Choosing the perfect flooring material for your bathroom is a blend of style, comfort, and practicality.
In a country like Bangladesh, where humidity and wet conditions are often the norm, the right floor can significantly influence the room’s longevity and aesthetics.
From cost-effective vinyl to luxurious stone, there’s a myriad of options available.
Whether you’re aiming for an eco-friendly touch with bamboo and cork or the timeless beauty of natural wood, this expert Bangladesh interior designer-curated guide sheds light on the top bathroom flooring materials, their benefits, and key considerations.
Vinyl
Vinyl flooring is a cost-effective choice for bathrooms in Bangladesh. This material, popular in home design, is easy to maintain, resistant to water, and doesn’t stain easily.
It’s best to choose high-quality sheet vinyl instead of stick-on tiles to prevent water leakage.
Vinyl, with its foam or felt backing, is softer and safer, reducing the chance of slipping on wet surfaces.
If you’re skilled in DIY, you can install vinyl flooring by yourself.
However, for larger bathrooms, it’s wise to get expert help to ensure a perfect fit.
Pro tip: When selecting vinyl for your bathroom, go for sheet vinyl to minimise water leakage risks and to offer a more uniform look.
Porcelain
Porcelain tiles are an ideal choice for bathroom interior design since they are waterproof, fashionable, and reasonably priced.
They provide a luxurious and textured feel, similar to stone.
While they share water-resistant properties with vinyl, they have the visual appeal of wood floors.
Porcelain differs from other ceramic tiles in its low water absorption rate, below 0.5-percent.
These tiles come in various sizes and shapes, and their grout can enhance grip, making them less slippery.
For added comfort, you can install heated tiles underneath to combat the natural coldness.
Pro tip: When choosing tiles for bathrooms without bathing facilities, such as half-bathrooms, you can opt for general ceramic tiles to save on costs, while still maintaining style and functionality.
Concrete
For a trendy, simple look in your bathroom, concrete is a top choice. Apart from classic concrete, there are options like coloured and patterned concrete floors for more style.
It needs occasional sealing to prevent stains, but overall, it’s easy to manage. It’s resistant to water and simple to clean, but can become slippery when wet.
Concrete is strong and waterproof but can feel cold and hard.
Think about its benefits and challenges before choosing it for your bathroom.
Pro tip: To avoid slips, consider textured concrete floors that offer better grip, especially when wet.
Cork
Cork is made from tree bark, making it both eco-friendly and renewable. It stands up well against mould and water damage, ideal for bathrooms.
To keep it protected, a special coating like polyurethane is suggested, and resealing it occasionally is essential.
For bathrooms on higher floors, glue-down cork tiles are suitable. However, for lower-level bathrooms, click-in-place boards are recommended.
Though cork is beneficial, installing it can be challenging; so, hiring an expert is wise.
You can also check this article for more details on cork as a floor material.
Pro tip: For better protection against water leakage, opt for unfinished cork tiles and get them finished during installation.
Bamboo
Bamboo flooring is both budget-friendly and good for the environment, made from sustainable sources.
For bathrooms, engineered bamboo is the top choice as it’s strong and perfect for damp areas.
Installation is straightforward, and if any part gets damaged, replacing it is a breeze.
However, like hardwood, cheaper bamboo variants can scratch easily.
Care should be taken, especially when moving items around. Use protectors under furniture to keep the floor pristine.
You can read more about the pros and cons of bamboo flooring here.
Stone
Natural stone offers a luxurious look for bathrooms. Marble, granite, and limestone are popular choices that handle moisture well.
These stones are strong, long-lasting, and boost a home’s resale value. However, they can feel cold and might be slippery.
You can warm up the floor with radiant heating and reduce slipperiness by choosing textured stones like slate.
However, remember, genuine stone floors come at a higher cost.
Pro tip: Consider slate for a naturally textured, less slippery stone option that is both stylish and safer for bathroom flooring. And for more bathroom hacks, check our blog post on bathroom interior tips & tricks.
Engineered wood
Engineered wood flooring excels in areas with high moisture compared to solid wood because of its stable structure.
Its base, made of plywood, resists moisture effectively. Moreover, this flooring gives the genuine appearance of wood since its top layer uses real hardwood.
If you desire a natural wood feel in a bathroom, enhanced wood flooring is an ideal option.
However, be mindful that any wood material can get damaged in bathrooms, even if well-maintained.
Laminate
Laminate flooring can be a great option for bathrooms, even more so than hardwood. This type of flooring has a top layer that’s an image of wood or stone, covered by a clear protective layer.
Some brands even guarantee this top layer to last for decades.
If you ensure that the gaps between the planks are tight, it’s hard for moisture to penetrate.
Cleaning laminate is also quite straightforward.
However, if it does get wet, the wood base can swell, and the only solution is to replace it.
Pro tip: When installing laminate in bathrooms, ensure the edges are sealed tightly to prevent moisture damage.
Top bathroom flooring options – key conclusions
Your bathroom floor is more than just a surface; it sets the tone for the entire space while withstanding the daily wear and tear.
The vast range of materials covered in this guide offers something for every homeowner in Bangladesh, regardless of budget, taste, or specific bathroom needs.
Remember, it’s essential to factor in the unique conditions of your bathroom, like moisture levels and usage frequency, when making a choice.
If you’re considering a redesign or aiming to craft the perfect drawing room interior, contact us!
