Tile floors are common in many modern bathrooms.
Bathrooms are not merely functional spaces, but often luxurious retreats from the day-to-day stresses of life as well. Efficient and elegant bathroom flooring changes an ordinary bath into one that not only expresses the owner's personality but the overall design theme of the home. Floors for bathrooms range from tile to wood; there is no shortage of inspiration available when it comes to choosing decorative flooring for your bathroom.
Tile
Bathroom floor tile is available in a variety of finishes and colors suitable for use in the bathroom. Ceramic tile is primarily made from clay and water. It is baked at a high temperature to form the finished product. The end result is a tile that is then glazed with color to form the design or top layer.
Porcelain tile is generally made from a mixture of clay and water, and tends to have a denser appearance and structure than ceramics because it is fired at higher temperatures. This makes it extremely impervious to water, which is an important consideration for bathrooms. Porcelain, like ceramic, has a top layer of color that can chip or become damaged. Otherwise, the overall appearance is very similar to that of ceramic.
Wood
Wood floors are another option for flooring in bathrooms. While it is often thought that wood and water don't mix, wood flooring can be successfully used in bathrooms. Hard woods are recommended over softer woods that tend to be more absorbent. Good options for a hardwood floor might include: oak, maple, cherry, walnut and hickory. In addition, the application of a polyurethane finish goes a long way to preventing damage to and warping in wood flooring. Polyurethane is a coating applied over the top layer of wood that forms a seal, preventing exposure to water and humidity. While wood provides a warm ambiance in the bathroom, take care to clean up any significant spills or leaks around plumbing fixtures. An innovative way to add to a bath is to combine it with tile flooring in wet areas. The tile flooring provides a water-resistant floor in vulnerable areas of the bath, while the wood flooring adds a sense of texture and nature.
Natural Stone
Consider the use of natural stone for your bathroom floors. Marble, sandstone, travertine and even granite are natural stone options that give a one-of-a-kind look to any bathroom. Make sure that the natural stone used has a slight amount of texture to prevent slipping in the bath. Again, use a combination of natural stone with tile or wood floors to create a bath with functional and beautiful areas. Small tumbled marble tiles may be used to form borders around the edges of otherwise basic tile floors, creating an elegant look for little cost. Polished travertine flooring may be combined with shower wall tile and sink countertop tile for a unified look.
Tags: wood flooring, clay water, made from, natural stone, natural stone, tile flooring