Looking to upgrade your bathroom to a fully waterproofed room? Learn how much a wet room costs and what factors to consider to get an accurate estimate.
Keep Moisture at Bay With These 5 Waterproof Flooring Options
Stylish and water-resistant don’t have to be mutual exclusives
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The best waterproof flooring for bathroom areas includes vinyl, ceramic tile, porcelain tile, polished concrete, and rubber, each offering different benefits for your home.
Expect to pay $3 per square foot for vinyl flooring, $12 to $45 per square foot for ceramic tile installation, and $9 to $50 per square foot for porcelain tile.
Your flooring choice depends on your budget, climate, and design preferences, with options ranging from affordable vinyl to durable porcelain that resists temperature changes.
Hiring a local flooring company helps you select the right waterproof material for your space and ensures proper installation that prevents moisture damage.
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As anyone who’s ever spilled their drink on carpet knows, not all flooring is created equal, and some are better suited to moisture than others. When considering the design (or re-design) of your bathroom or kitchen, you may be wondering which of the available options is the best flooring for wet areas. The good news? In today’s market, you have plenty of options. Below, find five waterproof flooring options to consider for your next wet-area remodel.
Angi Tip
Whether you decide to seal grout or install a water-resistant vinyl, waterproofing your flooring is crucial, especially in rooms like bathrooms or the kitchen. A flooring pro can recommend the best materials for specific areas, install new flooring, and ensure it will stand up to water.
1. Vinyl
Photo: Dan Totilca / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
Sometimes marketed as luxury waterproof vinyl, vinyl flooring (whether it’s planks or tiles) offers homeowners the opportunity to bring a sleek, modern look to the wet areas of their homes. Vinyl flooring is a flexible, customizable choice that can help bring a pop of color to a room or create minimalist appeal. Plus, vinyl is among the more affordable waterproof flooring options.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Many design options available | Can swell in high temperatures |
| Durable and resistant to scratches and scuffs | Sanding and leveling of old floor may be required |
| Affordable starting price of $3 per square foot | Can’t be recycled |
Best for: Budget-conscious and stylish homeowners looking for a durable option with lots of design choices
2. Ceramic Tile
Photo: Klaus Vedfelt / DigitalVision / Getty Images
A long-time classic for a reason, ceramic tile offers a waterproof surface perfect for high-moisture areas like bathrooms or kitchens. Maintenance couldn’t be easier: You can remove even stubborn dirt from ceramic tiles simply by wiping them with a cleaning solution or mopping them. However, tile can be uncomfortably cold and hard under bare feet, and its natural weight means it might not be suitable for floors on second and third levels. It’s also fairly effort-intensive to install, so most homeowners will want to hire a professional.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Durable and easy to maintain | Cold and hard underfoot |
| Many design options available | Time-consuming and challenging to install |
| Easy to repair | Expensive installation at $12 to $45 per square foot |
Best for: Homeowners who like a classic look and are willing to spend more upfront for a durable option
3. Porcelain Tile
Photo: Jodie Johnson / Stocksy / Adobe Stock
Porcelain tile is made of a more refined mixture of clay than ceramic, so porcelain clay requires higher firing temperatures in the kiln. The result? An even more durable, denser tile type that’s available at similar prices as some types of ceramic. While both types of tile are waterproof, porcelain may be marginally more waterproof than regular ceramic. Porcelain also experiences less natural expansion and contraction, so it’s less likely to crack due to temperature fluctuations.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| More durable and waterproof than ceramic tile | More vulnerable to crack after a drop |
| Available in a wide range of designs | Difficult and expensive to install at $9 to $50 per square foot |
| Less expansion and contraction | Natural weight means it may not work in upper levels of your home |
Best for: Luxurious bathroom interiors or outdoor shower areas that won’t be heated
4. Polished Concrete
Photo: Elenathewise / Adobe Stock
With its sleek contemporary design and completely waterproof nature, polished concrete is a (literally) solid option to consider when choosing flooring for your bathroom or kitchen—or anywhere else in your home, for that matter. It’s also on the more affordable end of the spectrum for long-lasting, durable waterproof floors. However, you will need to hire a local flooring company for installation if you go with concrete.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable starting price of $2 per square foot | Fewer design and color options |
| Extremely durable | Cold and hard underfoot |
| Eco-friendly | Improper installation can lead to visual defects |
Best for: Eco-conscious homeowners wanting an affordable, contemporary look
5. Rubber
Photo: poplasen / istock / Getty Images
Along with its natural ability to avoid moisture damage by making water bead up, rubber is also available in a variety of fun and interesting patterns. Keep in mind, though, that it’s a very different look than your classic vinyl plank or ceramic tile. Additionally, rubber flooring can cost quite a bit, particularly for the most waterproof pour-in-place versions.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Naturally waterproof and, if recycled, eco-friendly | Non-traditional design choice that may not suit every homeowner’s taste |
| Extremely easy to clean | Harder to find than other options |
| Offers softer, warmer feel underfoot | Costly at $16 per square foot |
Best for: Home gyms or homeowners open to non-traditional design
Frequently Asked Questions
Flooring services reviews from real Angi homeowners in Columbus, OH
4.4★ avg. • 41 total reviews
- Sarah E.
Joseph did a great job with the staircase and trim. Timely and efficient, clear communication about the work, very fair pricing. For the stairs in particular, done very skillfully in an old house (1893) in a tight spiral, and very creative with how to do the handrail. Did a nice job with...
Vouis Trim Carpentry L.L.C. - Jena P.
This company does it right. Firstly, I want to say that Landan was a joy to work with. He was so kind, transparent, and had everything under control. His entire team showed up ready to work and they were all very respectful of the fact that we were in an office space. A little backstory – we...
Krumlauf Floors - Gina M.
Finished Basements Plus was wonderful from beginning to end! First, they came out quickly for an estimate. I had 4 estimates and theirs was by far the best. (2 of the estimates were more than $20K higher than for the exact same work). Beyond their fair pricing, the work was excellent. They...
Finished Basements Plus Inc. - Jeanann S.
Very professional, knowledgeable and helpful! Completed the install on time and as expected.
Ward's Services - Adam E.
Cole has been handling plumbing and general contracting for our four properties over the past three years, and he’s always done a great job. Most recently, he installed a sink and countertop in our retail store where none existed before, and it turned out exactly how we needed. He’s...
ANB Renovations LLC - Grace G.
Excellent, Prompt, Courteous Service!!! They were super friendly and quite personable. I felt very comfortable with the gentlemen that did the installation. They installed it exactly where I asked them to and they did an excellent job!! I loved their service so much.
Tether House - David E.
Window Depot did an amazing job installing the windows in my basement! The process from start to finish was by far more than what I expected. I would highly recommend Window Depot if you want professionalism from the the consultation to the installation. Dont settle for mediocre when you can...
Window Depot USA of Central Ohio - Tom B.
AFS was excellent from start to finish. Jess, the sales associate, was fantastic...very knowledgeable and very professional. The installation crew was excellent. I couldn't be more pleased with the process. Best of all, my new floor looks fantastic!
America's Floor Source - Bob T.
We were having 2”x 2” tile installed . There was a small installation error and the new additional replacement tile was from a different lot and the colors didn’t match. Joe assured us that he would rectify everything , which he did without hesitation. We decided to go with the 18” x 36” tile...
CarifaTile - Jake H.
Did an amazing job transforming my yard. Also installed sod in places, would recommend to everyone.
Cardinal Landscaping & Construction LLC
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