All advice / Design and finishes
What makes a bathroom floor different
A bathroom floor gets wet. It needs to be waterproof, slip-resistant when wet, durable enough to handle daily foot traffic and easy to clean. Not every flooring material meets all four requirements.
In Australia, the floor of a wet area must be waterproofed to AS 3740. The flooring material sits on top of the waterproof membrane — the membrane does the waterproofing, and the floor material provides the wearing surface.
Porcelain tiles
Porcelain is the most common bathroom floor material in Australian renovations. It is fired at a higher temperature than ceramic, making it denser, harder and less porous. A good porcelain tile absorbs almost no water.
Porcelain is available in every size, colour and finish. Matt and textured finishes provide grip when wet. Polished porcelain is slippery when wet and is not recommended for bathroom floors unless it is used only in dry areas.
Slip resistance is rated under AS 4586. For a bathroom floor, look for a tile rated R10 or higher. Our large-format tiles guide covers how tile size affects installation on a bathroom floor.
Ceramic tiles
Ceramic tiles are lighter and softer than porcelain. They are fired at a lower temperature and are more porous, which means they absorb more water. In a bathroom, this is usually not a problem because the waterproof membrane is underneath, but ceramic is less durable for heavy use.
Ceramic costs less than porcelain and comes in a wide range of patterns and colours. It is a reasonable choice for a budget bathroom or a powder room with light foot traffic. For a main bathroom or ensuite that gets daily use, porcelain is the stronger choice.
Vinyl and luxury vinyl tiles
Vinyl flooring is waterproof, warm underfoot and softer to walk on than tile. Luxury vinyl tiles (LVT) are thicker, more durable and available in convincing wood and stone-look finishes.
Vinyl does not need grouting, which eliminates a maintenance surface. It is quieter underfoot and more forgiving if you drop something — a glass bottle on vinyl may survive; on porcelain, it will not.
The trade-off is durability. Vinyl scratches more easily than tile and can be damaged by heavy furniture or sharp objects. It also does not carry the same premium visual impression as tile, which matters for resale.
Natural stone
Marble, limestone, travertine and slate are used in premium bathroom renovations. Natural stone adds a luxury feel that manufactured tiles cannot fully replicate.
The downside is maintenance. Natural stone is porous and must be sealed regularly to prevent staining and water absorption. Marble stains from soap, toothpaste and cleaning products. Limestone scratches. Slate is harder but irregular in thickness.
Engineered stone (quartz composite) is an alternative — it looks similar to natural stone but is non-porous and lower maintenance. It is more commonly used for vanity tops and splashbacks than for floors.
Slip resistance matters
AS 4586 rates floor surfaces for slip resistance. A wet bathroom floor needs a rating of at least R10 (or P3 for the pendulum test). A shower floor needs a higher rating because it is constantly wet — R11 or R12 is recommended.
The slip rating depends on the surface texture, not the material. A matt porcelain tile can be R10 or R11. A polished porcelain tile of the same material can be R9 or lower — too slippery for a wet bathroom floor.
Ask the tile supplier for the slip rating before ordering. Our tiling and finishes guide covers how to choose tiles that look right and perform safely.
How ETR selects bathroom flooring
The floor tile is chosen during the selections process, alongside the wall tiles, grout and tapware. Adam Dawood advises on slip resistance, tile size and substrate preparation. Every floor is waterproofed to AS 3740 with a compliance certificate before the tiles go down.
A free on-site measure anywhere in Sydney is the starting point. The written quote includes the floor tile, adhesive, grout and waterproofing as standard line items.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best flooring for a bathroom?
Porcelain tiles with a matt or textured finish rated R10 or higher for slip resistance. They are waterproof, durable, easy to clean and available in a wide range of styles. Porcelain is the standard choice for most Australian bathroom renovations.
Can I use timber flooring in a bathroom?
Real timber is not recommended. It swells and warps with moisture exposure. Timber-look porcelain tiles or luxury vinyl tiles give a similar appearance without the water damage risk.
Is vinyl flooring good enough for a bathroom?
Luxury vinyl tiles are a viable option, especially for budget renovations or rental properties. They are waterproof, warm underfoot and easy to install. They are less durable than porcelain and do not carry the same premium look for resale.
What slip rating do I need for a bathroom floor?
At least R10 under AS 4586 for the general bathroom floor. R11 or R12 for the shower floor, which is wet more often and needs higher grip. Ask the tile supplier for the rating — it depends on the surface texture, not the material.
Does the floor need waterproofing if I use waterproof tiles?
Yes. The waterproof membrane under the tiles is what protects the building structure. The tiles protect the membrane and provide the wearing surface. Both layers are required under AS 3740.