Why Bathroom Flooring Matters
Choosing the right bathroom flooring is essential for both the function and longevity of your space. The ideal flooring must handle daily foot traffic, constant moisture, and changing humidity levels - all without losing its beauty or structural strength. A well-chosen flooring not only adds visual appeal but also provides comfort underfoot, simplifies cleaning, and ensures a cohesive flow with your new tub, shower, or wall surround system.
As William Culleton, a professional tub and shower specialist, emphasizes, many homeowners tend to overlook the importance of flooring during the planning stages of a renovation. However, once the layout changes, such as converting a tub to a walk-in shower or altering the size of the base, the flooring often needs to be updated to align with the new footprint. That is why flooring, especially in the bathroom, is essential to ensure the wet space functions properly and maintains structural balance.
Ceramic Tile Flooring
Ceramic tile remains one of the most popular choices for bathroom flooring, particularly among homeowners seeking a durable, water-resistant solution that offers numerous design possibilities - often called the "old faithful" of flooring, given that it is reliable, versatile, and proven over time.
Price Range: $1,000 - $3,000
Pros:
Customizable Designs: Ceramic tiles come in thousands of colours, shapes, and sizes, allowing for complete design freedom whether you want a classic, modern, or creative look.
Durability: Exceptionally strong and resistant to scratches, moisture, and wear - making it ideal for long-term use in busy households.
Heated Floor Compatible: Works seamlessly with in-floor heating systems, enhancing bathroom comfort in Ottawa’s colder months.
Resale Value: Tile adds value to your home due to its durability and premium appearance.
Cons:
Labour-intensive Installation: Installing tile bathroom flooring requires a properly prepared subfloor. The process is time-consuming and typically demands professional installation for the best results.
Grout Maintenance: Grout lines between tiles are prone to dirt and mould buildup, needing regular sealing and scrubbing.
Difficult to Replace: If tiles crack or you decide to update the layout, removing bathroom tiles can be a labour-intensive and expensive process.
Best for:
Homeowners looking for a durable and long-lasting flooring solution
Homeowners who want the design freedom of customizable tile
Anyone installing radiant heated flooring
Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl flooring is the top choice for many Ottawa homeowners today, particularly those seeking fast installation and affordability without sacrificing performance. It has come a long way in terms of design and durability and is well-suited for family homes and simple renovations.
Price Range: $800 - $2,200
Pros:
Quick Installation: Can often be installed directly over the old tile or vinyl, reducing demolition and prep time.
Cost-Effective: Lower material and labour costs make this ideal for budget renovations or larger bathrooms.
Water-Resistant: Vinyl is built to withstand spills and humidity, making it great for everyday bathroom use.
Low Maintenance: No grout means easy cleaning with a mop or mild cleaner.
Cons:
Shorter Lifespan: Typically lasts up to 25 years, less than that of tile or stone.
Limited Design Options: Limited to the patterns and textures manufactured - not suitable for highly customized or luxury designs.
Best for:
Budget-conscious homeowners
Quick-turnaround bathroom upgrades
Families or rental property renovations
Natural Stone Flooring
Natural stone is the premium choice for those looking to transform their bathroom into a luxury retreat. While it offers breathtaking beauty and uniqueness, it requires a significant investment in both materials and installation expertise.
Price Range: $5,000 - $20,000
Pros:
Elegant Appearance: Offers unparalleled natural beauty and variation in which each tile is unique.
Durable & Long-Lasting: When properly sealed, stone can last a lifetime and beyond.
Prestige Value: Adds a luxury factor that is hard to replicate with synthetic materials.
Cons:
High-Cost: Both materials and installation are significantly more expensive than other options.
Complex Installation: Uneven tile thickness and natural imperfections make installation time-consuming and highly specialized.
Maintenance Required: Needs regular sealing to prevent water damage and staining.
Slippery When Wet: Must be textured or treated for safety.
Best for:
Homeowners with a big renovation budget
Design-conscious individuals seeking luxury aesthetics
Spa-style master bathrooms
Choosing the Right Flooring For Your Bathroom
The right bathroom flooring can significantly impact daily comfort, simplify cleaning, and even influence the warmth of your space underfoot. Each material brings its advantages, trade-offs, and ideal use cases.
Whether you're renovating a guest bath or upgrading your forever home, understanding how these flooring types compare across key categories can help you make an informed decision.
Thinking About Upgrading Your Bathroom Features?
At Bytown Better Bathtubs and Showers, we believe that your bathroom should reflect both your style and your lifestyle. Our tub and shower specialists are here to deliver stress-free renovations with long-lasting results.
Let’s Plan Your Next Renovation
Contact us at bytownbath.com or call +(613) 909-4704 to start planning. From premium tubs and showers to flooring that finishes the look, we’re here to help you create a bathroom built to last and easy to love.