The ideal flooring choice for bathrooms
Wednesday, 16 March 2011 7:23 PM
Your needs for bathroom flooring are quite obvious. It has to be water resistant, easy to clean and dry, comfortable to stand on and, of course, attractive to look at. This may seem like a lot to fulfil, but a good vinyl or linoleum (lino) floor will easily meet all these requirements.
It is a common misconception that vinyl and lino are the same. They are not, although they are both very good for bathroom use.
Vinyl is entirely synthetic, while lino is a natural product which gets its name from linseed oil, the substance from which it is derived. There are some differences between the two and which one you choose will depend on your circumstances.
You might like lino for the fact that it is natural and sustainable and hard-wearing. Vinyl, however, is sometimes considered the most durable of the two.
Vinyl bathroom flooring may be the most popular of all substances for the purpose.
Repelling water and dirt, it generally stands up very well when things are dropped on it and is easy to clean.
It is extremely practical for the purpose and can be laid easily; for many people, it is the work of one weekend of DIY.
Additionally, it is inexpensive and can generally be found in a style that suits whatever your preference is.
You could have your bathroom vinyl flooring resembling wood, brick, marble and others, or opt for a pattern.
And while vinyl can be slippery when wet, there are non-slip versions available.
Bathroom lino flooring, however, also has its advantages.
It may be more durable than vinyl, especially if kept clean and properly maintained. Some linos even have a special treatment to help them resist moisture and stains.
Keep it in good condition using a wet mop and light cleaner.
However, it can tear, so be careful when moving objects around on it.
You may also find that bathroom lino flooring fades with time, if it is exposed to a lot of light.
Overall, both vinyl and lino make excellent flooring for bathrooms and there is no major advantage of one over the other.
Simply consider your circumstances and preferences in order to decide which is right for you.
