Bathroom Floors: Flushing out the options

Published by: Elizabeth Gormley
Published on: 2010-01-10 15:26:13

When choosing a bathroom floor you must consider the source. Flooring that works in one room may not work in another. The bathroom is a sensitive area -- maybe the most important, albeit the smallest room in the house. Picking out a bathroom floor that’s durable, practical and easily cleaned, while maintaining style, may seem impossible. Thanks to technology, decorating innovators have created bathroom floor options way beyond boring tile, wood that stains, and icky carpet.
    Cork is a low-maintenance choice and is good for homes with children or the elderly because of its excellent traction. Cork acts as a natural insulator, so trips to the bathroom in the middle of a winter night won’t be freezing on your bare feet. Cork is usually laid in a handsome parquet pattern. It is soft but it does not rot. It also absorbs noise and cleans easily.
    Wood floors are handsome in most areas of the house but are generally impractical in the bathroom. If you wish to have hardwood bathroom floors, you will need to apply two extra coats of polyurethane and reseal the floor annually to keep the wood from acquiring water stains. It is necessary to seal any gaps in the wood with wood putty, and reapply as needed. With the proper care, it is possible to maintain a healthy, happy hardwood bathroom floor. If the look of hardwood is appealing, but the extra work is not, you might consider bamboo. Bamboo is easier on the wallet and is naturally moisture-, mildew-, bacteria- and mold-resistant without the lamination. Bamboo is all-natural, considered one of the “greenest” bathroom floor options.
    Another eco-friendly choice is glass tile, made of recycled jars and bottles. Style meets durability, and comes in just about any color. Be creative with your designs. Go bright in your young one’s bathroom, while expressing yourself in your own. With glass tile, one might choose textured or sandblasted pieces for traction, particularly in homes with children or the elderly.
    Marble and granite are natural stones, and the ultimate in bathroom floor extravagance. Both need special care. In general, everyday cleaners cannot be used on marble and granite because they etch and dull the material. Water and non-abrasive cloth work for routine clean up, with specified cleaners needed for thorough jobs. Contact the manufacturer to be sure of what you can use. Marble and granite may not be ideal for homes with children, as most everyday products with their acid content can cause irreversible damage. A spill could be disastrous. If you have little ones and still want marble or granite floors, it might be wise to keep it to the master bath.
    These modern choices in flooring range from reasonable to extravagant, yet all can help create your dream bathroom. The bathroom may be small, but it’s important. Don’t let functionality override creativity. Be practical and expressive with your bathroom floors.

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