Installing Waterproof Flooring in Bathrooms: Tips & Tricks

Bathrooms are one of the most moisture-prone areas in any home, so installing waterproof flooring is essential. Whether you’re remodeling your bathroom or simply upgrading the flooring, choosing the right materials and using the right techniques will ensure your floors stay durable, stylish, and completely resistant to water damage.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about installing waterproof flooring in your bathroom, including helpful tips and tricks to make the job easier and more efficient. Let’s dive in! 🚽🛠️

Step 1: Choose the Right Waterproof Flooring

Before you begin installing, it’s important to pick the right waterproof flooring material. There are a few popular options that are perfect for bathrooms:

• Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP): One of the most popular choices for bathrooms, LVP is waterproof, durable, and easy to install. It mimics the look of hardwood, but without the worry of water damage.
• Ceramic or Porcelain Tile: These are classic choices for bathrooms because they’re 100% waterproof and highly durable. Tiles come in a variety of styles, making it easy to match your bathroom’s aesthetic.
• Waterproof Laminate Flooring: While standard laminate isn’t suitable for bathrooms, waterproof laminate is a great option that provides a stylish look while being moisture-resistant.

💡 Pro tip: If you’re looking for an easy DIY-friendly option, consider LVP or waterproof laminate—they’re designed to click together, making installation a breeze!

Step 2: Prepare the Subfloor

Proper preparation is key to ensuring your new bathroom floor lasts for years. Start by making sure your subfloor is dry, clean, and level.

Here’s how:

1. Remove the old flooring: Strip away any existing flooring, whether it’s vinyl, tile, or laminate. Use a pry bar or scraper to lift it off.
2. Clean the subfloor: Sweep or vacuum the subfloor to remove debris and dirt. This will help the new flooring adhere properly.
3. Check for damage: Inspect the subfloor for any water damage, rot, or mold. If you notice any soft spots, these will need to be replaced before proceeding.
4. Level the surface: Use a leveling compound to even out any bumps or dips in the subfloor. A smooth, flat surface ensures that your waterproof flooring will fit snugly and prevent gaps.

💡 Pro tip: If you’re installing over a concrete subfloor, make sure it’s completely dry. Concrete can hold moisture, which can lead to mold or flooring issues if not properly sealed.

Step 3: Measure and Plan the Layout

Once your subfloor is ready, it’s time to measure and plan the layout of your new waterproof flooring. Measuring correctly ensures that you’ll have enough material and can avoid waste.

1. Measure the total square footage of your bathroom and add about 10% extra to account for mistakes, cutting, and trimming around edges.
2. Plan the layout, starting from the center of the room and working your way toward the edges. This helps ensure that the flooring is evenly spaced and looks symmetrical.

💡 Pro tip: Lay out a few planks or tiles in a dry run before installing. This will help you see how the pieces fit together and allow you to make adjustments before committing.

Step 4: Install the Waterproof Flooring

Now comes the fun part—installing the flooring! The installation process will vary slightly depending on whether you’ve chosen LVP, tile, or laminate, but here are some general steps to follow:

• Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) and Waterproof Laminate:
  1. Start in one corner of the room and work your way out.
  2. Use the click-lock system to snap the planks together, making sure each piece is tightly secured.
  3. Use a rubber mallet to gently tap the planks into place if needed.
  4. Cut the planks as needed around corners, door frames, and other obstacles using a utility knife or saw.
• Ceramic or Porcelain Tile:
  1. Apply thin-set mortar to the subfloor using a notched trowel.
  2. Lay the tiles, starting in the center and working outward, using tile spacers to maintain even gaps.
  3. After all the tiles are placed, allow the mortar to dry, then apply grout between the tiles to create a watertight seal.

💡 Pro tip: When installing planks or tiles around toilets or tight corners, use cardboard templates to trace the shapes and cut the flooring to fit perfectly.

Step 5: Seal the Edges and Transitions

Once the flooring is installed, it’s important to seal any edges and transitions to prevent water from seeping underneath.

1. Apply silicone caulk around the perimeter of the room, especially where the flooring meets the tub, shower, or walls.
2. Use transition strips where the bathroom flooring meets other types of flooring in doorways or adjoining rooms.

💡 Pro tip: For a polished, professional look, use a matching caulk color that blends with your flooring.

Step 6: Allow the Flooring to Set

After installation, it’s important to allow the flooring to set before using the bathroom. For most waterproof flooring types, you’ll need to wait 24 hours before walking on it or moving heavy furniture back into the room.

💡 Pro tip: For tile installations, follow the manufacturer’s drying and curing times for both the mortar and grout to ensure everything is fully set.

Step 7: Maintain Your Waterproof Flooring

Now that your new bathroom floor is installed, keep it looking its best with proper maintenance. The good news is that waterproof flooring is generally low-maintenance!

• Sweep or vacuum regularly to remove dirt and debris.
• Wipe up spills immediately to prevent any water from sitting on the surface.
• Use a damp mop for deeper cleaning, but avoid harsh chemicals that could damage the finish.

💡 Pro tip: For tile floors, reapply grout sealant every couple of years to keep the grout lines waterproof and looking fresh.