When designing a bathroom, the right flooring is crucial for both aesthetics and practicality. While tile and stone are the traditional go-to options, many homeowners are drawn to the warmth and beauty of wood flooring. But can wood flooring really hold up in a bathroom’s wet, humid environment? The answer is yes—if you choose the right type of wood and take the proper precautions. Here’s what you need to know about wood flooring in bathrooms.
Using Wood Floors in the Bathroom
Pros
Warmth
Hardwood floors provide a noticeably warmer and more comfortable surface compared to options like ceramic tile, especially during the winter months. Their natural earth-tone hues contribute to a cozy, welcoming atmosphere, making any space feel more inviting.
Beauty
Hardwood also adds a touch of organic beauty to interiors, with each plank offering its own unique grain and texture. In a bathroom, hardwood not only enhances visual appeal but also creates a seamless flow between different rooms in the home, adding cohesion to the overall design.
Longevity
With proper care, solid hardwood floors can last for over 25 years. One of their greatest advantages is the ability to be sanded and refinished, which allows you to restore the surface and keep the flooring looking new for many years.
Engineered hardwood, while not as durable as solid hardwood, still offers impressive longevity. Its laminated hardwood surface can stand the test of time with careful maintenance, making it a worthwhile option for long-lasting, beautiful flooring.
Cons
Mold and Mildew
Due to the high moisture levels in bathrooms, mold and mildew growth is a constant concern. These harmful fungi thrive in warm, humid environments and often feed on natural materials like hardwood. Although a good finish can provide some protection, over time mold and mildew can form between and underneath the floorboards. This is especially problematic for those with allergies or sensitivities, as these substances can exacerbate health issues.
Chemical Staining
Bathrooms are filled with various soaps, cleansers, and personal care products, many of which are slightly acidic. If these products spill onto hardwood floors, they can eat away at the finish or cause permanent stains. Once the finish is damaged, the wood is more vulnerable to moisture and further deterioration.
High Humidity
The constant exposure to humidity from hot showers and baths can be detrimental to hardwood floors. Moisture can accumulate over time, affecting not just the surface but also the underside of the boards, which often lack a protective finish. In high-traffic bathrooms, this can lead to warping, swelling, twisting, or even cracking of the floorboards. Installing a high-quality exhaust fan is essential for maintaining good airflow and reducing humidity during and after use.
Floor Slope
If the bathroom floor is not perfectly level, water will tend to flow into low spots and form puddles. These standing pools of moisture can be particularly harmful to hardwood, as they may lead to water damage and compromise the floor’s structural integrity. To prevent water from pooling, proper subfloor preparation is crucial to ensure a completely flat and even surface.
How to Protect Wooden Floors in Bathrooms
The key to protecting wooden floors in bathrooms lies in preventing moisture from reaching the wood, especially through gaps that lead to the subfloor. Here are essential tactics to ensure your bathroom’s wood flooring stays in excellent condition.
Regular Maintenance
Reapply Finish Every Few Months: Apply a fresh coat of floor finish every few months to maintain water resistance. To check if your current finish is still intact, drop a small amount of water onto the floor. If the water beads up, the finish is working. If the water absorbs into the wood, it’s time for another coat.
Inspect Cracks and Seams: Pay special attention to any cracks or spaces between floorboards where water can seep through. Sealing these areas can prevent moisture from penetrating the wood.
Use Bath Mats
Placement: Position bath mats outside the bathtub and near the sink where splashes and drips are most common.
Dry the Mats: If a bath mat becomes soaked, air-dry it before placing it back on the floor to prevent prolonged moisture exposure.
Choose the Right Mats: Opt for bath mats with rubber or vinyl backing to prevent moisture from seeping through and damaging the wood underneath.
Install Bathtub and Shower Curtains
Use Surrounds: Enclose the area around the bathtub and shower with waterproof curtains. While they do enhance the aesthetic, their primary function is to keep water from spilling onto the floor.
Seal Seams: Ensure that seams around the shower stalls are tightly sealed. Leaky seams can allow water to escape and damage the wood flooring over time.
Maintain Plumbing Fixtures
Check for Leaks: Inspect pipes that lead to and from major bathroom fixtures like sinks, toilets, and tubs. Even small leaks in hidden areas can cause significant damage to the floor.
Watch for Condensation: Cold-water pipes and toilet tanks can collect condensation, especially when exposed to warm, humid air. This moisture can drip onto the floor and cause damage over time. Consider using insulation on pipes or installing drip pans to catch condensation.
Seal Pipe Holes: Make sure any holes in the floor where pipes run are fully caulked and sealed. This prevents water from sneaking through gaps and damaging the subfloor beneath.
Buying Considerations
Finish
Hardwood is naturally prone to swelling, warping, and staining when exposed to moisture. To protect it, a high-quality finishing product is essential:
Water-Resistant Sealers: Using a polyurethane-based sealer creates a protective barrier that prevents water from penetrating the surface. However, this finish needs to be reapplied regularly to maintain its effectiveness.
Focus on Seams: Seams and gaps between planks are the most vulnerable spots where moisture can seep in. Special attention should be given to sealing these areas properly.
Quality of Finish: Choose a finish specifically designed for high-moisture environments, such as bathrooms. Keep in mind, though, that while the finish protects the surface, water that gets through the seams can still cause damage to the wood below.
Type of Wood
Certain wood species are better suited for bathroom environments than others. Generally, it’s best to avoid softwoods like pine and fir, as they are less dense and more prone to absorbing moisture. Instead, consider the following hardwood options that offer greater resistance to moisture:
- Teak: Known for its natural oils that repel water, teak is highly resistant to moisture and ideal for humid environments like bathrooms.
- Oak: Both red and white oak are durable and perform well in high-moisture areas when properly sealed.
- Cedar: Naturally resistant to decay and moisture, cedar is another excellent choice for bathrooms.
- Cherry: With its fine grain and water resistance, cherry wood adds elegance and durability to bathroom floors.
- Maple: Maple is dense and less porous, making it resistant to water damage and a popular choice for bathrooms.
- Ash: Known for its strength and resistance to moisture, ash can handle humid conditions while maintaining its appearance.
- Walnut: Walnut is durable, has a rich color, and can handle moisture when sealed properly.
- Hickory: One of the hardest domestic woods, hickory is highly resistant to moisture, making it a strong candidate for bathroom flooring.
Wood flooring in bathrooms is a bold design choice that can elevate the look of your space and create a cozy and luxurious atmosphere. However, it’s important to be mindful of moisture protection, maintenance, and the type of wood you select. With the right precautions, wood flooring can be a stunning and practical option for your bathroom remodel.
