Choosing the right flooring for your bathroom can be challenging. With frequent moisture and high foot traffic, you need a durable, water-resistant option. One of the most popular bathroom flooring choices today is luxury vinyl flooring. But like any material, luxury vinyl comes with its own set of pros and cons, particularly when considering waterproof vinyl options.
Let’s explore these aspects to help you make an informed decision for your bathroom remodel.
What Is Luxury Vinyl Flooring?
Luxury vinyl flooring is a high-quality vinyl product that mimics the aesthetics of natural materials like wood and stone. It comes in two main types: Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) and Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP). Both offer various design choices, from natural wood textures to stone visuals, making them a versatile choice for bathrooms. Luxury vinyl flooring is available in different finishes, including high-definition and low-level gloss finishes, catering to various design styles.
Waterproof Vinyl Flooring for Bathroom: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Water Resistance: Luxury vinyl flooring ensures resistance to water, which is crucial in a damp bathroom environment. Brands like Cortec offer full-coverage waterproofing, making them a great choice for bathroom floors.
- Durability: It’s known for exceptional durability and abrasion resistance. This makes it suitable for high-traffic areas, including busy family bathrooms.
- Easy Installation: DIY-friendly click-installation methods make it simpler to install than other flooring materials. Sheets and tiles from Cortec offer detailed installation tutorials and additional installation guidance.
- Visual Appeal: Luxury vinyl tile flooring and planks come in a wide range of patterns and styles, including stone visuals and authentic wood textures, enhancing the visual appeal of your bathroom.
- Comfort: Another advantage is the comfort underfoot, which is especially beneficial in cold climates. Staying warm underfoot improves comfort.
Cons
- Scratch Susceptibility: Although it offers scratch resistance, luxury vinyl flooring can’t match the scratch resistance of materials like ceramic tiles.
- Cost: While more affordable than natural stone or wood flooring, luxury vinyl flooring can still be more expensive compared to basic vinyl roll or sheet vinyl.
- Not Eco-Friendly: Luxury vinyl flooring is not biodegradable, and its manufacturing process can involve non-renewable resources. Those looking for sustainable flooring might need to consider this.
- Indentation Issues: Despite having superior dent resistance, heavy objects or furniture can potentially cause indentations over time.
- Limited Repair Options: Repairing damaged luxury vinyl planks can be more complicated compared to ceramic tile floors, where individual tiles can be replaced easily.
How to Install Luxury Vinyl Flooring for Bathroom
Step 1: Preparation
Start by preparing the surface to subfloor, which is essential for a flawless installation. Ensure it’s clean, dry, and completely level to avoid any issues during and after the installation process. This step is crucial because any imperfections in the subfloor can affect the wear layers and the overall durability of stain resistance and abrasion resistance.
Step 2: Choosing the Type
Select between luxury vinyl tile, luxury vinyl plank, or sheet vinyl flooring for your bathroom. Each type has its own set of advantages in terms of installation methods, ease of installation, and design choices. For instance, luxury vinyl planks offer an authentic wood texture and visual appeal similar to natural wood. In contrast, sheet vinyl flooring is known for its seamless look and waterproofing from the surface.
Step 3: DIY-Friendly Click-Installation
Most luxury vinyl floors, including those from brands like Cortec, offer click-and-lock systems, making DIY installation simple. Follow the manufacturer’s detailed installation tutorial to ensure proper alignment and avoid gaps that could compromise the waterproof luxury vinyl plank. This DIY installation option can save on labor costs and allow you to complete the project at your own pace.
Step 4: Using Transition Strips
In areas where the floor changes height or switches from vinyl to another flooring material, use vinyl multi-transition strips to create a smooth transition. These strips not only provide a seamless look but also protect the edges of your new flooring, enhancing its durability. Proper use of transition strips is especially important in high-traffic areas and busy bathroom spaces to prevent tripping hazards.
Step 5: Sealing the Edges
For added waterproofing from the surface, seal the edges with silicone caulk. This keeps moisture from seeping beneath the flooring, which is particularly crucial in a damp bathroom environment. Proper edge sealing complements the existing waterproof luxury vinyl tile properties, giving you added peace of mind against water damage.
How to Maintain Luxury Vinyl Flooring in Bathroom
Regular Cleaning
Maintain a regular cleaning schedule to keep your luxury vinyl flooring looking its best. Use a damp mop and mild detergent to keep the floors clean and free from grime, which helps maintain the appealing finish. Regular cleaning not only enhances the visual appeal but also extends the lifespan of your bathroom floors, ensuring your investment remains worthwhile.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Harsh chemicals can damage the urethane coating of luxury vinyl tile or planks, diminishing their appearance and durability. Stick to recommended cleaning solutions for vinyl floors, which are designed to be gentle yet effective. This helps maintain the exceptional durability and scratch resistance that luxury vinyl flooring offers.
Protect High-Traffic Areas
High-traffic areas in your bathroom see more wear and tear, making them more susceptible to damage. Use rugs or mats in these areas to protect the flooring and extend its life. This is particularly important in a busy family life setting where constant use is expected.
Quick Spill Cleanup
Wipe up spills immediately to prevent staining and potential water damage. This is particularly crucial in a bathroom setting where water and other liquids are frequently present. Quick cleanup helps maintain the waterproof qualities of your luxury vinyl plank flooring, ensuring that it continues to look good and function well.
Professional Maintenance
Consider professional cleaning services periodically to maintain the finish and overall appearance of your luxury vinyl flooring. Professional services can help reach areas that are difficult to clean and provide more thorough maintenance than daily cleaning routines. This can be particularly beneficial for maintaining the high-definition finish and ensuring the flooring remains comfortable underfoot.
Upgrade Your Bathroom With D2C Flooring Today
Ready to elevate your bathroom’s style and functionality with luxury vinyl flooring? At D2C Flooring, we offer a wide selection of luxury vinyl planks, tiles, and sheets to suit your design preferences and budget. Our expert team is here to provide you with additional installation guidance and help you choose the perfect flooring for your bathroom renovation.
Contact us now to get started on your bathroom upgrade. With D2C Flooring, you can experience unparalleled durability, exceptional visual appeal, and peace of mind.