Remember a few decades back when it was considered oh-so-chic to have wall-to-wall carpet in the bathroom? It was warm underfoot, for sure, but that carpet always became a problem around the tub and shower. There are so many better choices today, thank goodness, that will keep your bathroom looking gorgeous without water issues and problems with slipping. Here are the best ones to select for your spaces!

Porcelain or Ceramic Tile

Tile is a great choice for bathrooms, and there are so many options to choose from. I like small tiles like the ones above, or those that have a texture to the surface. That’s because those tiles offer more grip and will keep you from slipping. If you have an older person in the home or one with different abilities, this is a great choice. One key difference between porcelain and ceramic is that porcelain has a lower absorption rate for water, so your subfloor will be super-safe. You can even get tile today that looks like wood, so check out all the options.

Natural Stone

This is the most expensive option for flooring - and the coldest. But it’s also the most durable and offers a luxe look. I solve the temperature issue by installing radiant heat under stone floors. And although it is high cost, it will last forever and offers a really good resale value for your home. I love the marble tiles in the bathroom above. And below you can see that I selected a textured stone for that glam bath.

Wood Floors

So many people love the way wood floors look in every room. But you have to be careful when installing natural hardwood in a bathroom. Unless you have an expert who really knows what they’re doing, you can end up with water seeping through the areas between the boards. Engineered wood works best in a bathroom because it has a plywood base that avoids water seeping through. And it still looks great because the top is a real wood veneer. Talk this through with your designer or contractor before you make a decision between the types of wood!