What is the best flooring for a bathroom in 2024?

The best flooring for a bathroom in 2024 combines aesthetics, durability, and functionality. With modern advancements in materials and design, bathroom flooring options have evolved to offer more styles, durability, and moisture resistance than ever before. Here’s a rundown of the top flooring choices for 2024:

1. Porcelain or Ceramic Tile

• Why it’s great: Tile remains one of the top choices for bathroom floors because of its water resistance, durability, and variety of styles. Porcelain and ceramic tiles are highly versatile and come in a wide range of finishes, colors, and patterns, allowing you to create a bathroom look that suits your personal style.
• Design Trends: In 2024, large-format tiles and mosaic patterns are trending, including natural stone looks like marble or slate.
• Pros:
  • Waterproof and easy to clean
  • Variety of colors, sizes, and patterns (including wood-look, marble, and geometric designs)
  • Durable and long-lasting
  • Scratch and stain-resistant
• Cons:
  • Cold and hard underfoot (especially in colder climates, a heated floor can be added)
  • Requires grout, which can be harder to maintain

2. Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)

• Why it’s great: Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring is growing in popularity for bathrooms in 2024 due to its waterproof properties, comfort, and affordable price point. LVP mimics the appearance of hardwood or stone but offers much better moisture resistance. It's a perfect balance between style and practicality.
• Design Trends: Wood-look LVP continues to be a top choice, as it adds warmth to bathrooms while being completely water-resistant. Stone-look vinyl is also popular, offering the elegance of natural stone at a fraction of the price.
• Pros:
  • Completely waterproof
  • Soft and warm underfoot
  • Easier to install (can be DIY)
  • Available in a wide variety of styles (including wood, tile, and stone looks)
  • Durable and scratch-resistant
• Cons:
  • May not have the same premium feel as natural materials
  • Can dent or scratch with heavy use, though high-quality options are more resistant

3. Natural Stone (Marble, Travertine, Slate, etc.)

• Why it’s great: For a luxurious and timeless look, natural stone like marble, travertine, and slate remains a top choice for high-end bathroom designs in 2024. Stone offers a sophisticated, organic aesthetic and pairs well with modern or traditional bathroom styles.
• Design Trends: Marble-look tiles and travertine are especially popular. Textured finishes, such as honed or tumbled stone, are being used more frequently for a natural, earthy appearance.
• Pros:
  • Unique patterns and natural beauty
  • Durable and long-lasting
  • Increases the value of your home
• Cons:
  • Can be expensive
  • Porous, so it requires sealing to prevent stains and water absorption
  • Requires maintenance, especially in high-moisture areas like the bathroom

4. Waterproof Laminate

• Why it’s great: Waterproof laminate is an affordable, stylish alternative to hardwood flooring, making it one of the best flooring options for budget-conscious homeowners in 2024. It offers the look of wood but with superior moisture resistance compared to traditional laminate.
• Design Trends: Wood-look laminates are very popular, especially those that mimic oak, walnut, or hickory finishes. In addition, dark stains or textured finishes are on the rise for a more sophisticated, contemporary vibe.
• Pros:
  • Waterproof and easy to clean
  • Available in wood, stone, and tile patterns
  • Easy to install (click-lock system for DIY)
  • Budget-friendly
• Cons:
  • Not as durable as tiles or natural stone
  • Can scratch or dent more easily
  • The feel underfoot is not as high-end as stone or tile

5. Cork Flooring

• Why it’s great: Cork flooring is making a comeback in bathrooms due to its eco-friendliness, softness, and sustainability. Cork is naturally antimicrobial, making it a good choice for moisture-prone spaces like bathrooms.
• Design Trends: Natural, eco-friendly design continues to rise in popularity, and cork's neutral tones, including light beige and gray, are great for creating a calm, organic feel in the bathroom.
• Pros:
  • Naturally resistant to mold and mildew
  • Soft and comfortable underfoot
  • Sustainable and eco-friendly
  • Insulating, both for sound and temperature
• Cons:
  • Requires regular sealing to keep moisture out
  • Can dent or scratch more easily
  • Not as common or widely available as other options

6. Concrete Flooring

• Why it’s great: Polished concrete floors are gaining popularity in modern and industrial bathrooms, offering a sleek and contemporary look. They’re extremely durable and, when sealed properly, are highly water-resistant.
• Design Trends: Concrete is popular in minimalist, industrial, and modern designs, with polished and matte finishes being the most common. Adding colorful pigments to the concrete or creating a unique texture is also gaining traction in 2024.
• Pros:
  • Durable and long-lasting
  • Low-maintenance once sealed
  • Modern, industrial look
  • Can be customized with color and texture
• Cons:
  • Can feel cold and hard underfoot
  • Requires professional installation and sealing
  • Prone to cracking over time if not properly installed or maintained

7. Terrazzo

• Why it’s great: Terrazzo is experiencing a resurgence in popularity for bathrooms in 2024 due to its unique, artistic appeal. Made from chips of marble, glass, or other aggregates embedded in a cement or resin base, terrazzo offers an eye-catching, one-of-a-kind look.
• Design Trends: Terrazzo is being used in both flooring and wall treatments, with vibrant colors and bold patterns gaining popularity in bathrooms, especially in modern or eclectic designs.
• Pros:
  • Durable and long-lasting
  • Customizable with a wide range of color and material options
  • Unique, statement-making aesthetic
• Cons:
  • Expensive and requires professional installation
  • Can be slippery when wet, so use non-slip treatments

8. Engineered Wood

• Why it’s great: For those who love the look of hardwood but want something more resistant to moisture, engineered wood is a great alternative. This flooring consists of a thin veneer of real wood over a moisture-resistant core, making it much better suited to bathrooms than traditional hardwood.
• Design Trends: Wood-look engineered flooring in gray, light oak, or dark walnut finishes is popular for its warmth and natural aesthetic.
• Pros:
  • More water-resistant than traditional hardwood
  • Soft and warm underfoot
  • Timeless and versatile
• Cons:
  • Still more vulnerable to water damage than options like tile or vinyl
  • Expensive compared to some other options

Choosing the Best Bathroom Flooring in 2024: Key Considerations

• Moisture Resistance: Bathrooms are high-moisture areas, so the flooring needs to be water-resistant or waterproof. Tiles, luxury vinyl, and concrete excel in this category.
• Comfort and Safety: Softer options like cork, luxury vinyl, and engineered wood offer comfort underfoot, while textured tiles or slip-resistant vinyl ensure safety in wet conditions.
• Style: Consider your bathroom style—if you want a luxurious, timeless look, marble or natural stone is ideal. For modern or industrial spaces, polished concrete or terrazzo might be the way to go.
• Budget: If you're on a budget, LVP, ceramic tile, or waterproof laminate provide great options at a lower cost.
• Durability: For long-lasting results, opt for porcelain, ceramic, or natural stone tiles. Luxury vinyl and engineered wood are also durable but may not last as long as stone or tile in high-moisture areas.

By considering these factors, you can select a bathroom flooring option that matches your style, budget, and practical needs for 2024 and beyond.