HGTV Star Breegan Jane's Tips For Choosing Bathroom Flooring
Planning a bathroom remodel requires a good base. While floors may not be the most exciting feature to think about, they're definitely one of the most important. They contribute to the room's aesthetic and protect your subfloor and hidden bathroom mechanisms, such as pipes.
Replacing bathroom floors can also be a major investment. According to Porch, floor replacement can cost between $1,500 and $8,000. What materials you use, the size of the bathroom, and labor costs all factor into the final cost of the floor remodel. Natural stone can vary in price, with slate, granite, and marble being more expensive options. But ceramic tile and vinyl are usually more cost-effective.
Interior designer Breegan Jane loves designing bathrooms because they present unique challenges. "Bathrooms are awesome opportunities to see how great design can both make a stunning statement and enhance utility," Jane writes on her blog. The interior designer has tips for choosing the perfect flooring for your bathroom.
Consider function as much as aesthetic
When looking for bathroom flooring, you may first think about how it will look in the room. While the aesthetic of how the flooring ties the room together is important, it's even more important to consider how the flooring material will function in the space. Breegan Jane explains that surfaces are a priority in any room, especially in a bathroom where they will see a lot of activity. Mist from the shower, puddles from the bathtub, or steam can all lead to excess water and moisture that can cause damage.
Waterproofing your bathroom can prevent any water damage or mold and mildew growth. Porcelain and ceramic tiles provide the necessary water resistance, says Badeloft. If you want the look of hardwood, opt for engineered wood or wood-looking planks rather than natural options. Excess water on the floor can also create a slippery surface, but the right material can help prevent any slips or falls. If you have tile floors, Breegan Jane says grout can help add some traction. The little bit of rough surface will keep your feet from sliding too easily.
Think pattern and color
Your bathroom floors present an opportunity to show off a bit of your style and personality. Tiles with interesting shapes and textures can make your home stand out from the crowd. Breegan Jane loves using round penny tiles and hexagon-shaped tiles for floors in the shower. For a larger surface, such as the flooring outside of the shower, she recommends a chevron pattern with an elegant look.
Playing with color is another way interior designers add personality into a space — but its important to consider longevity. Jane suggests using neutral-colored tiles on the floor, so you can use pops of color as a statement elsewhere in the bathroom, like in wallpaper and paint. These features are easier to change than tile or stone floors. However, that doesn't mean you can't infuse color with your tiles. Terracotta, green, and blue are all tile trends that haven't lost momentum over the last few months. These shades add some color but can be neutral enough to stand the test of time.