It's not uncommon for homeowners to simply settle with the flooring that's the cheapest when it comes to bathroom remodeling. Too many homeowners see the flooring as just another aesthetic that's required to complete the bathroom space. When you're prepping for a remodel though, you need to give the floor some due thought. A lot of factors come into play when choosing a floor that most don't consider; safety & traction, water absorbency, stain resistance, etc. Here's a look into the different flooring options to consider while you prep for bathroom remodeling in your home.
Carpeting: Carpeting may not seem like the best choice in your bathroom considering the amount of moisture, dripping, spilling water, etc but it comes down to the type of material and how much you're willing to invest. If you purchase carpet that is designed with a water-resistant backing then you don't have to worry about water soaking through to the pad. Likewise, get carpet that is stain-resistant.
Ceramic Tile: The tile used in bathroom flooring is designed a bit differently when compared to ceramic tiles for walls or countertops. While those surfaces are often smooth and glassy, the flooring is designed with a textured surface for safety as well as aesthetics. Coupled with the variance in shapes and color you can get a truly unique floor designed and placed for your bathroom remodeling.
Laminate: Laminate is most often manufactured to resemble wood. It's made of wood fibers and other materials that have been compressed and bonded together into planks. The image of the wood (or other material) is printed on the service. Laminate is fairly durable and an affordable alternative to such flooring material as hard wood. It's also easy to clean which pays off in the bathroom.
Hardwood: Most people love hardwood but they don't love the price tag associated with getting it installed. It may be pricey but it's an investment that's worth it. Not only does it add a lot of value (which pays you back in the end if you sell your home) but no flooring material can help your bathroom remodeling project gain more warmth or comfort. You can even seal it with a no-slip surface to ensure that your bathroom stays safe.
Natural Stone: Natural stone is often cut into large tiles that are placed in various patterns across the floor in the bathroom. It's common for tiles to be cut in 12" squares but they can also come larger. Being natural stone it's highly durable and easy to care for. When properly sealed the floor won't absorb water and the surface is naturally slip-resistant making it a safe option for your bathroom flooring. The only downside here is that natural stone tends to get a little cold on the feet.
Vinyl: vinyl is a popular choice, not only for DJ's around the world but also for the bathroom flooring. It's easy to install and extremely affordable. While budget friendly for most homeowners vinyl does have its limitations. Despite a number of designs and methods for installation it is prone to mildew at the seams and the bonding agent can give way, causing the vinyl to loosen. Even still, it's a good option for a budget strapped homeowner.
In the end, choosing a flooring material doesn't have to be a massive undertaking - it just needs some careful consideration. If you find that you're still stuck, pass the buck to a general contractor and elicit their help in determining which flooring material should be used during your bathroom remodeling project. They can point you to a few solid options that would be perfect for your home.
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Whether you're looking for a contractor to handle your Virginia bathroom remodeling or your basement renovation, we have the experience and the skill to help brings your dream designs to life. Contact a Northern Virginia home improvement contractor today for a free estimate. Paragon Remodeling - 8000 Towers Dr. - Vienna, VA 22182