Everything you need to know about flooring for bathrooms

Is vinyl or laminate better for a bathroom?  

The most common flooring options for a bathroom are typically vinyl or laminate.

When comparing laminate and vinyl, many of their qualities overlap, which makes sense as they’re both suitable for bathroom use.

Whilst at a glance, laminate and vinyl flooring look similar, the difference lies in the textured surface.

Laminate flooring will typically mimic hand-scraped materials, such as hardwood, stone and ceramic more closely, whereas vinyl has a smooth finish so this depends on your personal preference. 

But when it comes to choosing between the two, I’ve put them side by side so you can see which would suit your home best.

Laminate

Renowned for its budget-friendly price tag and easy-to-care-for nature, laminate is available in a variety of wood-effect finishes so you can get the look you love in a room that’s typically off-limits.

This water-resistant floor is as easy to maintain as it is to install with its locking system.

What’s more all of our laminate ranges are sustainably sourced and locally manufactured. 

I’ve hand-picked some of my favourites to help you with your search.

Vinyl

I'd certainly recommend this household favourite due to its versatility and affordability. Plus, vinyls water-resistant and cushioned nature make it the perfect solution for bathrooms and hallways. 

For a contemporary look opt for our Gemstone Topaz Vinyl with a subtle two-tone wooden effect or, if you’re feeling a funky refresh, our Gemstone Garnet Vinyl will add a playful edge to your bathroom thanks to its mosaic patterns. 

LVT

If you require something a little more durable, our luxury vinyl tiles, or LVT for short, may be the one for you..  

One of the key differences between vinyl and LVT is the way they’re made – vinyl comes in rolls, whereas LVT comes in packs and how they’re fitted.

Whilst LVT comes with integrated underlay, it requires a perfectly even surface to be laid on, vinyl is a lot more forgiving though needs a ply base.

Choosing between the above three options is all based on personal preference, as well as the condition of your current bathroom floor. 

Is a vinyl floor good for a bathroom?

As I’ve already reinforced, a vinyl floor is good for use in bathrooms mainly because it’s one of the best waterproof floors making it extremely easy to mop up any splashes that are inevitable from the bath or shower.

A wonderfully low maintenance option for a busy home, so that’s one less thing for you to worry about.

Vinyl also has a lot of other great things going for it: it’s durable, fuss-free, easy to maintain, and offers warmth and comfort underfoot.

Looking for some bathroom flooring ideas? There are also plenty of pattern options for you to pick from, including herringbone, funky geometric prints and the look of modern marble.

So you can enjoy the best of both worlds with style and practicality.  

What to consider with a vinyl floor for a bathroom

The main thing to consider with vinyl flooring is that it’s essential; to have a perfectly flat and even surface for the best results.

It’s also important to consider the colourway and pattern you’re going for, as with any floor, as it’s an investment you want to ensure you pick a colour and style you’re going to love for years to come.

Another consideration of vinyl is that it is easier to dent than carpet or hard floors such as laminate.