For most people, the bathroom is where the day usually begins and ends. And one major element that plays a role in creating a comfortable, luxurious environment is the flooring. Flooring is such a key part of any design scheme because of the sheer amount of space it takes up. Additionally, choosing the right bathroom flooring material also requires an eye for practicality because of the amount of moisture, heat and wear that will inevitably occur.

Ceramic – Tile is currently the most popular of all bathroom-flooring selections for a number of reasons. It’s easy to clean, fairly resistant to harboring germs and durable enough to uphold against heat or water contact. The most popular types of tiles are ceramic and porcelain or stone. Ceramic tiles are created from clay that is fired at high temperatures to create a hard, water resistant surface. These tiles are available in numerous designs, and are extremely durable (although they can possibly crack or break if they are not installed properly). Instead of being fired, porcelain tiles are made from pressed clay, which means they are more durable and water resistant. Porcelain tiles can be found in numerous styles and colors, and often at a very reasonable price range. If you are going for a classic or rustic look, stone tiles can add a natural beauty to the space. And of course, stone is so durable that it can be installed in outdoor areas as well. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons of the different tile materials when selecting a flooring design. When creating a tile design, you can add visual interest by creating patterns, varying the sizes or incorporating various shapes together.

Glass accents – Glass tiles can be integrated along with other tile materials into countertops, backsplashes and bathroom floors. You can even use glass to create tile borders surrounding the shower, tub, sink or other areas that you want to stand out.

Heated floors – Tile flooring is easy to maintain, visually eye-catching and available in countless design options. But because of its physical properties, tile can often feel cold underneath your feet. That’s why radiant (or heated) flooring can be an excellent addition to your bathroom-flooring plan. Flooring can either be heated using an electrical, or a water circulation system to warm the floor from underneath. Heated flooring is not a cheap option, but can add luxury to your bathroom (especially during these cold, winter months).

Kid-friendly options – Kids have a knack for making watery messes in the bathroom. So you’ll probably want to select bathroom flooring that’s equipped to handle spills. Sheet vinyl tiles are water resistant, but can be slick when wet. Look for a design that features an anti-slip texture if you are concerned about safety. You could also go with ceramic or laminate tiles, but be sure to choose a waterproof caulk to seal the flooring.

Green materials – For environmentally minded homeowners looking for a green bathroom flooring option, the top choices are definitely cork or bamboo. These two materials are made from renewable resources, which mean they naturally replenish their supplies in the wild. In addition, bamboo and cork have certain physical properties that make them suitable choices for bathroom flooring. Bamboo is made from a wood plant, so it will look similar to traditional wood floors. However, bamboo is naturally harder and more durable than wood, so it will stand up better to the moisture and heat contact. And cork naturally offers a soft, warm feel on bare feet. Both materials are resistant to mold, mildew and bacteria, and both naturally repel moisture, which are all especially beneficial properties for bathroom flooring to have.

Looking for additional flooring ideas? You can visit the Affordable Companies website for news, updates and photos of cutting edge designs for your kitchen, bathrooms and other living spaces.