A First-Timer's Guide to Upgrading Bathroom Flooring

Replacing a bathroom floor is one of those projects that seems simple until the shopping starts. Between waterproof ratings, plank versus tile formats, and matching everything else in the room, a first flooring upgrade can turn into more decisions than expected. Here’s what actually matters before making a choice.

TL;DR

• Not every floor labeled waterproof performs the same way once real water is involved.
• Vinyl comes in different formats, and the format affects where it works best.
• Small coordinating details, like matching fixtures, help a new floor look intentional rather than added on.

What “Waterproof” Actually Means

The word "waterproof" gets used loosely in flooring marketing, but there's a real difference between water-resistant and fully waterproof materials. Water-resistant flooring can handle spills and splashes for a while, but moisture can still work its way through the seams over time. Meanwhile, waterproof vinyl bathroom floors are designed to prevent water from penetrating the surface, which matters in a room that deals with standing water, condensation, and daily splashes more than almost anywhere else in the house.

Match the Format to the Room

Vinyl flooring isn't one single product, and the format matters just as much as the material. Vinyl floor planks install piece by piece, similar to hardwood, which makes them a good fit for larger bathrooms or ones that flow into an adjoining space. Sheet vinyl and vinyl tile come in larger continuous pieces or individual squares, which can mean fewer seams in a smaller room. The right format usually comes down to the size and layout of the space, not just personal preference.

Finish the Look with the Right Details

Once the floor is settled, the easiest way to make a bathroom feel finished is to carry the same attention into the rest of the room. A bathroom sink and cabinet vanity in a finish that complements the new floor pulls the whole space together rather than looking like two separate projects. Comparing flooring and vanity options in the same trip makes it easier to see how the finishes will actually work side by side before anything is installed.

About Menards®

Menards® is a home improvement store built around high-quality, name-brand tools, materials, and hardware for nearly every project. With in-store experts and project inspiration available online, Menards® makes it simple to shop for a first bathroom upgrade or a full renovation.

Compare flooring and vanity options from Menards® at https://www.menards.com/main/home.html