properties, making it very resilient to mold and mildew--which is a plus giving that most bathrooms will contain a high amount of humidity.

It doesn't scratch easily and is known to hold up well for anywhere from 10 to 20 years before needing replacement. Linoleum is also easy to install and is both fire and water-resistant.

5. Natural Wood

Solid hardwood flooring is beautiful, though you may not typically consider it for a bathroom, given its tendency to buckle and swell with humidity. However, if you have a guest bathroom or a half bath, wood is a perfect option to consider. Not only can wood add a sense of elegance and modernity to your bathroom, but it can also be an inexpensive option depending on the type of wood you choose. On average, wood flooring planks cost between $2.50 and $7 per square. Installing hardwood flooring averages between $5 and $12 per square foot. 

6. Concrete

If you are looking for a modern or more industrial look, concrete flooring can be a good option. Concrete typically acts as the structural floor of basements, but it can definitely make for an interesting bathroom floor as well. If you don't mind having a harder surface on your bathroom floor, concrete flooring can provide you with a water-resistant and durable alternative to tile.

Laying concrete isn't as difficult as you may think, and you can even do the job yourself within a day or two. It's also very important to use a level when installing concrete to ensure that it dries evenly.

Find quick-setting cement on Amazon.

7. Laminate

Laminate flooring is another suitable bathroom alternative to tile. These floors have a clear plastic protectant on the top, making them water-resistant and scratch-resistant for the most part. You'll also find that laminate flooring is available in various patterns and colors, some of which can resemble stone and wood flooring. Laminate is easy to install, and you can typically do it yourself in a day if you have an average-sized bathroom.

8. Bamboo

Looking for a more eco-friendly option? If so, consider installing bamboo flooring in your bathroom. Bamboo flooring can add an earthy and sleek look to your bathroom. It's better to go with engineered bamboo than natural bamboo, as these planks are designed specifically for wet environments--meaning they are more durable.

Bamboo can easily be installed in your bathroom, and it's relatively easy to replace pieces that are broken or damaged. The only downside to bamboo flooring is that it may scratch more easily than other options.

9. Cork

If you are looking for flooring with a softer feel, consider cork for your bathroom floor update. Cork flooring typically comes covered with a water-resistant sealer to prevent water damage and stains. You'll be happy to know that cork is slip-resistant and has antimicrobial properties, making it a great option if you like to take hot baths or showers. It's also an eco-friendly material, and it can provide your bathroom with an inviting and unique appearance.

10. Carpet

Carpet is typically the last flooring option you think of when it comes to bathroom choices, but it can work well in some scenarios. If you have a guest bathroom or a half bath, carpet may be fine in these areas. Not only is carpet an inexpensive flooring option, but it's easy to install and can be vacuumed clean in a matter of minutes.

What Is The Best Flooring For A Small Bathroom?

Since bathrooms are typically smaller spaces than other areas of the home, the flooring material cost will have less of an impact than if the bathroom is on the larger side. It is, however, a good idea to go with flooring materials that are easier to install, being that you're working with a limited amount of space.

The best flooring options for small bathrooms include vinyl and linoleum. Both of these flooring options are affordable, durable, water-resistant. And more importantly, they are really easy to install-- allowing you to save even more money if you install them yourself.

What Is The Easiest Flooring To Install In A Bathroom?

Vinyl flooring is typically known as the easiest flooring to install, and it's a prevalent bathroom floor option due to its water resistance and durability. Today, vinyl flooring can come in many forms, including vinyl composition tile, luxury vinyl tile, and solid vinyl tile. So to say, whatever preference that you have four colors and patterns, chances are that there is a vinyl option that may be available if you're looking for an easy install.

What Is The Best Waterproof Flooring For A Bathroom?

There are a couple of flooring options worth noting when it comes to waterproof capability. These options are ceramic and vinyl.

Ceramic

Ceramic flooring is known for its easy maintenance and durability, but it also works well for holding up against the water. Though ceramic isn't waterproof exactly, as it is slightly porous, it is known to be as good as waterproof floors. On top of that, many ceramic tiles are also treated with waterproofing sealant.

Vinyl

Vinyl flooring is also a good option to take a look at for a waterproof option. Most vinyl flooring materials are made to be 100% waterproof, which explains why it's such a sought-after flooring option in bathrooms and basements. Vinyl's also easy to keep clean, and new vinyl options last longer than earlier previous counterparts.

Wrapping Things Up

Whichever alternative bathroom flooring option you choose, the key is to make sure that the floors look good and last for years to come. Good ventilation and regular cleaning can help.

Before you go, be sure to check out our other posts:

Dark Vs. Light Laminate Flooring – Which To Choose?

11 Stunning Basement Flooring Ideas

Bathroom Flooring Ideas - Fresh Ideas Beyond Tile

Beautiful Bamboo

1/13

Chic, contemporary, and environmentally friendly, bamboo flooring combines easy care with elegance. Available in both narrow- and wide-plank styles, strand-woven bamboo flooring is durable and water resistant. It comes in a range of patterns and natural color variations, from variegated tiger stripes to mottled burl looks. 

Related: 10 Reasons to Love Bamboo Floors

reico.com

Impressive Indentations

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If you’re seeking durability, you can’t get much stronger than concrete. But for a decorative edge, try stamped concrete. Virtually any design can be imprinted, and the pattern will last as long as the floor itself. Special dyes can be mixed into the concrete to create customized colors that further enhance the patterns.

Related: How To Stain Concrete

bathroom-design-tips.com

Pebble Beach

3/13

With natural stone pebble flooring, you can bring the outdoors inside and imagine yourself bathing al fresco. Pebble flooring is affixed to the subfloor or foundation through the use of special epoxy coatings that are durable, water resistant, and beautiful. Plus, the natural texture of the stone pebbles provides great traction for your tootsies!

Related: Bathroom Floor Tiles: 14 Top Options

ggoarchitects.com

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A Real Corker

4/13

Cork is naturally water resistant and antibacterial, and it creates a striking and unique look in the bath. Natural cork flooring comes in sheet form, tiles, pieced mosaics, or natural round disks. Cork can be stained any color, if desired, and is installed using mastic and grout; sealing is recommended.

Related: 5 Things to Do with... Wine Corks

corkstore.com

What’s Old Is New Again

5/13

Vinyl and linoleum flooring, popular choices in the 1950s, were for a long time staples of bathrooms, kitchens, and rec rooms all across America. Vinyl is enjoying renewed popularity, fueled in part by the enormous diversity of designs available today. Vinyl flooring is easy to install and maintain, and best of all, won’t break the budget.

Related: How To: Clean Vinyl Flooring

vinylsheetflooring.com

Wonders of Wood

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Hardwood flooring is offered in a huge range of materials, styles, and finishes, making it a natural in the bath. Available in solid wood and less expensive laminate, wood flooring is versatile and fairly durable, although it should be sealed for use in bathrooms and other areas where moisture is present. Consider wide planks, narrower strips, and engineered parquet designs. 

Related: How To: Refinish Hardwood Floors

rninteriordesign.com

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Glass Houses

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Glass block and glass mosaic are upscale and unique bathroom flooring options. Glass is resistant to moisture, stains, mold, and mildew, and it's extremely easy to clean—simply wipe with warm water or clean with a vinegar-and-water solution. Glass is available in clear, solid, or multicolored hues, and can be textured for added traction.

Related: 10 Trendy Ways to Use Glass Block in Your Home Design

libertyhomesolutions.com

Mesmerizing Marble

8/13

This traditional stone flooring material can be expensive, but nothing quite matches marble for durability, texture, or luxury. Marble adds a level of sophistication and style to any home and is widely used for bathrooms, kitchens, and foyers. Marble is naturally water resistant and extremely easy to maintain, and is available in a wide range of natural colorations.

Related: 10 Reasons to Embrace the Elegance of Black and White

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Sustainable Sea Grass

9/13

Sea grass flooring is a natural fiber constructed from flowering plants found in marshes. It is naturally nonporous and water resistant, repels mold and mildew, and is extremely easy to clean, making it ideal for the bath. Sea grass has the added benefit of being naturally hypoallergenic—and the soft fibers feel great underfoot!

Related: How To: Choose Carpeting

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A Touch of the Orient

10/13

Oriental rugs are yet another "nontraditional" traditional bathroom floor covering. Today's Oriental rugs are constructed of water- and stain-resistant fibers in a rainbow of colors, styles, and sizes to fit virtually any decorating scheme. Some homeowners actually use antique Orientals in the bathroom, because the dyes intensify and deepen when exposed to water.

Related: How To: Clean a Rug

brianpattersondesigns.com

Mix and Match

11/13

Carpet tiles allow you to personalize any floor by arranging colors, patterns, and textures in numerous combinations. They are durable, easily replaceable, slip resistant, and generally constructed of water-resistant synthetic fibers, making them a good choice for bathrooms. Carpet tile squares come either dry-backed or self-sticking.

Related: 20 Ways to Make a Small Bathroom Big

bilvil. com

Lovely and Luminous

12/13

Emulate a high-end designer look with surprisingly affordable quartz crystal flooring. Clear or colored quartz aggregate is applied using a special epoxy coating that adheres to the subfloor or foundation. The quartz is then sealed with a clear coat, creating extremely durable, water-resistant, and long-lasting flooring that is virtually maintenance-free.

archiexpo.com

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Instead of tiles: 9 alternative bathroom flooring

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09/24/2019

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Pebbles, rubber flooring, PVC tiles - we have found several non-trivial options for finishing the floor in the bathroom.

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1 PVC tile

PVC flooring is a material that combines the qualities of linoleum and laminate. PVC tiles are moisture resistant, easy to install and maintain, economical, durable, and available in different design options.

Instagram @timoshanapol

Bonus: additional heat and sound insulation. PVC tiles are warm, have shock-absorbing properties, fixed dimensions (do not swell, do not shrink).

Minus: lovers of natural finishes and the tactile properties of natural materials are unlikely to appreciate such a floor in the bathroom.

2 Linoleum

The moisture resistance of linoleum allows it to be used in the bathroom. Modern manufacturers offer material that adequately imitates the texture and pattern of wood and stone. Also among the advantages are price, ease of installation and maintenance, depreciation properties.

Bonus: the floor is warm, which means you can save on underfloor heating.

Minus: contact with sharp objects will cause scratches, and it will not be possible to replace the damaged area - only the entire coating.

3 Terrazzo

Terrazzo is a seamless mosaic floor, which is a coating with the addition of stone, glass, pebbles.

Instagram @hut_architecture

Bonus: is one of the trends, looks expensive and spectacular, practical, fits into almost any style.

Minus: the device of such a floor is not the most budget option, and you will have to look for a good master. The coating will turn out cold, a system of warm floors will be required.

4 Cork

Yes, cork can be used in bathrooms. It has many advantages: the material does not absorb moisture, does not rot, has a pronounced natural texture, shock-absorbing properties.

Instagram @cancork

Bonus: cork flooring is warm and will fit into a variety of interior styles.

Minus: not all cork options are suitable for the bathroom. So, the material with a lock connection is not recommended for use in wet areas: moisture can penetrate under the finish, contribute to the appearance of fungus.

5 Laminate

Laminate (even moisture resistant) may not be the most practical choice for wet areas. But if you like frequent changes or make repairs in a temporary apartment, you can consider this option.

Instagram @parketstar.by

Bonus: wood imitation aesthetics, pleasant texture, warm floor, budget.

Minus: high-quality moisture-resistant laminate and its installation will cost a lot. And budget materials will be much less durable.

6 Rubber flooring

Practical, easy to clean, not too traumatic bathroom flooring - rubber.

Instagram @idetremont

Bonus: moisture resistance, abrasion resistance, wide palette will definitely please you.

Minus: It is, of course, difficult to call a natural, environmentally friendly rubber coating. Especially if you turn to the budget material of little-known manufacturers. Aesthetics also remain controversial.

7 Pebbles

Pebble floors are gaining popularity: environmental friendliness, practicality, relative budget, ease of installation make them more and more popular.

Instagram @decor_mosaic_bagration

Bonuses: this floor looks spectacular, fits into many styles, and is not too difficult to maintain. The uniqueness of the coating (each stone is unique!), massage effect.

Minus: the floor will be hard, cold.

8 Concrete

The popularity of industrial motifs has made concrete floors not uncommon, including in bathrooms. The apparent cheapness of the concrete floor is deceptive: in order for it to serve for a long time without deformation, a high-quality mortar, reinforcement, additional topping mixtures with plasticizers or primers will be required. It will not be cheaper than alternative coatings. If this moment is omitted, the concrete in the bathroom will be dusty, cracks and potholes will quickly form on it.

Instagram @studio_92arquitetura

Bonus: original look, easy care, moisture resistance. If desired, concrete can be painted with a special paint.

There are also disadvantages: concrete is cold, hard, its style may not be appropriate in any interior.

9 Natural wood

Eco-friendly material, status look, natural texture - all these are the undoubted advantages of natural wood. Yes, when laying in wet areas, special impregnations or moisture-resistant varnishing will be required, but the interior of a bathroom with a wooden floor will become expensive and expressive.

Instagram @home.sweet_hhome

Bonus: with proper care, the coating will last for decades. And you can always sand it down for a repair effect.

Minus: dense, more moisture-resistant wood species are suitable for the bathroom, which will cost a considerable amount. In addition, the work must be performed by a professional, which is also not cheap.

Material prepared

Ekaterina Boglevskaya

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7 bathroom floor materials

Natalia | 01/26/2016 | Updated | Floor finishing | 90 484 views | 4 comments

Contents of the article

When a bathroom renovation is planned, each of us faces the difficult task of choosing finishing materials, incl. and for the floor. Today, there are a lot of possible options: from traditional tile to wooden or self-leveling floors. It is necessary to proceed, first of all, from the functionality, as well as from the planned design of the bathroom. What materials can be used for finishing the floor in the bathroom?

It should be noted right away that in difficult bathroom conditions, only those materials that are non-slip, easy to clean, hygienic and have a high level of moisture resistance can be used. At the same time, one should not forget about purely decorative qualities.

#1. Ceramic tile

Ceramic tile - is the most popular material, which is used today for flooring in the vast majority of bathrooms. This widespread prevalence is explained by a whole a number of advantages of the tile:

Among the shortcomings of , one can note the fragility of the tiles: if you suddenly drop a heavy object on the floor, then there is a high probability of damaging the coating, and replacing the tiles will require some effort. The tile is considered a cold material, so walking barefoot on it will not be very pleasant, but there is a way out - the arrangement of warm floors.

#2. Linoleum

Many people are quite skeptical about the use of linoleum in the bathroom, and there are weighty arguments for that. But still, if choose the right material and lay it correctly, then serious problems should not arise. Another thing is that not everyone succeeds in fulfilling all the conditions for proper installation, hence the sad experience. If you want to create an interesting interior in the bathroom and have a “warm” coating, you will have to take into account a lot of nuances.

Naturally, not just any linoleum is suitable for a bathroom. It is necessary to use thickened moisture-resistant material with a relief surface so that the linoleum does not slip from moisture on it. It is better to refuse the substrate so that the linoleum is not pressed through and not torn under the influence of heavy objects. It is necessary to cut the material so that there are no seams in the places of possible water ingress, but it is still better to weld the joints additionally. It is better to use waterproof glue, and put the linoleum on the walls a little. If you take into account all these nuances, you can get a reliable and cheap coverage. Otherwise, very soon, under the influence of moisture, the material will begin to mold, and an unpleasant smell will appear in the room.

#3. Natural stone

Natural stone is rarely used for bathroom flooring because it is expensive and often slippery. The advantages of a stone floor include:

It is better to trust the choice and purchase of natural stone to a professional, since each slab of material can differ significantly in color and pattern, even within the same batch. It is the specialist who can successfully combine different tiles in such a way as to create an integral harmonious pattern, as holistic as possible in appearance.

The main disadvantage of of this type of finish is high cost of . Moreover, if the stone includes inclusions of iron, then small areas of rust can form. It is better to check the material right away: take a sample in the store and hold it wrapped in a wet cloth for several days.

No. 4. Self-leveling floor

Self-leveling flooring is one of the most modern solutions for bathroom decoration, which can significantly transform the interior and turn it into an underwater world, a corner of a tropical island, when it comes to 3D floors. In terms of performance, self-leveling floors are an ideal solution for such premises. Among their main advantages of are the following:

But with all the advantages, it is worth noting some features of the self-leveling floor that should be considered when choosing such a coating:

#5. Wooden floor

At first glance, it seems that the use of wood in a room such as a bathroom is generally inappropriate. But if you look into this issue, you can come to the conclusion that , with careful selection of materials, you can organize a wooden floor in the bathroom and enjoy it for a long time. This option has a lot of undeniable advantages :

also has disadvantages.

Excellent teak wood. This is what shipbuilders have been using for hundreds of years. Due to its dense fiber structure, the material becomes moisture-resistant and accumulates heat. In addition, teak has excellent wear-resistant properties, it is resistant to chemicals. The roughness of this type of wood makes the floor non-slip.

Today, thermowood is also often used for bathroom flooring. Such a material is obtained by treating wood with steam at a high temperature, up to 250 0 C, in the absence of oxygen. At the same time, moisture resistance increases significantly, the risk of deformations, the development of fungus or mold is reduced.

In addition, it is better to treat wood with moisture-resistant compounds , and cover the finished floor with several layers of special yacht varnish.

#6. Waterproof laminate

Laminate, like wood, not everyone decides to use in their bathroom. But if you look into the issue, waterproof laminate is not the worst flooring for a bathroom. It is made under strong pressure, the material is well pressed, and the water absorption coefficient is not more than 12%. From above, such a laminate is covered with a moisture-proof layer, and all end parts are treated with wax.

This solution has a lot of advantages:

And yet, even a waterproof laminate cannot compete with ceramic tiles or self-leveling floors in terms of resistance to moisture. Water can get into the gap and accumulate in the voids, so it is better to wipe all puddles and drops from the floor immediately after they hit.

#7. Vinyl flooring

Another good finishing material that works well in the bathroom. This flooring consists of individual multilayer tiles , or may be sold in a roll . The composition includes vinyl, resin, plasticizers and stabilizers; quartz can be used in certain types of coating. Such material has been used for a long time, but if in Soviet times its appearance and quality left much to be desired, today these are reliable and attractive products that allow you to transform the bathroom interior.

vinyl boards consist of several layers, one of which is decorative. With it, you can simulate any surface. On top of the material is covered with two protective layers that prevent abrasion. Depending on the level of wear resistance, vinyl tiles are divided into classes: for the bathroom, it is better to choose the most durable material possible.

  • high strength. Even a heavy and sharp object that has fallen on the floor cannot damage the material;
  • waterproof. The material absolutely does not absorb moisture and does not deteriorate if water accumulates on its surface, but it is better to prevent moisture from entering the seams. That is why they are recommended either to be carefully sealed, or to generally choose a roll rather than a tile material;
  • easy installation and maintenance;
  • It is very comfortable to walk on such a coating, because the material is warm and pleasant to the touch. In addition, it does not slip, which increases your safety;
  • Huge variety of possible colors and textures. Such material can imitate almost any surface: from wood to pebbles, which becomes an advantage when creating an original interior;
  • excellent heat and sound insulation;
  • durability;
  • antistatic.

But even such an ideal, at first glance, coating is not without its drawbacks : When burning, the coating releases toxic substances;

  • if material was used in rolls, then it will be difficult to repair the damage - the entire floor will have to be redone.

    Learn more