Mateusz Watt 
If you’re installing a new bathroom floor, you’ll want to start by deciding what type of flooring you’d like. You can choose from a variety of materials, including natural stone, ceramic tile, or hardwood. For the subfloor, you’ll want to use 3/4-inch AC tongue-and-groove plywood, which is usually the same thickness as the top layer of flooring. Plywood consists of layers of wood bonded together by an adhesive. The materials used for the adhesive depend on the purpose of the plywood, but it’s usually a resin or soybean protein.
Whether you prefer a soft surface or a slippery surface, porcelain or ceramic tile is an excellent option for the bathroom floor. Although they are relatively cold to the touch, ceramic and porcelain tile are also receptive to radiant heating. This means that you can enjoy the warmth of a heated bathroom floor without spending a fortune on re-sealing. However, you should consider that a hard surface like porcelain or ceramic tile can be slippery, so it’s advisable to choose a textured surface to increase traction.
Natural stone tile is another popular choice for the bathroom floor. This material comes in a variety of colors and textures and has a natural waterproof quality. It is also an attractive option and offers a luxury feel, but it can be porous and requires a regular maintenance routine. It’s also available in tiles, planks, and mosaics that have mesh backing.
Another option is concrete. Most bathrooms already have concrete underneath. This type of flooring can be patched, polished, or finished. Costing between $2 and $3 per square foot, concrete is a great choice for bathrooms. However, concrete is cold and hard to the touch and can be slippery if it’s finished with a smooth surface. Thankfully, there are concrete finishers who can leave a little bit of texture to add some traction.
Bathroom floors are susceptible to water damage if they are not properly maintained. Some common signs of water damage include cracked grout, worn sealants, loose or lifted tiles, and dripping faucets. If you notice any of these problems, you should immediately repair the floor. You don’t want to spend money on a bathroom that will be neglected.
If you’re a do-it-yourself type, tiling the floor can be an enjoyable DIY project. You can use ceramic tile, as this is much easier to cut than porcelain tile. Start by laying out four tiles in the center of the room and working your way outward. Then, apply the adhesive in small sections, so that it doesn’t dry out too quickly. After you’ve finished, you can clean the tiles with warm water and mild detergent.
In recent years, natural materials have gained popularity as bathroom flooring ideas. One popular material is lino, which is soft underfoot and moisture-resistant. It can also be used with underfloor heating, which makes it a great option for bathrooms. However, it’s important to remember that lino is easily scratched, and it’s not recommended for homes with small children or those with shoes.
