The Luxury Bathroom Flooring Mike Holmes Jr. Says Is Worth The Investment

The right flooring can take your bathroom from feeling like a gym locker room into a luxurious spa retreat. Having honed his skills alongside his father on HGTV's "Holmes Family Rescue," Mike Holmes Jr. is an expert in transformative home renovations and understands how choosing bathroom floor materials can make a massive difference. In a recent blog post, Holmes Jr. offered some valuable advice, noting that natural stone tile flooring is an investment that truly pays off. He mentions that for those looking for a luxurious look, "natural stone tiles like marble, granite, and travertine are hard to beat. They're durable and, with proper care, can last a lifetime."

Natural stone tile is not only popular with renovation pros, but it's also a top pick in modern designs. Textured floor tiles are the bathroom floor trend that will dominate in 2025, and natural stone is a great choice to create visual texture while maintaining a sleek, organic appearance. There are plenty of unique benefits and styles within this flooring choice that make it an excellent option. With the right installation methods and maintenance, they can become a luxury upgrade that is truly worth the investment.

No matter your design style or preferences, natural stone tile flooring offers plenty of versatility for everyone. Each tile has its own distinctive charm and natural character, giving you endless layouts and combinations to create a design you love. Available in a large range of options from modern slate and marble to earthy sandstone and travertine, there's a stone for every aesthetic to enjoy. Natural stone also offers advantages that can adapt to different climates, as homes in warmer regions will benefit from its natural cooling properties. On the other hand, colder climates will benefit from the fact that it's the flooring type that works best with radiant heating, offering the luxurious possibility of heated floors.

Natural stone flooring is a timeless style, and on top of withstanding fleeting trends, this flooring also has incredible durability that can withstand years of foot traffic. While softer stones like marble do have a tendency to chip or stain, investing in strong natural stone tile like granite could save you from future replacements. It may even boost your resale value in the eyes of potential buyers. Homeowners and buyers may also be attracted to natural stone as an eco-friendly choice since its harvesting process has a lower environmental impact compared to other materials. It's no surprise that a seasoned pro like Holmes Jr. recommends the investment in natural stone tile — the benefits are numerous for every kind of homeowner.

To enjoy the full benefits of natural stone tiles in your bathroom long-term, the right installation methods will set you up for success. In his blog post, Holmes Jr. stresses the importance of waterproofing beyond just tile and grout, so moisture doesn't sneak in beneath the tiles and cause mold or other costly repairs. Part of the important prep work he would never skip before laying tile is installing an uncoupling membrane. He recommends using Schluter's DITRA membrane, which provides waterproofing and vapor barriers, along with load distribution that can prevent the tile from cracking. This step can make the tile's natural durability even stronger — so your flooring investment is built to last year after year.

Aside from installation, maintenance is a key aspect of getting the most out of natural stone tiles. Their porous nature can make the tiles vulnerable to damage if not regularly sealed. In high-traffic areas like bathrooms, it's recommended to seal your floors every two to three years to keep them resistant to water and damage. For day-to-day upkeep, it's important to use a pH-balanced cleaner on your tiles to help retain their appearance and strength. Investing in natural stone tile flooring may come with higher upfront costs and maintenance efforts compared to other options, but its longevity may be worth more over time. With the proper installation and care, natural stone tiles can be a major asset to your bathroom's style and function.