5 Blunders in Bathroom Flooring Choices that Will Ruin Aesthetics and Transform Usage into a Nightmare
When it comes to revamping your home, the bathroom is often an underrated gem that deserves some TLC. Sure, we put in plenty of time curating our kitchens and bedrooms, but what about the bathroom flooring? You might have pinned some stylish bathroom flooring ideas, but do you really understand their real-world implications?
Our design experts have compiled a list of the top five blunders they frequently encounter when it comes to bathroom flooring. Below, we've demystified these common pitfalls to help keep you on track for a bathroom makeover that's stylish, functional, and safe.
1. Forgetting to Seal Your Flooring
"Skimping on the sealant is a major mistake," warns Jason Cherrington, director of Lapicida. Properly sealing your bathroom flooring is crucial because "all natural materials are vulnerable to moisture," he explains.
Why does this matter? Neglecting to seal your bathroom floor can lead to a host of headaches, including mold, mildew, structural damage, and color alterations. To avoid these issues, utilize high-quality, waterproof sealants on both grout lines and porous surfaces. Additionally, ensure seams and edges are caulked with mold-resistant, waterproof caulk. Says head of West One Bathrooms, Louise Ashdown, "Never compromise when it comes to sealing your bathroom flooring."
2. Snubbing Underfloor Heating
If you're still on the fence about installing underfloor heating in your bathroom, our experts urge you to consider this luxurious, yet functional upgrade. Morning showers will never feel the same when you step onto a lightly warmed floor, especially during the colder months.
As Barrie Cutchie, from BC Designs puts it, "Having underfloor heating in your bathroom is like having a warm hug every morning."
3. Overlooking Slip Rating
With so much to consider when choosing the perfect tiles for your bathroom floor – color, finish, pattern, and shape – one crucial element is often glossed over: slip resistance.
"Most people are unaware of slip ratings," explains Grazzie Wilson, head of creative at Ca'Pietra. "A higher slip rating means better traction on your bathroom floor." Typically, tiles fall between R9 and R11. Though R9 tiles are acceptable for most areas, R10 is recommended for wet rooms and tiled showers.
"Polished surfaces are great for walls but don't do well on floors," says Jason. Opt for a matt finish porcelain tile with a slip resistance, or, if you're loving the look of natural stone, opt for a honed finish instead.
4. Attempting a Perfect Tile Match to Your Stone
When planning a natural stone or marble bathroom design, it's tempting to seek out a tile that perfectly complements your chosen stone. This approach, however, can be challenging and often results in disappointment.
"Trying to find a perfect tile match can lead to color variations and inconsistencies," warns April Graves, from Aria Stone Gallery. "It's always best to source from the same block for the entire project."
Mixing styles can work in some instances, especially when done intentionally, but if you're after a sleek, cohesive look, ensure your floors and walls match.
5. Failing to Consider the Entire Bathroom Design
It's easy to jump the gun and select a bathroom flooring option in isolation, only to realize later that it doesn't mesh with the overall design of your bathroom.
"Picking a floor in isolation can lead to a disjointed look," explains Kalli Karella from Ripples. "Always consider the bigger picture when choosing your bathroom flooring. Ensure that it complements the wall tiles, fixtures, and color scheme."
By carefully avoiding these common missteps, you'll be well on your way to a stylish and functional bathroom that's tailor-made for your space and lifestyle. Happy designing!
- To achieve an aesthetically pleasing and functional bathroom, pay attention to the texture and color of your bathroom flooring choices.
- It's essential to consider the lifestyle you desire in your bathroom, such as the convenience of underfloor heating for that luxurious touch during colder months.
- When selecting tiles for your bathroom floor, ensure they have a suitable slip rating for enhanced safety.
- Be mindful of the texture and tone of your bathroom flooring to create a cohesive design that blends with the overall interior design theme.
- To maintain the consistency of your interior design, consider sourcing materials from the same block for both tiles and natural stone.
- In the process of transforming your bathroom, keep in mind the fashion-and-beauty, home-and-garden, and food-and-drink elements you would like to incorporate and ensure your flooring contributes positively to these aspects of your lifestyle.
