How to Choose the Ideal Bathroom Flooring

CHOOSE THE IDEAL BATHROOM FLOORING
Step safely out of the bath with our essential guide to stylish and practical flooring

WHAT ARE THE OPTIONS?

STONE
Although stone, such as slate and marble, tends to be expensive, there's a big choice of styles. It's tough and can be used with underfloor heating, but it needs sealing. Prices start at around 25 per sq m.

PORCELAIN AND CERAMIC
These have the look and feel of stone, but without the natural imperfections and high price tag. They're hard wearing, hygienic and can be used with underfloor heating. Prices start at around 30 per sq m.

WOOD
Real wood is not suitable for bathrooms, but engineered wood flooring, which has a top layer of hardwood, is. It can be used with underfloor heating, but do check. Prices start at around 40 per sq m.

LAMINATE
Laminates give you the look of wood or stone, but not all are suitable for bathrooms or for underfloor heating, so check before buying. It costs from around 10 per sq m.

VINYL
Vinyl flooring can replicate the look of wood or stone but is quieter and warmer underfoot. It's also hard wearing, inexpensive, quick to fit and can be used with carbon-film underfloor heating. Vinyl costs from around 10 per sq m.

RUBBER
Flexible, warm and soft, rubber flooring comes in lots of colours. It absorbs noise and is slip resistant and hygienic. It can usually be used with underfloor heating, but check with your supplier. Prices start at around 40 per sq m.

GLASS MOSAICS
These can improve slip resistance because of all the grout lines, and can be used with underfloor heating. Ensure you use a grout suitable for the subfloor (the floor the flooring is laid on). Prices start at around 100 per sq m.

FLOORING KNOW-HOW

Calculate how much flooring you need by multiplying the length of the room by the width to get the number of sq m. Add 15cm to each measurement for wastage.

Before fitting check that the subfloor is smooth, clean, dry and level. If it's not level, your flooring fitter or supplier should be able to offer a suitable solution.

Natural stone should be sealed before or after fitting, depending on the type of stone. Sealant, available from DIY stores and stone-flooring retailers, is a liquid that you paint or wipe on to repel moisture and marks. You'll then need to maintain it with monthly treatment.

For a perfect finish flooring should be fitted by a professional, unless you're an expert DIYer. Your retailer should arrange this or put you in touch with a fitter.

With rubber flooring you need to apply a suitable matte or gloss polish to the surface after the floor has been fitted and then periodically strip and re-polish to keep it looking its best.

GOOD TO KNOW

Some flooring has an R rating to show its slip resistance. Look out for at least R10 when buying bathroom flooring. Ask the flooring retailer about this.

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