The Safest Non-Slip Bathroom Flooring Options

Choosing a non-slip bathroom floor makes sense. With the water and moisture present in the bathroom, falls here are common. When choosing a bathroom flooring material, safety should be one of several factors you consider. Safety is also an important consideration for other standing areas in the bathroom such as the shower base floor. Of course, safety isn’t the only issue – you’ll also want to consider your style preference and your budget.

The good news is, you have a number of options to consider for the floor in your bathroom. Let’s take a closer look at some of the best options in anti-slip floors for bathrooms.

Wet bathroom floor

Safe Flooring for Who?

It is essential to have the right type of floor for your situation. Some people should pay a bit more attention to the importance of slip resistance. For example, an elderly person is more likely to suffer significant injury if he or she slips on a wet floor. A person who is disabled also benefits from a non-slip floor. To minimize risks, simply focus on the options available.

But, others can benefit from this type of safe flooring as well. For example, families with children will see benefits. Children, who are less likely to dry off before running across the bathroom floor or who are more prone to creating a wet floor just by brushing their teeth, can benefit from this type of flooring. All family members do.

 

Ceramic/Porcelain Tile

One of the best overall options is the use of tile. Both ceramic and porcelain tile can be a good option. This type of flooring has limitations, though. Ceramic and porcelain tile create a very smooth and durable surface. You are unlikely to trip on it. But, it is also one of the more slippery options available.

If you want the look and feel of these types of tile, but you want to reduce the risk of falls, there is a solution. Several manufacturers offer a slip-resistant option. Some feature certification from the ADA for this specific purpose. If you want to choose this type of flooring and you want to increase the slip resistance of your bathroom floor, be sure the product you buy meets this standard.

Another option is to add a mat or a carpet to the flooring. Some will have enough of a backing on them to adhere very lightly to the tile. This can help to give you less risk of a fall on a wet surface. It may not be the perfect solution, but it is one that works for those who want to stick with porcelain or ceramic tile in the bathroom.

 

Glass Flooring

A trendy and upscale option for your home’s bathroom floors is the use of glass. Glass offers some nice benefits. It is durable and beautiful. You can create a variety of designs using it to really capture your tastes. And, there’s almost no limit to colors, patterns, and textures.

When it comes to slip resistance, glass is not the route to take. It tends to be one of the worst options for this when the floor gets wet. Additionally, water is not always necessary. A simple pair of cotton socks on a glass floor can create a dangerous situation for someone who is disabled or elderly. Some inferior products can also shatter, creating a risk of injury.

Like with tile, if you really want to have glass tile, consider adding a mat or carpet over the top of it. This gives you enough protection if it allows you to avoid walking on the glass or tripping on it.

 

Non-Slip Vinyl Flooring

Perhaps one of the best options for slip resistance is vinyl flooring. Some products are specifically designed to provide slip resistance. Vinyl flooring is also very easy to maintain. It does not stain and does not damage from water (if the product is designed to be waterproof.) It is also very durable, meaning you are unlikely to damage it using a wheelchair.

No floor is perfectly slip resistant. However, some vinyl flooring products are less likely to cause you to slip. But, if you do slide or fall, vinyl has built-in padding. This helps to minimize the amount of shock to your body if you take a tumble. When having it installed, be sure to pick a product with a bit more underlayment to offer this type of padding.

Vinyl offers other benefits, too. It is a more affordable option in bathroom flooring options. While it is not necessarily an eco-friendly choice, newer products are less damaging. And, it is also versatile. You can choose vinyl flooring that looks like wood, ceramic tile, or other types of floors. This will give you more options for matching the space and creating a trendy look in your bathroom.

 

Cork or Bamboo Flooring

A cork or bamboo flooring product can work well in some bathroom settings. Both products offer some nice features in terms of looks and trendy designs. They are a good option for those who want to minimize sound traveling through the space. And, they tend to be a warmer option than using any type of tile. When choosing bamboo or cork flooring, really learn about the product details. Manufacturer options range widely.

Cork and bamboo flooring can absorb moisture. This is both good and bad. First, it will reduce the risk of a slip or fall. The water is absorbed more into the material, leaving less water on the surface. Again, this varies by product. Some are designed to be more waterproof than others. However, the drawback here is they can build up mildew and even mold if the moisture cannot dry properly and quickly. In a humid area, especially during the hot summer, this can pose a risk.

If you invest in cork or bamboo because of the extra padding it offers, be sure there is proper ventilation in the space. You want to ensure it can dry out the space quickly to avoid this type of build up of moisture.

 

Carpet Flooring

Carpeting is an option for the bathroom. In the 1960s and 1970s, it was more common to find carpeting extending from the bedroom into the bathroom. Of course, it offers a few key benefits. You can choose from a wide range of colors, material types, and patterns. You also get to choose a product that offers the piling you enjoy. And, carpets absorb moisture. This creates one of the best barriers to falling. You are less likely to fall when carpet is present.

There are a few drawbacks to consider as well. Carpet flooring will absorb moisture. And, like bamboo or cork, needs to fully dry out in order to prevent the buildup of mold or mildew in the space. Carpet can also be a bit harder to clean for some. You will need to ensure it is properly cleaned to remove any type of debris, dust, or dander that builds in the piling.

 

Rubber Flooring

A less commonly thought of product is rubber flooring. It may not be the most ideal in terms of the way it looks or feels under your feet. However, it can be a good option for seniors and those who need slip resistance. When wet, this type of flooring does not become slick. You can count on it being a better option overall for this reason. If you do fall in the bathroom, rubber has a nice cushion to it. This can help to absorb some of the shock and protect your body from injury.

There are a few limitations, though. New products are becoming available today, but rubber tends to be a very expensive type of flooring investment. It is not one of the most common options for bathrooms. You’ll need to compare it carefully to other products with more design features and benefits.

 

Flooring Accessories for Additional Safety

Sometimes, the best option to minimize the slip risks of any of these surfaces is a few accessories. The best are designed to be slip resistant themselves. Anti-fatigue mats, which are typically used in a commercial setting, can create a non-slip area for you to stand in front of the mirror or next to the shower. You can also invest in anti-slip strips, which adhere to the surface and help to minimize slips and falls. Any anti-slip product is only as good as its construction, material, and installation, though.

If you are considering other types of flooring, such as concrete, hardwood, or natural stone, it becomes nearly essential to invest in some type of anti-slip floor accessory to improve safety. A simple mat or carpet addition can help to reduce at least some of the slipperiness of these floors.

 

Legal Eagle Contractors is a leading full-service remodeling and building company with decades of experience designing and remodeling bathrooms in Houston, TX.