Your laundry room floor surely takes a beating. From dirty, muddy shoes to heavy appliances, it endures it all. Hence, its imperative to have the best laundry room flooring in place. The laundry room does not necessarily require aesthetic decor and an elaborate design layout. However, there’s no harm in trying to create a space that looks nice and is functional as well.
It is particularly important to pick a sturdy material as the floor will tend to get drenched from wet clothes from the washer or it might be stained by spilled bleach. Laundry rooms are also prone to developing mold due to appliance leaks or the floors can get warped due to the swapping of heavy appliances.
Considering all these factors, you will need to pick a flooring option that is durable, sturdy, and resistant to stains. To help you in the process, we are bringing you a list of the most reliable laundry room flooring options. Let’s take a look.
Laundry Room Flooring Options
Tile Flooring
Here’s the classic, tile flooring for a laundry room. Ceramic and porcelain tiles have been around for ages; they are very easy to clean and durable. They are also water resistant when installed in a correct manner. On the other hand, they are resistant to any damage from bleach or petroleum-based products.
While they can be cold to stand on for long periods of time, the same can be tackled through gel mats or radiant heating.
Cost: $3 to $10 per square foot (materials), plus $5 to $15 per square foot for professional installation.
| Pros | Cons |
| Durable in nature | Can be cold |
| Easy to clean | Flawless installation can be tricky |
| Waterproof (when installed correctly) | Grout requires cleaning with abrasive agents |
Concrete Flooring
Concrete flooring is generally the default flooring for a laundry room. Since there can be a lot of wear and tear in a laundry room, you can keep the laundry flooring as it is.
We agree, concrete flooring may not be the most eye-pleasing among the many laundry room floor ideas. To tackle this issue you can either go for staining or painting or even throw a rug over the floor.
Cost: $2 to $10 per square foot, depending on the finish and whether you choose to stain or seal the concrete.
| Pros | Cons |
| Highly durable and sturdy | Not aesthetically pleasing |
| Easy to Clean | Cold to touch |
| Waterproof |
Sheet Vinyl Flooring
Sheet vinyl is one of the best flooring for laundry room. This single piece of unseamed sheet vinyl is highly moisture-proof and waterproof.
To make this flooring option even better, you can pair sheet vinyl with a thermoplastic rubber wall base molding which is a type of baseboard. Doing so enhances its waterproofing nature and can even withstand minor flooding.
Cost: $1 to $4 per square foot, with professional installation ranging from $3 to $7 per square foot.
| Pros | Cons |
| Waterproof | Tricky for DIY installation in big spaces |
| Moisture-resistant | Has a plain restaurant |
| Not expensive |
Luxury Vinyl Tile Flooring
More expensive than sheet vinyl, Luxury Vinyl Tile or LVT is another great option laundry room to have in your home. It is waterproof, thicker than sheet vinyl and also better looking.
Some of its other great qualities are moisture resistance, dent resistance, and high foot traffic and humidity resistance. It is also easy to clean as it does not have grout.
Cost: $2 to $7 per square foot, with installation costs ranging from $2 to $5 per square foot.
| Pros | Cons |
| Can mimic high end materials | Water can leak through seams |
| Inexpensive | |
| Durable |
Laundry Room Flooring Options to Avoid
While there are endless options to choose from, below listed are some of the ones you must avoid.
Carpet
Even though it is an inexpensive option, it is definitely a big no-no. Carpets in laundry room flooring can absorb water from appliance leaks and overflow. This can give rise to mold and stains along with unpleasant musty smells.
It will also take a lot of time for the carpet to dry. On the other hand, carpeted flooring ready traps fabric lint which can cause difficulty in cleaning.
Solid Wood
Wooden flooring is highly prone to swelling and shrinking when exposed to water. This can be highly damaging to solid wood and may require complete replacement even before its lifespan expiration.
On the other hand, solid wood flooring is also highly structurally unstable and can incur damages from laundry detergents and bleaches.
Bamboo
If you plan on hopping into the sustainability wagon, bamboo laundry flooring is one option that you must avoid. Bamboo as a flooring option can either swell when exposed to water or shrink in dry conditions.
On the other hand, bamboo is prone to scratches and dents from high foot traffic.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I install the laundry room flooring myself, or should I hire a professional?
While some flooring options, like sheet vinyl and luxury vinyl tile, can be installed as DIY projects, it’s important to note that larger spaces or more complex installations may require professional help. Professional installation ensures that the flooring is laid correctly, which is crucial for maintaining its waterproof and moisture-resistant properties.
2. What is the best way to clean and maintain laundry room flooring?
The best cleaning methods depend on the type of flooring. For tile flooring, regular sweeping and mopping with a mild detergent are recommended. For vinyl flooring, using a damp mop with a non-abrasive cleaner is best. Avoid using harsh chemicals that could damage the flooring, especially for concrete and vinyl options. Regular maintenance, like sealing grout or concrete, can also extend the lifespan of the flooring.
3. How does the choice of laundry room flooring impact the resale value of my home?
High-quality and durable flooring options like tile or luxury vinyl tile can positively impact the resale value of your home. Potential buyers often appreciate well-maintained, water-resistant flooring in utility areas like the laundry room. Conversely, less durable or outdated flooring options, such as carpet or solid wood, can negatively affect resale value due to their impracticality in a laundry room setting.
4. Are there eco-friendly flooring options suitable for laundry rooms?
While bamboo is often marketed as an eco-friendly option, it is not recommended for laundry rooms due to its tendency to swell or shrink when exposed to moisture. Instead, consider using concrete, which is durable and has a lower environmental impact, or look for luxury vinyl tiles made from recycled materials, which combine sustainability with practicality.
5. Can underfloor heating be installed beneath laundry room flooring?
Yes, underfloor heating can be installed beneath most laundry room flooring options, such as tile, vinyl, and even concrete. This can be a great way to counteract the coldness of certain materials like tile or concrete. However, it is essential to ensure that the flooring material is compatible with underfloor heating systems, as some materials may not conduct heat as effectively.
While purchasing laundry room flooring, ensure your chosen option ticks the following criteria: durable to high foot traffic and appliance operations, moisture and stain resistant, waterproof, easy to clean, aesthetically pleasing, and affordable.
