Hardwood is a popular surface covering material that adds a lot of visual appeal to any room. It is also durable, low maintenance, and long-lasting.
However, wood flooring in the bathroom does have some drawbacks.
The most common of these is that wood floors are more prone to water damage than other flooring options.
Aesthetics
If you’re looking for a stylish and inviting design for your bathroom, hardwood floors are an excellent option. They come in a variety of styles, colors, and finishes, making them easy to match with existing decor or create a completely new look.
They’re also easy to clean and maintain, just a simple sweep or mop will keep them looking new for years to come. Additionally, they add a sense of natural beauty to the space, making it feel more homely and welcoming.
Hardwood floors are also incredibly durable and can withstand heavy foot traffic and moisture, making them an ideal choice for high-use areas. However, you must be aware that water can cause damage to your hardwood flooring, so it’s important to take certain precautions if you plan to install it in the bathroom.
First, be sure to choose a waterproof hardwood product. You can find options that are made specifically for bathroom use, such as waterproof hardwoods with an SPC core. This makes the flooring resistant to moisture, which can prevent warping or other problems with your flooring that could lead to a lot of money and time spent on repairs.
Another way to minimize the risk of damage from water is to protect your wood flooring from moisture with a polyurethane-based sealer. This will help to protect the floor from the effects of humidity, which can cause the flooring to swell, warp, and stain.
It’s best to apply this sealer at regular intervals, especially if you have kids. If you don’t, stains will quickly become permanent, and you’ll need to replace the entire surface.
Finally, a good ventilation system in your bathroom is critical to preventing the growth of mold and mildew on your wood flooring. Using an extractor fan will keep the air moving and help reduce the moisture in the room.
If you’re thinking of adding hardwood to your bathroom, it’s important to research and find a material that will work well for your needs. Make sure to consider all the factors, including quality, aesthetics, and industry trends, so you can make an informed decision that will last you for many years.
Water Resistance
Hardwoods are beautiful and long-lasting, but they can be prone to water damage if not properly protected. This is especially true in the bathroom, where a lot of humidity is present and there are many sources of moisture throughout the room, from sinks and faucets to steam and showers.
Some wood materials and species have a natural water resistance, which makes them an excellent choice for bathrooms. This includes hardwoods such as dark oak and walnut, which are less porous than some softwoods and do not absorb as much water as softer varieties, such as pine.
Another good option is engineered hardwoods, which provide even greater water resistance than solid hardwood floors. These are constructed from a number of layers of wood that are glued together to create a more robust surface.
In addition, engineered flooring is dimensionally stable, which means that it does not fluctuate greatly in response to changes in humidity levels. This is crucial for the bathroom since fluctuations can cause buckling and cupping.
Engineered hardwoods are also more resistant to dents and scratches than solid hardwood floors. This gives them a more authentic look that homeowners can feel comfortable with, and they are also easier to clean than their solid counterparts.
For the most part, waterproofing wood is unnecessary, but if you are looking for a more permanent solution, there are several fail-proof methods. For example, you can use a water-based finish that has been infused with a sealing agent, or you can combine a strong stain-sealant combination.
If you choose to go with a stain-sealant, make sure to reapply the sealer every few years or so to ensure the sealant remains effective. You can also reapply the finish after any major renovations to protect your wood from new spills and drips.
You can choose from various finish products available on the market, including waxes, shellac, linseed oil, and tung oil. Some of these finishes offer poor to fair water resistance, while others, such as nitrocellulose lacquer and some oils, offer more protection.
Stain Resistance
If you’re looking for a classic floor that can stand up to the wear and tear of daily life, hardwood is a great choice. It’s durable, can be refinished several times over, and provides a timeless appeal.
It’s a good idea to consider the type of hardwood you want to install in your bathroom. Many types of wood are more prone to moisture damage than others. For instance, softer woods like pine and fir are less dense and will soak up water better than heavier-grain hardwoods like oak or maple.
Another factor to keep in mind is the amount of time you will spend in your bathroom. A large family may spend several hours a day in this space, so choosing the best flooring material for your needs is important.
Luckily, you can find various high-quality, low-maintenance options in every price range. Laminate is a popular choice that boasts a wood-like appearance and is scratch-resistant.
The best way to determine which floor covering is right for your home is to talk with a flooring professional about your needs. They can recommend the best type of material for your situation and help you find a design that complements your budget and style.
Choosing the right floor can make all the difference in how your bathroom looks and feels, so give it a little thought, and you’ll be well on your way to a stylish and functional space that you and your family will enjoy for years to come.
Maintenance
The bathroom can be a challenging environment to keep wood floors looking good. The area is always damp, and the moisture can affect hardwood in several ways.
Water damage can make the flooring buckle and warp if it is improperly sealed with polyurethane. The water will also cause stains on the surface of the floor.
One of the main problems with hardwood in the bathroom is the risk of flooding. If a pipe leaks or another fixture malfunctions, a flood can quickly destroy the bathroom and the floor.
It is, therefore, very important that your hardwood flooring is installed correctly. If you have an old bathroom floor that slopes, you should get it leveled before installing your hardwood flooring. You should also have your floor sealed to prevent water from seeping into the subfloor below.
Hardwoods that are particularly resistant to water include oak, smoked oak, and dark woods such as walnut or cedar. They are also less likely to absorb and expand when there is a change in humidity.
A bathroom wood floor should be oiled regularly to help it remain water-resistant and stain resistant. BOEN Live Natural Oil is a suitable product for this purpose, as it closes the pores in the wood and protects them from penetration by water and soap.
You can test whether this oil protects your hardwood with a water drop test, which you should carry out regularly. All is well if the water remains on the floor for a short time without penetrating the wood.
However, if the water is absorbed quickly, you will need to re-oil the entire floor. This is a simple, cost-effective process you can do yourself if you use the Oil Freshen Up product from BOEN.
It can be a great option for homeowners who want to preserve their hardwood flooring in the bathroom. In addition to preventing water from getting on the floors, it can help enhance the room’s overall look by adding a layer of protection to the wooden surfaces.
If you are considering using hardwood in your bathroom, it is best to talk with a specialist flooring provider about how they can help you find the right flooring for your needs. They can advise you on the best wood types for the room and provide treatments to help protect your flooring from water and stains.
