Not all bathroom floors are built to deal with steam, splashes, and daily wear.
And with so many materials out there claiming to be “waterproof” or “durable,” it’s tough to know what’ll hold up – and what might be a mistake six months in.
We’ll break down the best flooring for bathrooms: what works, what to watch out for, and how to choose the right fit for your space.
Our Top 3 Picks
1. Porcelain Tile
Porcelain tile stands out as a premium choice for bathroom floors. It’s made from highly refined clay and fired at intense temperatures, which makes it dense, hard, and incredibly water-resistant.
With a water absorption rate below 0.5%, it holds up extremely well in bathrooms, especially high-use ones.
It also offers a polished, sophisticated look and is available in a wide range of colors, patterns, and textures – including finishes that mimic wood, stone, or concrete.
It’s a reliable choice for anyone who wants performance and style in equal measure.
Features:
- Water absorption rate ≤ 0.5%
- Can mimic wood, stone, or marble
- Suitable for floors and walls
Pros:
- Excellent water resistance
- Long-lasting and scratch-resistant
- Wide variety of colors, sizes, and finishes
Cons:
- Can be slippery when wet (choose matte/textured)
- Heavier and harder to cut/install
- Higher cost and usually requires pro installation
2. Ceramic Tile
Ceramic tile shares many of the same visual benefits as porcelain but comes at a lower cost and is slightly easier to work with.
It’s made from coarser clay and fired at a lower temperature, making it more porous and less dense than porcelain, but still water-resistant enough for most bathrooms.
Thanks to its affordability and design flexibility, ceramic tile is a go-to choice for homeowners looking to balance cost with style.
Just keep in mind that it’s a little more vulnerable to cracking under impact and may require more frequent replacements in high-traffic areas.
Features:
- Made from coarser clay
- More porous than porcelain
- Typically indoor-use only
Pros:
- Budget-friendly
- Easy to cut for DIY projects
- Available in intricate and classic designs
Cons:
- Less water-resistant than porcelain
- Can chip or crack more easily
- Still feels cold/hard underfoot
3. Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT)
LVT is a top contender for bathrooms due to its perfect blend of waterproofing, comfort, and style.
It’s made from layered synthetic materials and topped with a high-resolution image layer that mimics hardwood, stone, or tile, followed by a durable wear layer.
It’s softer and warmer underfoot than ceramic or porcelain, and the click-lock installation makes it great for quick bathroom renovations.
LVT is fully waterproof, making it a great match for humid or wet environments.
Features:
- Waterproof layered construction
- Click-lock or glue-down installation
- Compatible with radiant heating
Pros:
- 100% waterproof
- Comfortable and cushioned feel
- Stylish variety (wood-look, stone-look, etc.)
- Easier DIY installation
Cons:
- Can dent under heavy objects
- Slippery when wet without mats
- Synthetic material with some environmental impact
4. Vinyl Sheet Flooring
Vinyl sheet flooring is a single, seamless roll of material that offers fantastic water resistance, making it one of the most practical options for bathrooms.
Because it has very few seams (especially in smaller rooms), there’s less risk of water getting beneath the surface.
It’s also softer and warmer than tile and easy to maintain.
While it may not have quite the same high-end look as tile or luxury vinyl, it’s affordable and especially suited for large bathrooms where minimizing seams matters most.
Features:
- Large, continuous sheets
- Requires smooth subfloor
- Comes in many designs
Pros:
- Few seams = excellent water resistance
- Comfortable and warmer than tile
- Budget-friendly for large areas
Cons:
- Professional installation recommended
- Difficult to repair individual sections
- Can curl or bubble if not installed properly
5. Waterproof Laminate Flooring
Waterproof laminate has improved significantly in recent years.
Designed to mimic wood or tile, this material features a water-resistant core and sealed joints to offer better moisture protection than traditional laminate.
However, it’s still not fully waterproof. While it’s great for half-baths or powder rooms, it might not hold up as well in a full bathroom with frequent standing water.
It’s easy to install and comfortable underfoot but does require more attention to spills.
Features:
- Sealed joints and water-resistant core
- Floating floor installation
Pros:
- Affordable wood-look option
- Easy installation
- Warmer than tile
Cons:
- Not fully waterproof
- Risk of warping at seams if water seeps in
- Shorter lifespan in high-moisture environments
6. Natural Stone (Marble, Slate, etc.)
Natural stone adds a luxurious, high-end feel to bathrooms, but it comes with extra care and cost.
Materials like marble, slate, and granite are visually stunning and long-lasting when properly sealed, but they’re naturally porous and require ongoing maintenance.
Stone is cold and hard underfoot, so it’s often paired with radiant heating. Choose a honed or textured finish over polished surfaces to reduce slipperiness.
If you’re going for timeless elegance and are prepared to invest in sealing and upkeep, natural stone can be a showstopper.
Features:
- Requires sealing
- Each stone is unique
- Cold underfoot unless heated
Pros:
- Luxurious, high-end look
- Durable and long-lasting
- Can boost home value
Cons:
- Expensive to buy and install
- Needs regular sealing and upkeep
- Slippery when polished
7. Cork Flooring
Cork flooring is made from the bark of cork oak trees and brings sustainability, comfort, and natural resistance to mold and mildew into your bathroom.
It’s soft, warm, and offers great sound insulation, making it a cozy option for a bathroom upgrade.
But it’s not without its caveats. Cork isn’t waterproof unless properly sealed, and even then, it’s better for low-splash areas or bathrooms with good ventilation.
You’ll need to reseal it periodically, and it’s more vulnerable to dents from furniture or sharp objects.
Features:
- Natural material from cork oak
- Available in tiles or planks
- Glue-down recommended for bathrooms
Pros:
- Warm, cushioned feel
- Eco-friendly and renewable
- Naturally antimicrobial
Cons:
- Needs sealing to resist water
- Limited design options
- Prone to dents or scratches
Comparison: Best Flooring for Bathrooms
| Flooring Type | Waterproof | Durable | Slip-Resistant | Comfortable | Low Maintenance | DIY-Friendly | Budget-Friendly |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Porcelain Tile | ✔️ | ✔️ | ❌ (unless textured) | ❌ | ✔️ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Ceramic Tile | ✔️ | ❌ | ✔️ | ❌ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| LVT | ✔️ | ✔️ | ❌ (needs mats) | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Vinyl Sheet | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ❌ | ✔️ |
| Waterproof Laminate | ❌ | ✔️ | ✔️ (if textured) | ✔️ | ❌ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Natural Stone | ❌ (needs sealing) | ✔️ | ❌ (if polished) | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Cork (Sealed) | ❌ | ❌ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
What to Avoid in Bathroom Flooring (& Why)
Some materials just aren’t made for the moisture, heat, and wear that bathrooms dish out.
Here’s what to steer clear of – and why:
| Flooring Type | Why Avoid It |
|---|---|
| Carpet | Traps moisture, encourages mold and bacteria, hard to clean |
| Solid Hardwood | Warps, rots, or cracks when exposed to moisture |
| Traditional Laminate | Not fully waterproof. Seams can swell and buckle from spills or steam |
| Unsealed Stone | Absorbs water easily; prone to staining, mildew, and breakdown |
| Polished Tiles | Extremely slippery when wet; a major safety concern |
| Floating Cork (Unsealed) | Can absorb water through joints; risk of swelling or damage |
| Small Mosaic Tiles | Tons of grout lines = more maintenance and higher risk of mold growth |
If a flooring type can’t handle water, gets dangerously slippery, or adds too much maintenance, it’s not worth the risk.
Stick with flooring that’s either waterproof or sealable, and always choose slip-resistant finishes for safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use radiant floor heating with all bathroom flooring types?
Not all flooring works well with radiant heat. Porcelain, ceramic, LVT, and natural stone are great conductors. Avoid traditional laminate or unsealed cork, which can warp or degrade.
How long does bathroom flooring typically last?
It depends on the material and moisture exposure. Porcelain and stone can last 20+ years with proper care. LVT and vinyl sheet often last 10–15 years. Laminate and cork tend to wear out sooner in wet areas.
What’s the best flooring for a small bathroom?
Vinyl sheet or LVT is ideal – they’re waterproof, visually open up tight spaces, and reduce the number of seams. Porcelain tile works too, but installation in small areas can be trickier.
Can bathroom flooring go under the toilet and vanity?
Yes, and in most cases, it should. Installing flooring under fixtures creates a cleaner look and better moisture protection. Just make sure it’s sealed properly around the base.
Conclusion
When it comes to the best flooring for bathrooms, there’s no magic one-size-fits-all answer.
Porcelain tile is tough and waterproof, LVT is warm and practical, and vinyl sheet keeps things simple and sealed.
Some options feel better underfoot, some last longer, and some just look really good. But each comes with tradeoffs depending on how your bathroom gets used.
If you’re not quite sure what’s right for your space, that’s exactly what our team is here for. Book a free in-home appointment and we’ll help you compare samples, weigh options, and figure out what makes sense for your bathroom.
