The short answer
A standard 50 sqft bathroom costs $200–$1,200 to floor. Tile is the go-to at $500–$1,000 installed. LVP is the budget-friendly waterproof alternative at $400–$650. Budget an extra $150–$400 for toilet/vanity removal and subfloor prep.
Cost by material
| Material | Per sqft | 50 sqft bathroom |
|---|---|---|
| Ceramic/Porcelain Tile Best overall for bathrooms. Waterproof, durable, wide design range. | $5–$20 | $500–$2,000 |
| Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) 100% waterproof, warmer than tile, easier DIY installation. | $4–$13 | $400–$1,300 |
| Vinyl Sheet Flooring Budget option. Single seamless sheet means no seams for water to penetrate. | $2–$7 | $200–$700 |
| Laminate (water-resistant) Only water-RESISTANT laminate rated for bathrooms. Not truly waterproof. | $4–$12 | $400–$1,200 |
| Natural Stone Tile Marble, slate, travertine. Luxurious but requires sealing and is slippery when wet. | $15–$30 | $1,500–$3,000 |
Sources: HomeGuide (2026), Angi (2026), Homewyse (May 2026).
Cost by bathroom size
Hidden bathroom flooring costs
Bathrooms are different from every other room. The toilet has to come out. The vanity may need disconnecting. And water damage under old bathroom flooring is common enough that you should always budget for subfloor inspection.
Toilet removal & reset
Toilet must be pulled before flooring, then re-seated with a new wax ring.
Vanity removal & reinstall
If flooring goes under the vanity, it needs to be disconnected and moved.
Subfloor repair (water damage)
Bathrooms are the #1 room for water-damaged subfloors. Check before installing.
Waterproof membrane (under tile)
Cement board or uncoupling membrane (like Schluter Ditra) required under bathroom tile.
Transition strips
Threshold transitions between bathroom and hallway flooring.
Independent contractor estimate: $600
Save ~$200 vs retail — no store markup on materials or labor
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to floor a bathroom?
Bathroom flooring costs $300 to $2,500 installed, depending on material and bathroom size. A standard 50 sqft bathroom with ceramic tile runs $500–$1,000. LVP costs $400–$650 for the same space. Most homeowners spend $600–$1,200 on bathroom flooring.
What is the best flooring for a bathroom?
Porcelain or ceramic tile is the best overall choice — it's waterproof, durable, and comes in thousands of designs. Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) is a close second: it's 100% waterproof, softer underfoot, warmer than tile, and costs less to install. Avoid hardwood and standard laminate in bathrooms.
Can I put LVP in a bathroom?
Yes. Luxury vinyl plank is 100% waterproof and an excellent bathroom flooring choice. It costs $4–$13/sqft installed versus $5–$20 for tile, and installation is faster because LVP doesn't require grout, mortar, or cement board underlayment. The only downside: LVP can feel less premium than tile.
Does bathroom flooring include removing the toilet?
Not always. Some contractors include toilet pull-and-reset in their quote; others charge $50–$150 extra. Always ask. The toilet must be removed before new flooring is installed, then re-seated with a fresh wax ring to prevent leaks.
How much can I save on bathroom flooring with an independent contractor?
Independent contractors typically charge 20% less than tile companies and big-box stores. On a $1,200 bathroom tile project, that's $240+ saved. Find independent flooring pros on FindFlooringPros.com.
Sources
HomeGuide (2026), Angi (2026), Homewyse Cost Calculator (May 2026). Bathroom-specific cost factors sourced from contractor industry standards and manufacturer installation guidelines.