Flooring Options for Bathroom Closets

Carpet

• Carpet isn't a popular choice for bathrooms because it isn't water-friendly. Carpet is difficult to dry out when it gets wet and harbors smells or mold that is difficult to clean. Carpet may be a feasible and low-cost option for a closet, especially if it is placed far from the sink, bathtub and toilet.

Vinyl

• Vinyl is available in both sheets and tiles, and varies widely in cost, depending on the quality. You can find vinyl flooring that mimics the looks of many other flooring types, or with a pattern all its own. Vinyl floors are sometimes applied by peeling off a paper backing and sticking it to the floor, or it may need an adhesive. Vinyl does wear quickly if it is not high quality, but this is not likely an issue with the floor in a bathroom closet.

Linoleum

• Linoleum is typically low-cost and easy to install. It's a waterproof material, making it a sensible solution for a closet in a bathroom. Linoleum is high maintenance because it needs to be mopped and polished often, although this won't need to be done as often in a closet due to the low traffic and low visibility.

Laminate

• Laminate flooring mimics the look of real wood and other natural materials without the high cost. It's also much more durable that real wood and needs less upkeep. Laminate flooring has a wide price range, depending on the quality. It's resistant against water and can often be installed by the homeowner because it uses a simple tongue and groove method.

Concrete

• Concrete is a popular flooring for both bathrooms and kitchens. Indoor concrete floors have a very different look than the concrete you see outside and can be stained or patterned to attain almost any look you want. Concrete should be installed by a professional, which tends to drive up the cost. Since the size of a typical bathroom closet is usually small, you may still be able to cover the floor in concrete for a low price.

Tile

• Tile may be ceramic, porcelain or stone. The cost and durability vary depending on the thickness and size of the tile. The tile itself is easy to maintain, but the grout needed to hold it together tends to color with age and is difficult to keep clean. Gleaming grout is not always a must have for a closet floor, so this may be an acceptable option for a bathroom closet.