Choosing new flooring for your bathroom can be an exciting project. But with so many options to choose from, it can also be overwhelming. Especially when working with a limited budget. Fortunately, there are plenty of great flooring choices that are affordable, attractive and perfectly suited for bathrooms.
Vinyl Plank Flooring
Vinyl plank flooring is one of the most budget-friendly and versatile flooring options for bathrooms. Vinyl planks are made from PVC and designed to mimic the look of pricier materials like wood or stone. The planks click together easily without glue or nails, making DIY installation simple.
Vinyl plank flooring is waterproof, scratch-resistant and easy to clean, making it ideal for moisture-prone areas like bathrooms. The planks are comfortable underfoot and available in a wide array of colors and patterns to suit any style. Best of all, vinyl plank flooring costs just $2-4 per square foot installed. That’s thousands less than comparable options like hardwood or natural stone.
With the right prep work, vinyl plank flooring can often be installed right over existing floors, saving time and money on demo costs. Just make sure the subfloor is smooth and structurally sound first. Overall, vinyl plank flooring combines affordability, durability and stylish good looks in one perfect bathroom flooring solution.
Cork Tiles
For a softer, warmer feel underfoot, cork tile flooring is a wonderful eco-friendly choice for bathrooms. Cork is a renewable resource harvested from the bark of cork oak trees. The tree bark re-grows allowing for sustainable harvesting every 9-12 years.
Cork tile flooring ranges from $3-7 per square foot installed. The tiles are durable, naturally water-resistant and boast sound-dampening qualities. Cork also has anti-microbial properties that inhibit mold, mildew and bacteria growth. This makes it an especially great choice for humid bathroom environments.
Cork comes in a variety of natural tan hues that feel light and airy. The tiles are comfortable on bare feet and easy on joints when standing for long periods. Cork flooring is also remarkably quiet, eliminating annoying creaks and clicks. Just be sure to get pre-finished polyurethane-coated tiles for moisture protection. Overall, cork floor tiles make an eco-friendly, attractive bathroom flooring choice on a budget.
Porcelain Tile
Porcelain is one of the most popular types of ceramic tile flooring due to its resilience, durability and water-resistance. Made from finely pulverized clay, porcelain tile is denser and less porous than regular ceramic tile. This gives it superior stain, scratch and moisture resistance.
Porcelain tile comes in a vast array of styles, colors, shapes and patterns. You can find options to mimic stone, wood or marble for just $3-15 per square foot installed. Since porcelain comes in standard 12″ x 12″ or 16″ x 16″ sizes, it’s fairly easy to DIY as a beginner. Just make sure existing floors are leveled and subfloors reinforced as needed.
For bathroom floors, choose porcelain tiles with decent texture for traction when wet. A PEI rating of 3 or higher indicates sufficient slip-resistance. Just keep in mind that vivid glazed colors tend to show scratches more over time. But for an affordable, durable and design-friendly bathroom floor, porcelain tile can’t be beat.
Sheet Vinyl Flooring
Sheet vinyl is another great economical choice for bathroom floors. Sheet vinyl comes in 6 or 12 foot wide rolls that you can cut to fit the space. The seams are then bonded using adhesive. Installation is relatively easy for DIYers compared to tile. And sheet vinyl starts at just $2-4 per square foot installed.
Made from PVC, sheet vinyl is completely waterproof and a cinch to clean. Seamless designs create the illusion of pricier materials for a fraction of the cost. Just pick an embossed pattern for better traction when wet. Sheet vinyl also absorbs sound and is very comfortable underfoot.
While sheet vinyl is not as durable as porcelain or vinyl plank flooring, it should still last 7-10 years with proper care. Avoid rolling heavy appliances directly over sheet vinyl floors to prevent indentations. Overall, sheet vinyl is an excellent budget bathroom flooring for the style-conscious DIYer.
Painted Concrete
If your bathroom already has bare concrete flooring, painting it is an inexpensive way to give it some pizzazz. This project can be done over a weekend for less than $50 in most cases. Acid-stain concrete dyes also create fun mottled effects at low cost.
Painted or stained concrete has a smooth, sleek appearance that feels cool and modern. Bare concrete is also naturally slip-resistant, making it a practical bathroom flooring choice. Just opt for an epoxy floor paint formulated for concrete and wet areas.
Properly prepped and sealed concrete is highly durable and moisture-tolerant. But cracks, pits, stains and uneven surfaces will still show through painted concrete floors. So the substrate surface should be as pristine as possible prior to painting for best results.
If your existing bathroom concrete floor is in good shape overall, painting it is an easy and affordable way to give it a fresh new look. Expect costs around $2-3 per square foot to paint existing concrete yourself. It’s also a project suitable for novice DIYers willing to put in a little elbow grease.
Frequently Asked Questions About Budget-Friendly Bathroom Flooring
What is the cheapest option for bathroom floors?
The most budget-friendly bathroom flooring options are sheet vinyl and vinyl plank flooring, starting around $2-4 per square foot installed. Painting existing concrete floors also costs just $2-3 per square foot.
What bathroom flooring is best for wet areas?
Waterproof vinyl plank flooring, porcelain tile and sheet vinyl are best for wet bathroom floors. Cork can also work when properly sealed but is not inherently waterproof.
Is LVT or vinyl plank flooring suitable for bathrooms?
Yes, luxury vinyl tile (LVT) or vinyl plank flooring are great for bathrooms. The rigid planks lock together for simple DIY installation. Vinyl plank flooring is 100% waterproof and provides good slip resistance when textured.
Can you use laminate flooring in bathrooms?
Laminate flooring is susceptible to water damage and not recommended for bathrooms. The moisture can cause laminate planks to swell, warp or delaminate. Vinyl plank flooring gives a similar look for much less cost while being waterproof.
Is it OK to install tile over concrete in a bathroom?
Yes, you can install tile over existing concrete bathroom floors. Just make sure the concrete is smooth, structurally sound, clean and well-sealed first. Use a polymer fortified thinset mortar adhesive to give a strong bond.
What kind of tile is best for small bathrooms?
Small bathrooms do best with 12-inch porcelain tiles, or natural stone tiles like slate or travertine. Smaller tile sizes make the space feel larger and more open. Mosaics can overwhelm a tiny bathroom. Focus on light, neutral colors as well in a small bath.
Conclusion
Upgrading your bathroom doesn’t have to drain your wallet. Affordable and attractive flooring options abound. Waterproof sheet vinyl and vinyl plank flooring offer style on a budget. Porcelain tile provides superior durability at moderate cost. Eco-friendly cork tiles add warmth and comfort underfoot. Or give existing concrete floors new life with paint or stain. With a little creativity, you can achieve the bathroom of your dreams on a budget that won’t keep you up at night. Just keep practicality, moisture-resistance and your own lifestyle needs in mind when choosing bathroom flooring. The right floor covering will provide comfort, beauty and lasting performance without breaking the bank.