It can be challenging to decide the best type of flooring for our home, and the laundry room is no exception. Each room in our home has different needs. If a type of flooring works best for bathrooms, it does not mean it will work best for the laundry room.
With many flooring options to consider, which is suitable for the laundry room? In this post, I’ll help you choose which flooring will work for the laundry room. I’ll also list some popular options used and their advantages and limitations. Enjoy.
Choosing Laundry Room Flooring
The laundry room is a space dedicated to everything that has to do with washing your clothes. Here, you’ll find washing machines, dryers, detergents and chemicals, laundry baskets, ironing boards, the iron – you get the gist. Before choosing the best flooring option for a laundry room, here are some considerations to help you choose.
- Moisture/Water-Resistance – In the laundry room, water is always present, and there’s always a higher humidity. Because of this, the desired flooring should be water or moisture-resistant to minimize damage by water or humidity. This will prevent the floors from swelling, warping, molding, or buckling.
- Stain Resistance – The flooring should be stain-resistance to minimize damage by accidental laundry chemical spills and splatters. Bleach, fabric softeners, and detergents can all splash and get onto your floors.
- Impact Resistance – You’ve heard of walking washing machines. To prevent scratches and dents from walking washing machines, tumble dryers, and even foot traffic, the flooring you choose should have good impact resistance.
- Easy Maintenance – Cleaning your laundry is already enough of a chore. You don’t need to worry about your laundry flooring too. This is why choosing flooring that will be easier to clean and maintain is advisable.
Best Flooring Options for Laundry Rooms
1. Sheet Vinyl Flooring
For many years vinyl flooring has been the best choice for anyone looking for practical but cheap flooring. This is especially in locations where moisture is present. Because vinyl lacks organic elements, it is very immune to water and cannot tolerate mold growth. Traditionally, two types of vinyl dominate the market: vinyl sheets and vinyl tiles.
Sheet vinyl is much better for a laundry room because it is virtually impenetrable by water. Sheet vinyl is also cheaper to buy and install. It is also one of the easiest flooring materials to clean. However, the installation sometimes requires professionals to do it, but it’s affordable.
2. Tile Flooring
Ceramic and tile flooring is one of the most popular options in older homes to use in the bathrooms and laundry rooms. This is because they are durable, easier to clean, and waterproof when properly installed. Tile flooring is proof of nearly all chemicals you through at it, be it bleach, detergents, or other petroleum-based products.
Despite all the wonderful things about using tile flooring in a laundry room, they are colder and have a slippery surface. If you accidentally spill detergent, you can easily slip and fall. Ceramic tiles will also be noisier than most flooring options, which enhances the whirring sounds of a washer or dryer. Installing floor heaters can minimize cold, but you’ll have to dig deeper into your pockets.
3. Concrete Flooring
Concrete is a good flooring option for a laundry room. You don’t have to worry about water damage, and it’s extremely durable and easy to clean. Although it is not appealing or good-looking like other flooring options, you can always stain it to your liking. You can even paint concrete or use texturing techniques to make it look like wood.
The downside of having concrete is the cold. However, you can take several steps, like installing radiant heat directly into the concrete when it is being laid. A cheaper way is throwing a washable area rug that will offer insulation and comfort.
4. Natural Stone
The durability of natural stone flooring is unbeatable and can over 20 years to a lifetime protection against stains, moisture, and abrasive dents. However, you’ll pay a higher price for the indestructibility and luxurious appearance. This can, however, be offset by the higher resale value of the home. Stone flooring is also easier to care for with dry sweeping or damp mopping.
Unlike concrete and tile flooring, natural stone is hard and cold. It will also get very slippery if detergent accidentally spills on it. This can be dangerous and could lead to accidental slips that could be fatal.
5. Laminate Flooring
Laminate is one of the cheapest flooring materials available and still looks attractive. It’s a good option for your laundry room, and you can choose from the different designs available that match your style. Apart from being cheap, it is also DIY friendly, which saves money on installation costs.
Although cheaper and easy to install, you’ll risk damaging laminate flooring in the event of a flood or water pooling. Even leaving water to stay longer without wiping will cause the laminate planks to swell or delaminate. This is because laminate flooring includes a fiberboard core that is affected by water, just like other hardwood flooring types.
Which Flooring is Right For You?
Choosing suitable flooring for your basement is all about your budget and preferences. For durability, tile, concrete, and natural stone will do. If you don’t mind the maintenance, laminate flooring is a great option. Vinyl sheet is a great all-rounder that should work. Once you weigh the pros and cons, you can better decide which flooring suits your needs and budget.
