If you’re like most folks, bathroom remodeling probably gets your brain whirling with visions of sparkling tubs, fancy faucets, and oh-so-plush terry cloth towels. But hold on there, buddy! Before you start dreaming about bubble baths and toothbrush holders, let’s talk floors. Your pal here at Chicago General Contractor, your top-notch bathroom remodeling contractor Chicago, is here to help you walk through your bathroom flooring options.
It’s not just about picking the most eye-catching style. There are quite a few things you’re going to need to think about, like durability, water resistance, cost, and maintenance. Yep, flooring isn’t just flooring when it comes to bath-time splash zones.
- Durability: Will your floor choice stand up to water and traffic?
- Water Resistance: Let’s face it, bathroom floors will get wet. Can your choice handle it?
- Cost: What’s the dollar impact?
- Maintenance: How much elbow grease will you have to put into keeping it clean and looking great?
So, keep these points in mind as we explore some awesome bathroom flooring alternatives. Trust us, you’ll thank us later!
Hardwood Flooring
Some might question the use of hardwood in a bathroom. A fair question, given its seeming unsuitability to damp conditions. But you’d be surprised at how it tends to stand up.
Your Bathroom Remodeling Contractor Chicago selection might have already hinted at hardwood’s luxury look and warmth underfoot. And hey, who doesn’t enjoy a little opulence from time to time? However, they’re probably also acutely aware of the higher maintenance this flooring type requires.
Pros:
- Brings a warm, natural aesthetic to the bathroom
- Feels warmer underfoot compared to tile
Cons:
- Requires higher maintenance to prevent water damage
- It’s not the most cost-effective option
If you’re the type to spend your Sundays sanding and sealing instead of lounging and loafing, then perhaps hardwood could be your flooring of choice. Or if you’ve got the cash to shell out on a professional Bathroom Remodeling Contractor Chicago, then by all means.
Tile Flooring
Tile flooring is like that tried-and-true recipe you always seem to fall back on. It never lets you down. It’s been around for ages (just ask the Romans), yet never seems to go out of style. It’s versatile, easy to clean, and has that ‘nip in a chilly winter morning’ feeling underfoot.
Are you the kinda person who spills a lot of water spritzing your indoor ferns? Or perhaps your little tyke has a blast splashing in the tub? Tile is up for the challenge. Its water-resistant nature makes it a safe bet for your bathroom.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Long-lasting and resilient | Can be a bit cold underfoot |
| Easily cleaned and maintained | Slick when wet, so have those bathroom mats handy |
| Wide range of color and pattern options | Can be tricky to install at first |
As a bathroom remodeling contractor in Chicago, we’re here to tell you that tile flooring is a solid choice. So, if you want a reliable, style-savvy partner for your bathroom reno, you just might want to swipe right on tile flooring.
Vinyl Flooring
Thinking about pocket-friendly choices? That’s where a bathroom remodeling contractor Chicago can step in with a good old vinyl flooring option. Not only is it kind on your budget, but boy, is it also fantastic in the wet conditions of a bathroom! That’s more than just a two-for-one deal.
Vinyl flooring, loved by many for its practical benefits, is famous for being incredibly water-resistant. Go on and splash all you want, your floor won’t mind.
- Water Resistance: Vinyl flooring proves to be a knight in shining armor for bathrooms. Water is its best friend.
- Cost-effectiveness: Without a doubt, vinyl flooring has a reputation as a money saver. Your piggy bank will be doing a happy dance.
- Maintenance: If quick and easy cleaning is on your mind, vinyl won’t disappoint. Spill something? No sweat, just swipe it right off.
- Comfort: Vinyl doesn’t get cold like tile, making it a cozy choice. Forget about the morning chills!
Now, you might be thinking, “if it’s so great, then why isn’t everybody using it?” Well my friend, as solid as vinyl appears, it does have a couple of weaknesses. Take a peek below:
- Damage Repairs: If your vinyl gets damaged, you may need to replace the entire floor. Small repairs aren’t really in its vocabulary.
- Lifespan: Compared to other options, vinyl might give up the ghost a little sooner. But hey, aren’t we all here for a good time, not a long time?
Want to know a secret? A top-drawer bathroom remodeling contractor Chicago will guide you in the right direction, turning those vinyl dreams into a reality. They’ll help make your bathroom a space to admire, on a budget that’s really hard to argue with.
Laminate Flooring
If you’re a fan of wood-like flooring but find hardwood too pricey or impractical for the bathroom, then laminate flooring might just be your new best friend. As a bathroom remodeling contractor Chicago trusts, we can tell you that it’s one of the most popular options around, and for good reason. Keep reading to find out why.
Laminate flooring mimics the look of natural hardwood but is significantly more resistant to both water damage and scratches. It’s made up of four layers, a wear layer, a design layer, an inner core, and a backing layer. All these combined make laminate flooring resistant to impacts and stains, as well as moisture.
- Cost-effective: Replacing your flooring isn’t exactly cheap, but laminate gives you style without breaking the bank. Generally, it’s less expensive than most other floorings.
- Easy to install: Laminate flooring typically uses a simple click-lock design. This means you don’t have to be a master builder to get it installed, making it a favorite for DIYers. But, don’t stress if DIY isn’t your thing. We’re here to help.
- Low maintenance: No need for special cleaning solutions or equipment. Regular sweeping or vacuuming followed by a mop will keep it shining.
Yet, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Laminate flooring isn’t perfect. If water seeps into the seams, it can cause the floors to swell or even warp. Once damaged, you can’t sand or refinish laminate flooring like you can with real wood. The only option is to replace it. Don’t let this scare you though. With proper installation and regular sealing, this issue can easily be prevented.
Cork Flooring
So, you’ve heard about cork flooring, right? If not, let’s bring you up to speed. It’s a fantastic flooring option with an eco-friendly stamp of approval. Cheers to keeping it green!
But why should you consider cork for your bathroom? Well, it’s softer under your feet, giving it a cozy feeling. Imagine getting out of the shower and it’s like stepping onto a cloud. Plus, it’s also a natural insulator which helps to keep your feet warm during the chilly winter months.
Cork comes from the bark of the Cork Oak tree, which means no trees are harmed during production. And our Bathroom Remodeling Contractor Chicago says it’s one of the most sustainable choices for bathroom flooring.
- Durability: Cork flooring can handle the day-to-day, no problem. It has a great ability to spring back from impact, which can save your dropped shampoo bottle or phone from damage.
- Insulation: Cork is a pro at keeping heat in – and sound out! So, your bathroom will be toastier and quieter with cork flooring.
- Water Resistance: While not completely waterproof, cork is pretty resilient when it comes to water. Just make sure to clean up standing water promptly to prevent damage, as you would with any other flooring material.
One thing to note, however: cork does require regular sealing to stay in tip-top shape, especially in a bathroom where it deals with moisture daily. So, if you’re not big on maintenance, this may be something to consider.
Bamboo Flooring
Bamboo flooring is a fresh and modern option for your bathroom revamp.
Why choose bamboo, you ask? Well, apart from giving your bathroom a very cool, ‘nature’ vibe, bamboo flooring is often more moisture resistant than hardwood, making it a reasonable candidate for bathroom applications.
- Pros: Bamboo flooring is kind to the environment and is naturally antimicrobial, a nice bonus in a room that combines dampness and bare feet.
- Cons: While bamboo flooring is water-resistant, it’s not fully waterproof – so it’s not exactly swim-lesson-friendly. Frequent exposure to water can discolor this type of flooring and cause it to warp.
Another tick for bamboo is its durability. Provided you’re not going around dropping anvils in your bathroom, your bamboo floor should stand the test of time.
And lastly, let’s talk cash. Is bamboo flooring going to blow your bathroom makeover budget out of the water? Not necessarily. While it may not be the cheapest option, it could be less expensive than some types of hardwood or tile flooring.
So, if you’re looking for a Bathroom Remodeling Contractor in Chicago who isn’t afraid to try something a little different, why not embrace your inner panda and think bamboo for your bathroom remodel? That’s nature-approved flooring!
Marble Flooring
Alright, let’s chat about marble flooring. The high-status symbol among bathroom floors, marble screams luxury. It’s the closest any of us will ever get to feeling like royalty while, uh, doing our royal duties.
Marble oozes elegance that never fades. Its cool surface underfoot, loved by many, seems perfect for those hot summer nights when your home feels like a sauna. But, all that luxury comes with a price. Now, we don’t just mean the cost… after all, we are a Bathroom Remodeling Contractor in Chicago who knows a thing or two about value!
No, insisting on marble for your bathroom means you need to think about maintenance. It’s kind of like owning a super fancy car. Sure, you look like a million bucks cruising around town, but wait until you need to replace a part or two! Marble requires regular sealing to prevent stains and water damage. It’s also prone to scratches and chips. You need to be ready for an ongoing relationship with your bathroom floor, treating it with the care it deserves.
But hey, we get it. Luxury has its price, and if you’re keen for marble, we say go for it! Bathroom floors admire your commitment to opulence. Just remember, as your go-to Bathroom Remodeling Contractor in Chicago, we’ll always be there to make sure your bathroom looks its absolute best, regardless of your flooring choice.
Porcelain Flooring
Hey there, time to talk about porcelain flooring for your bathroom! Want a tile that’s as tough as nails and laughs in the face of water? Predictably, it’s porcelain. Yes exactly, porcelain, the same stuff your fancy dinnerware might be made of.
Turns out the hard, dense nature of porcelain makes it an excellent choice for bathroom flooring. Not only is it super water-resistant, but it also withstands heavy foot traffic like a champ.
- Water Resistance: Folks, porcelain has a less than 0.5% water absorption rate. That’s less than your fav brain freezer. Seriously, it is perfect for a damp place like your bathroom.
- Durability: Remember how I said porcelain was tough? I wasn’t kidding – it’s harder than your grade-school math teacher. This stuff won’t chip or crack easily. Factually, it’s one of the most durable tile options available.
- Maintenance: If you don’t fancy spending your Saturdays scrubbing floors, porcelain might be your new best friend. It is easy to clean and doesn’t need much beyond a simple sweep and mop.
However, every coin has two sides, and porcelain flooring isn’t an exception. It can be a little cold to the touch, so if you’re barefoot a lot, this could be a downer. Also, it could be on the pricier side compared to say, vinyl or laminate. But hey, with the durability and low maintenance it offers, that could be a fair trade.
Stone Flooring
Looking for a pure, sturdy choice that compliments your bathroom remodeling project? How about looking into stone flooring? It’s as authentic as it gets, and is an excellent pick for those seeking a Bathroom Remodeling Contractor Chicago.
Here’s why you just might want to trust Mother Nature with your bathroom floor:
- Durability: Stone itself has been around for millions of years. It’s certainly not going anywhere anytime soon. It’s solid and can handle high traffic and hard use. Slip and fall? Stone floors don’t care.
- Natural Appeal: Stone offers a unique look that’s hard to duplicate. It’s a one-of-a-kind gift from nature. Can’t match that, can you?
- Temperature Adaptive: These floors can stay cool in summer and can retain heat in winter. That’s your year-round comfort sorted.
Naysayers might point to cost and maintenance as pitfalls, But is that really a deal breaker? Let’s dive deeper.
- Cost: Yes, stone flooring costs a bit more upfront. But with its longevity and durability, it’s more of an investment than an expense. Your great-grandchildren could be admiring your taste someday!
- Maintenance: A proper sealant application is vital to guard stone against moisture. With this, and routine cleaning, your stone flooring will keep battling on.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Bathroom Flooring
There are a handful of things you should put on your checklist before you make that final call. Let’s dive into some key factors!
- Durability: It’s all fun and games until your bathroom floor can’t handle the consistent water action. Look for flooring options that can withstand water and humidity. Other than that, they should also be resistant to stains and dents.
- Safety: Nobody wants an unplanned ice skating experience in the bathroom. Your chosen flooring should provide enough grip, even when wet.
- Maintenance: We get it, scrubbing bathroom floors isn’t your idea of a Saturday well spent. Choose an option that requires minimal upkeep.
- Style: Your bathroom shouldn’t have to look like it’s stuck in a time warp. You need to go for flooring types that complement your overall bathroom design. Thankfully, options aren’t limited only to bathroom-specific tiles these days. However, fact-checking this with your Bathroom Remodeling Contractor Chicago is a pretty good idea.
- Comfort: Admit it, a cozy, warm floor on a cold winter morning does sound nice, doesn’t it? Flooring options like cork or even some types of tile can provide a warmer feel underfoot.
- Price: Balancing the checkbook is real. You’d want to consider the cost of the materials and installation charges. Try not to burn a hole in your pocket while shooting for style and durability.
Conclusion
Well folks, it turns out that the world of bathroom floor options is like an all-you-can-eat buffet – there is something for everyone! As a dependable Bathroom Remodeling Contractor in Chicago, we wanted to give you a clear view of the universe of options. Whether it’s the luxurious allure of marble, the practical appeal of tile, or the green goodness of bamboo or cork, there’s a pick for you. Remember, this is your personal space. Tailoring the bathroom to suit your preferences is like compiling the perfect playlist for a long road trip. It’s your journey, make it as enjoyable as you want! As a trustworthy Bathroom Remodeling Contractor in Chicago.