Carpeted bathrooms occasionally resurface as a niche trend. In eras like the 1950s, when carpeting was considered a symbol of luxury, many homeowners chose to install it in their bathrooms. However, despite brief periods of renewed interest, carpeted bathrooms have never truly taken off. This is largely due to the high humidity levels in bathrooms, particularly those with tubs or showers. The presence of moisture can lead to the growth of mold and mildew, as it tends to penetrate the carpet and its padding. Unfortunately, it is almost certain that moisture will infiltrate the carpeting over time.
If you’re determined to put carpet in your bathroom, it’s important to think about several factors and take certain precautions before diving into the project.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Putting Carpet in a Bathroom
- Cozy and gentle against the skin.
- Less noisy than solid surfaces.
- Slip-resistant surface
- Distinctive aesthetic charm
- Easy to maintain cleanliness and freshness.
- Fungi and dampness
- Takes a long time to dry.
- Selling it again might prove challenging.
- Regular substitution
- Challenging to sanitize and maintain a germ-free environment.
7 Recommendations for Laying Carpet in a Bathroom
Utilize Artificial Fabrics
Opt for carpets made entirely from nylon, polyester, PTT (Triexta Polyester), or polypropylene (olefin). Steer clear of carpets made from natural fibers like wool. Synthetic fibers dry significantly quicker than natural ones, and they also tend to have less odor than wool if they become damp.
Cover the Most Humid Regions with Tiles
Reduce the scope of the project to ensure a drier environment and simplify maintenance by incorporating tile in the most moisture-prone areas.
While you might consider carpeting the whole bathroom, it’s advisable to incorporate a section of tile or another durable flooring type in front of the sink, along the shower or bathtub, and around the toilets. These high-traffic areas are prone to moisture, and isolating them will significantly help in maintaining a cleaner and mold-free bathroom carpet.
Select the Appropriate Kind
Consider loop or needle-punch carpet styles. Although they may not exude luxury—typically utilized in public or high-traffic spaces—these designs keep the pile low and flat. Carpets with a lower pile also dry more quickly, as opposed to thicker piles that retain moisture and are harder to dry. While low-pile carpets can still be susceptible to mold and mildew, any growth is more visible and can be addressed more easily. In general, a carpet with a lower pile thickness leads to fewer issues, as it absorbs less moisture.
Needle-punch is frequently utilized for outdoor rugs. However, if your perception of outdoor rugs is outdated, it might be time to refresh your ideas by exploring modern outdoor Berber rugs. These rugs are substantial enough to provide a genuine carpet feel, while still being slim enough to dry rapidly.
Set Up a Moisture-Resistant Underlayment
Whenever feasible, place your carpet directly on a concrete subfloor. If this isn’t an option, consider installing a cement backer board, like Durock or Wonderboard, on top of your current subfloor before adding your bathroom carpet. Regardless of the method, ensure that the base for your carpet is sturdy and resistant to water.
Utilize Carpet Tiles
When wall-to-wall carpeting becomes soaked and irreparable, the typical solution is to hire a roll-off dumpster, as the carpet must be taken out and replaced. But what if there were a method to cut out a portion of the carpet without having to remove extensive areas?
Carpet square tiles offer an ideal solution for bathroom flooring by providing carpeting in modular sections that can be easily removed and replaced. Typically made from synthetic materials like 100% nylon, these tiles feature a low pile, allowing for quick drying.
Tip
Carpet tiles can be effortlessly installed by peeling away the backing to expose the adhesive and then pressing them into place.
Utilize the finest adhesives.
Ensure that you select an adhesive specifically designed for indoor and outdoor carpets. Opt for a high-quality, solvent-free, commercial-grade adhesive that offers water resistance.
Tips for Caring for Bathroom Carpets
In contrast to various other bathroom flooring options that can be installed and left unattended, bathroom carpets demand a bit more attention and effort to ensure they function effectively, including:
- Regularly vacuum your bathroom rugs: It’s important to vacuum your bathroom carpets on a regular basis. Mold can thrive not just from moisture but also from unclean carpets. Research has indicated that carpets that are kept clean are less likely to foster mold growth compared to those that are dirty, even when both are exposed to the same moisture levels. In summary, a combination of dirty carpets and water can lead to mold growth.
- Make the stall water-resistant: Prevent water accumulation by ensuring that your bathtub or shower stall is completely sealed. Similar to how you would clean up water from non-absorbent surfaces, apply the same principle to your bathroom rug.
- Possess a wet-dry vacuum: This type of vacuum, designed to handle both wet and dry debris, is essential for swiftly extracting moisture from carpets. It’s important to avoid leaving damp carpets wet for an extended period, as the moisture can seep into the padding below.
- Utilize bathmats: Place a bathmat on the carpet. Although it might appear odd to have carpet on carpet, this initial layer will absorb the majority of the water from individuals stepping out of the shower or bathtub.
- Keep one edge unfastened: In areas that are prone to moisture, like beside a bathtub, it’s advisable to leave a section of the carpet unglued or untacked. This enables you to lift the carpet when necessary. If the carpet becomes significantly damp, lift a corner or edge to reveal the padding underneath. Use a wet vacuum to remove the water, and direct fans at the spot until it is thoroughly dry.
What are the best ways to safeguard carpet in a bathroom?
To maintain the cleanliness and freshness of a bathroom carpet, it’s advisable to utilize bathmats to soak up any excess water, especially when entering or exiting the shower. In the event that the carpet becomes wet, it’s important to absorb the moisture promptly. A wet vacuum can be a useful tool for this task. Additionally, enhancing your bathroom ventilation by upgrading the fan can help to expedite the drying process and reduce humidity levels.
When did carpeted bathrooms gain popularity?
Throughout various periods in history, the trend of carpeted bathrooms gained significant traction compared to other flooring alternatives. During the 1950s, innovations in carpet manufacturing made it more cost-effective to purchase and install. This allowed a greater number of homeowners to opt for carpeting, enabling them to cover their entire homes if they desired. At that time, carpeting was considered a premium flooring choice.
What type of subfloor is most suitable for a bathroom with carpeting?
Your bathroom may or may not include a subfloor. If it doesn’t, consider installing one or adding a layer of dimpled polyethylene to the existing floor. This setup promotes airflow between the carpet and the floor, helping moisture to evaporate and preventing mold growth. Alternatively, a moisture-resistant cement backer board can serve the same purpose.
