Consider these floorings if you are thinking to remodel your bathroom
Bathrooms are humid, generally hot and wet places. Such a place needs a flooring which has the ability to withstand high temperature variations, humidity, wetness and other similar traits, that are present in a bathroom. Most people go for appearance, visual style and looks while considering the flooring options for bathroom, which should not be the case. Such floorings may become degraded with time and usage and may cause problems in the long run. In extreme cases, it may even be required to replace the flooring again. So, you need to understand the importance of the perfect flooring for your bathroom. There are literally thousands of different options available in the market, which make your head spin and it becomes very difficult to choose the one flooring that will best suit your needs. It is extremely important to consider all the weather conditions and other factors; such as the existence of small children or elderly people in the family. In such cases, the flooring should be of such a material which does not get slippery in the bathroom conditions. Otherwise, it can become too much big of a risk and can cause some serious injuries or incidents.
There are many options currently available in the market, which range from tiles and wood to laminate and vinyl. This article explains in detail regarding different options which can be used as flooring options in the bathroom. This will ease your mind off the load of thinking which flooring to choose and will narrow your options down.
Read the complete article to learn more!
Tile
“Ceramic tile is the product we use the most of in bathrooms,” says Sara Ann Busby, president-elect of the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) and owner of Sara Busby Designs in Elk Rapids, Mich. There are reasons it’s the frontrunner when it comes to bathroom floors. In terms of water-resistance, ceramic leads the pack. It’s available in a range of prices and can be arranged in a plethora of patterns, which adds to a bathroom’s customized look. Even objections to ceramic like it’s cold underfoot, slippery when wet and difficult to maintain are easily overcome.
For example, in-floor heat can put a permanent end to cold feet. Electric in-floor heating, also known as radiant heat, is most commonly used in bathroom remodels. A thin mat is installed on the sub floor, which is then covered in self-leveling cement. “What’s neat with the electric system is you don’t have to do the whole bathroom. You can do the area right in front of the vanity where you stand in the morning or right in front of the shower,” Sara Ann says. Tiles with a textured surface help keep floors from being slippery underfoot, and grout can be sealed for ease of cleaning.
Wood
Hardwood flooring, with its visual warmth and comfort underfoot, can be a wonderful option for a bath, so long as it’s cared for properly. Once a wood surface is sealed with a water-based poly finish, it’s impervious to the occasional splash and drip; however, water that sits on the floor for any length of time can do serious damage. Wet towels must be kept off the floor, and Sara Ann suggests running a warm waterline to the toilet and insulating the fixture to prevent it from sweating on the floors.
Seeing Green
Bamboo and cork, both “green” flooring options for the bathroom, are very similar to wood in terms of care. Bamboo flooring provides the look of wood, although it is made from bamboo grass, a rapid-renewable resource. If bamboo is selected for its eco-friendly qualities, make sure the factory finish is formaldehyde-free. In a room filled with hard surfaces, cork can provide wonderful sound control; it’s something to consider if the goal of the remodel is to create a quiet retreat.
Author: Sara Ann Busby
Link to the original post:
http://www.hgtv.com/design/rooms/bathrooms/flooring-that-stands-up-to-bathroom-wear
