Forget Basic Bathroom Tiles: This Sleek, Low-Maintenance Trend Is Taking Over

Looking for new bathroom flooring can be a difficult task. Tile may seem like the easiest choice, but with its complex and expensive installation process, susceptibility to leaks, and frustrating-to-clean grout, it is far from perfect. Luckily, there are ideas for bathroom flooring that you probably haven't seen before, including a new trend in bathroom design that offers both aesthetic and practical benefits that will make you want to ditch tile. If you are looking to upgrade your bathroom flooring for a fresh look and easier maintenance, then switching to resin flooring could be the right move for you.

Resin is a durable synthetic compound that has properties that make it ideal for bathrooms. There are multiple types of resin that can be used for flooring, and they are waterproof, water-repellent, and resistant to the high humidity of a bathroom. The smooth surface also makes resin mold-resistant, unlike the porous tile grout, which is susceptible to mold growth. Additionally, resin flooring is easy to clean. There is no grout for things to get caught in, so you can easily maintain the seamless surface by wiping it with a cloth or mopping with some gentle soap after sweeping.

Although it is low-maintenance, resin flooring does not look low-effort. You get to choose the color and finish of your resin flooring, and the possible colors don't end with shades of black and white. Greens, reds, and warm neutrals are all available, so you can add character to a bland bathroom or opt for a style that can adapt with your bathroom for decades. 

If this sleek yet effortless flooring appeals to you, then the next step is to learn about the cost. Typically, epoxy flooring costs between $4 and $10 per square foot. A full bathroom is usually around 40 square feet, putting your total cost between $160 and $400. For a half bathroom, which is often about 20 square feet or less, your total cost could be under $80 or up to $200. You could try to save money by installing the floor yourself, but the installation requires more planning and precision than most people expect due to the necessity of properly preparing the surface that the resin will be applied to and ensuring that the mixture is correct. Getting either of these wrong can leave you with floors that are unsightly, do not last long, or do not set at all, so it is best to hire a professional. Plus, even with a professional installation, the total cost could be lower than the cost of tiling a bathroom, whether you DIY it or hire a professional.

One final thing to keep in mind before switching to resin flooring in the bathroom is the changes that may occur over time. Some types of resin will fade or yellow from sun exposure, and the floor may also develop cracks and dings due to regular wear and tear in the bathroom. Despite this, resin floors are considered highly durable, and if you are thoughtful when choosing your resin, have it installed professionally, and care for it, it can last for about 25 years, making it a solid investment.