We purchased our home a couple of years ago, and the prior owners had just tiled and grouted the upstairs bathroom right before we closed the deal. Unfortunately, it's starting to crack and break now. After doing some research, I found out that tile and grout don't hold up well on second stories due to the movement of the subfloor. We're thinking about ripping out the tile and replacing it with something better. What flooring options work best for second floor bathrooms that allow for some movement and can be installed as a DIY project? Thanks for your help!
4 Answers
Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT) are another option worth considering. They're individual pieces, which can give a really nice aesthetic and can be grouted for a tile-like finish. Brands like Armstrong Alterna are great; I've used them in my own bathroom remodel and loved the outcome!
It sounds like there might have been some issues with the installation rather than the subfloor itself moving. I've had tile on my second floor for over 30 years without any cracks, so it's definitely possible if done right! You might want to check the prep work that was done before replacing everything.
Just a heads up, if you're determined to stick with tile, make sure it’s installed over a decoupling membrane. It’s meant to handle movement and will help prevent cracks in the future. Proper installation is key here!
If you're looking for alternatives to tile, Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) is a solid choice for bathrooms. It's pretty resilient against moisture, easy to install, and doesn't require much upkeep. Just make sure to choose a good quality one!
Absolutely! I've heard they even have waterproof LVP now with long warranties, which is great for bathrooms.
Good point! If the prep was bad, that could explain the cracking. Getting to the root of the problem sounds like the best first step before changing everything up.