Best Flooring for a Bathroom in Mokena, IL

Written by Matt Pehr, owner of The Floor 4U.

The best bathroom flooring is fully waterproof, slip-resistant, and easy to clean, and for most Mokena, IL bathrooms that means porcelain or ceramic tile first, with waterproof luxury vinyl plank a close second. Matt Pehr installs both across Will County and will tell you straight which fits your bathroom and budget. Start with bathroom tile options, or read on for the full ranking.

The best bathroom flooring, ranked

For a bathroom, choose porcelain or ceramic tile first and waterproof LVP second. Tile with sealed grout is a fully waterproof system that handles showers, tubs, and daily splashing, and it lasts for decades, with strong lines from brands like MSI and Daltile. Waterproof luxury vinyl plank is the runner-up: it is warmer and softer underfoot, installs faster, and is a great fit for busy family bathrooms, with waterproof options from COREtec and Provenza. Skip solid hardwood and standard laminate in any bathroom. Ready to install tile? See tile installation in Mokena.

What bathroom flooring costs in Mokena

Bathroom flooring cost depends on the material, the room size, and any old-floor removal and waterproofing prep, so treat these competitive market ranges as a starting point, not a quote. Bathroom tile installed typically runs from about $12 to $25 per sq ft, and waterproof luxury vinyl plank installed commonly runs from about $4 to $12 per sq ft, with premium tile, mosaics, or heated-floor add-ons higher. Prices shift with product, quality, and quantity. Call Matt Pehr at (708) 775-3648 for a firm bathroom quote.

What flooring is 100% waterproof?

Porcelain and ceramic tile with sealed grout is the closest thing to a 100% waterproof floor, which is why it is the standard for bathrooms. Waterproof LVP is also waterproof through each plank, and it performs very well in bathrooms, though the seams and the subfloor underneath still need a proper installation to keep water out. Laminate is not waterproof and does not belong on a bathroom floor. For softer comfort with strong water protection, ask about waterproof luxury vinyl plank.

Is “waterproof laminate” safe for a bathroom?

No, we do not recommend “waterproof laminate” for bathrooms, because most of these products only resist surface water for a few hours and still swell when water sits. A bathroom sees standing water at the tub, the shower, and the sink, so a wood-core floor is the wrong tool. Choose tile or waterproof LVP instead. If you are weighing materials, see LVP vs laminate, explained.

Flooring to avoid in a bathroom

Avoid solid hardwood, standard laminate, and carpet in a bathroom, because standing water and humidity ruin all three. Hardwood cups and stains near the tub and shower. Laminate swells at the seams the first time water sits on it. Carpet holds moisture against the subfloor, which invites mold and odor in a room that never fully dries out. Tile and waterproof LVP exist because bathrooms are hard on floors, so start there.

Heated floors under bathroom tile

If a warm floor matters to you, tile pairs well with an electric radiant heat mat installed underneath, which is a popular upgrade in Mokena bathrooms. The heat takes the chill off tile on winter mornings and helps the floor dry faster after a shower. It adds to the project cost and is worth deciding on before install, since it goes in under the tile. Ask Matt Pehr about heated tile during your free estimate.

Slip resistance and small-bathroom tips

For safety, pick a floor with texture or a matte finish, since a wet bathroom floor is a slip risk, especially for kids and older adults. Textured porcelain tile and many LVP finishes give good grip, and a smaller floor tile with more grout lines adds traction underfoot. In a small bathroom, a larger wall-to-floor tile with fewer grout lines makes the room feel bigger and is easier to clean, while a light floor keeps it bright. See finishes in person at our Mokena showroom.

Frequently asked questions

What type of floor is best for a bathroom?

Porcelain or ceramic tile is the best bathroom floor because it is fully waterproof, slip-resistant with the right finish, and lasts for decades, with waterproof luxury vinyl plank the best softer, warmer alternative.

What flooring is 100% waterproof?

Porcelain and ceramic tile with sealed grout is effectively 100% waterproof, and waterproof LVP is waterproof through each plank when installed with proper seams and subfloor prep. Laminate is not waterproof.

What is the best material to put on a bathroom floor?

Tile is the best material for a bathroom floor for full waterproofing and longevity, while waterproof LVP is the best choice when you want warmth and comfort underfoot.

Is waterproof laminate okay for bathrooms?

No, waterproof laminate is not a safe bathroom floor, because it usually resists only surface water for a few hours and swells when water sits, which is common in a bathroom. Use tile or waterproof LVP.

Get a waterproof bathroom floor done right

The Floor 4U is owner-operated by Matt Pehr, rated 4.9 stars across 339 Google reviews, with an in-house install crew. Call Matt Pehr at (708) 775-3648 or request a free in-home estimate, and we can handle your tile installation in Mokena. Doing the kitchen too? See best flooring for a kitchen.