Best Flooring for Bathrooms

July 3, 2026

The best flooring for a bathroom has to do one job above all else: shrug off water. Steam, splashes and the odd overflow mean a bathroom floor lives in conditions that would ruin most timber and laminate. The good news is that the floors that cope best, waterproof luxury vinyl tile (LVT) and sheet vinyl, are also warm underfoot, quiet, and among the most affordable options you can buy. Here is how the main choices compare, and how to pick the right one for your bathroom.

What makes a good bathroom floor?

Three things matter in a bathroom: water resistance, grip, and comfort underfoot. A floor that is fully waterproof protects the subfloor from spills and humidity. A textured or matt finish adds slip resistance for wet feet. And a material that feels warm, unlike cold ceramic, makes the room far more pleasant first thing in the morning. Ease of cleaning and fitting around a WC, basin and bath is the practical fourth factor.

The options compared

Waterproof LVT and vinyl (best all-rounder)

Modern waterproof LVT is the default choice for bathrooms, and for good reason. It is 100% waterproof, warmer and quieter than tile, realistic in wood and stone designs, and easy to keep clean. Glue-down LVT gives the most watertight, seamless finish for a wet room or family bathroom, while click SPC is a quicker floating option for a straightforward refit. Sheet vinyl is the budget hero: a single continuous sheet with almost no seams for water to get through, ideal for a cloakroom or rental.

Ceramic and porcelain tile

Tile is fully waterproof and hard-wearing, and remains a classic bathroom look. The trade-offs are that it is cold and hard underfoot, the grout lines need sealing and cleaning, and professional fitting pushes up the cost. Excellent for a luxury spec, less friendly for a quick, warm, budget-conscious refresh.

Laminate (usually avoid)

Standard laminate has a wood-fibre core that can swell if water reaches it through the joints, so it is generally the wrong choice for a bathroom. Only fully waterproof laminate ranges are worth considering, and even then LVT usually does the job better with less worry.

Solid and engineered wood (avoid)

Real wood flooring is beautiful but not suited to the humidity and splashes of a bathroom. If you love the look of timber, a wood-effect waterproof LVT gives you the appearance without the risk.

So what is the best flooring for a bathroom?

For most homes, waterproof LVT is the best flooring for a bathroom: waterproof, warm, safe underfoot and affordable, with wood, stone and tile designs to suit any style. Choose glue-down for a seamless, wet-area-ready finish, sheet vinyl for the lowest cost, or click SPC for the quickest DIY refit. Tile remains a strong premium option if you do not mind the cold and the cost.

What does bathroom flooring cost?

Waterproof vinyl is one of the most affordable floors you can buy. Our own-brand LVT starts from around £13 per m², with premium 0.55mm and 0.7mm wear-layer ranges for high-traffic family bathrooms, and leading brands such as Karndean and Polyflor available to order. Every design ships with a free sample so you can check the colour and texture in your own bathroom light before you commit.

Ready to choose? Browse our waterproof LVT and sheet vinyl ranges at trade prices, or order a free sample first.

Bathroom flooring FAQs

Is LVT good for bathrooms?

Yes. Modern LVT is fully waterproof, warm and slip-resistant, which makes it one of the best choices for bathrooms. Glue-down LVT is especially suited to wet areas.

What is the cheapest waterproof bathroom floor?

Sheet vinyl is usually the cheapest fully waterproof option, followed by click SPC and glue-down LVT. All three cost far less than tiling with professional fitting.

Can I put vinyl flooring over bathroom tiles?

Often yes, if the tiles are sound, level and clean. Click SPC can float over existing tiles with a suitable underlay, while glue-down LVT needs the surface smoothed first. Order a sample and check the product guidance, or ask our team.

Do you deliver and offer free samples?

Yes. We offer a free sample on almost every product and fast UK delivery, with free delivery on orders over £200, dispatched from our Worthing warehouse.

Back to blog