When remodeling a bathroom, flooring is one of the most important design and functional choices you’ll make. Beyond style, you need something that stands up to daily moisture, humidity, and foot traffic—without sacrificing safety or resale value.
According to Realtor.com, installing high-quality flooring can increase a home’s value by up to 2.5% and deliver an average ROI of 70–80%. But not every flooring option performs equally well in bathrooms.
This guide breaks down the best bathroom flooring materials for 2026, including pros, cons, and tips from industry experts.
Ceramic & Porcelain Tile – The Timeless Bathroom Standard
Natural Stone Flooring – Luxury With Maintenance
Vinyl & Laminate Flooring – Affordable and Stylish
Engineered Wood – For the Wood Lovers
Expert Flooring Recommendations
Ceramic & Porcelain Tile – The Timeless Bathroom Standard
Why homeowners love it:
Ceramic and porcelain tiles remain the #1 waterproof flooring option for bathrooms in 2026. They are durable, versatile, and available in endless styles—from stone looks to wood-plank imitations.
Ceramic Tile
Affordable, easy to clean, with a protective top layer that resists stains and water.
Porcelain Tile
Made from denser clay, fired at higher temperatures, offering superior scratch resistance and durability.
Design flexibility
Tiles can be cut into unique shapes (hexagons, planks, mosaics), patterned, or printed to replicate natural stone or hardwood.
Pros
100% waterproof and stain-resistant
Wide range of colors, textures, and finishes
Low maintenance
Long lifespan with proper installation
Cons
Cold and hard underfoot (heating mats help)
Grout requires sealing
Can be slippery if not textured
More expensive and labor-intensive installation
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Natural Stone Flooring – Luxury With Maintenance
Why homeowners love it:
Natural stone delivers unmatched elegance and resale value, but it requires ongoing care. Options include marble, slate, travertine, granite, and limestone.
Marble
Luxurious but porous. Requires sealing and careful cleaning to prevent stains from acidic substances (coffee, vinegar, cosmetics).
Slate
Naturally textured, slip-resistant, and durable. Needs sealing to prevent flaking.
Travertine
Softer stone, prone to scratching and staining without proper sealing.
Pros
Premium, high-end appearance
Boosts resale value
Durable and eco-friendly
Offers some natural insulation
Cons
Expensive compared to tile or vinyl
Requires sealing and routine upkeep
Can be slippery if not textured
More expensive and labor-intensive installation
Vinyl & Laminate Flooring – Affordable and Stylish
Why homeowners love it:
Modern vinyl and laminate have evolved far beyond their outdated reputation. In 2026, luxury vinyl plank (LVP) and waterproof laminate mimic natural wood and stone beautifully while staying budget-friendly.
Vinyl Flooring
100% waterproof, resilient, easy to clean, available in sheets, planks, or tiles.
Laminate Flooring
Contains wood content for warmth and softness underfoot, but requires proper sealing to prevent swelling.
Pros
Affordable compared to tile or stone
Easy DIY installation
Available in realistic textures (wood, stone, marble)
Water-resistant (vinyl can be fully waterproof)
Cons
Can warp if installed incorrectly
Cannot be refinished—must be replaced when damaged
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Engineered Wood – For the Wood Lovers
Why homeowners love it:
Solid hardwood is a poor fit for bathrooms, but engineered wood offers a moisture-resistant alternative. Built on a plywood base with a hardwood veneer, it provides the authentic look of real wood with better dimensional stability.
Pros
Best choice for homeowners who want wood in bathrooms
More stable than solid hardwood
Genuine hardwood surface veneer
Cons
Still prone to water damage over time
Moderate to high cost
Cannot be refinished as often as solid wood
Expert Flooring Recommendations
Best Overall (Waterproof + Durable): Porcelain Tile
Best Luxury Choice: Marble or Slate Natural Stone
Best Budget Choice: Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)
Best for Wood Lovers: Engineered Wood
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About the Author
Mike Rizzo, Owner of SEI Construction Inc.
Meet Mike Rizzo, the driving force behind SEI Construction Inc., a remodeling and renovation company rooted in Westfield, NJ since 1987. With over three decades of industry prowess, SEI Construction is celebrated for its commitment to top-notch craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail. Under Mike's leadership, the company specializes in historic restorations, home additions, and kitchen, bathroom, interior, and exterior projects. Mike's outstanding contributions have earned him a spot in Remodeling Inc's prestigious top 500 remodeling companies. Notably, his projects have graced A Tour of Notable Homes, showcasing SEI Construction's dedication to quality and preserving architectural history. Since day one, the company has consistently delivered exceptional results, embodying Mike's passion for transforming spaces with precision and excellence.
