Carpet...in the Bathroom?

Costs
Durability
History
Maintenance

Pictures
Popular Bathroom Remodeling Topics
Questions and Answers
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More Information

When used together in the same sentence, “bathroom carpet” may seem a bit oxymoronic. Indeed, the superior moisture resistance of other flooring materials, such as tile, vinyl, engineered wood, and laminate has bested carpet from the vast majority of bathroom remodels.

Yet anyone who has used a bath mat can attest to some of the advantages of having carpet in the bathroom. Here is some more information to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your space.

Costs

One of the most inexpensive flooring options, carpet can cost as little as $1 per square foot. Carpet installation also runs considerably cheap—get a price quote for labor rates in your area.

Pictures

Bathroom Flooring

Durability

When it comes to bathroom flooring, carpet is certainly not the most durable option. Without the proper padding and cleaning treatments, it will probably start to look worn-down after a few years.

Maintenance

On the other hand, carpet is generally pretty simple to maintain, as long as it is cared for on a regular basis. Vacuuming can get rid of everyday dirt and grime, while steam cleaning once in a while can get rid of those deep stains.

Common Questions and Answers

What is the best type of carpet to use in the bathroom?

All types of carpet are made from fibers of some kind, so they are naturally inclined to soak up spills and splashes. As a general rule, when it comes to carpet fibers, more plush and natural fibers such as wool retain the most moisture, while synthetic fibers such as nylon retain the least. Therefore, thinner, harder, synthetic fibers will be the most advantageous for use in the bathroom.

What is the best carpet to purchase if a homeowner wants to install it themselves?

One excellent option is FLOR tiles, because they are easy to install and bathroom-friendly. FLOR tiles are simply modular carpet tiles that come in roughly 20” sections and can be mixed and matched to form any design.

Moreover, these carpet tiles can easily be removed, cleaned, or replaced—a big advantage for bathroom installations. Better yet, they utilize a non-toxic adhesive that sticks to the bottom of each tile—not to the floor—so DIY installation is a snap. FLOR tiles are also low-VOC for added health.

History

While carpets have been used all over the globe for centuries, the United States didn’t begin manufacturing carpet until William Sprague started the first carpet mill in 1791 in Philadelphia. Today it remains one of the most popular flooring options available.

More Information

If you can, be unique and go green in the bathroom. Have a look at Moss Carpet from designer La Chanh Nguyen. Now you can actually step onto real moss after your morning shower. The bathroom carpet is made of a foam called plastazote, which looks kind of like a cupcake baking tray.

Each cell holds one of three different types of moss, and the humidity, splashing, and drops flowing from a wet body waters the moss. You simply cannot get a more natural feeling underfoot in the bathroom.