Hardwood Flooring in Bathrooms
If you have been following our blog, you know that we wrote an article on hardwood flooring in kitchens last year. There were a few things to consider before installation, but, overall, there is nothing quite like a beautiful hardwood floor to elevate the design and aesthetic of your kitchen. The same is true for a bathroom!
A wood floor in a bathroom can add an element of warmth that you simply cannot get from tile, vinyl, or porcelain. It can also be an excellent natural choice if you want to create a more spa-like atmosphere, where your bathroom becomes a place you can retreat and relax. Truthfully, there are numerous benefits to having wood flooring in your bathroom. Even so, people still question whether or not they should install wood floors in their bathrooms. Why?
The main issue:
Moisture. It is no secret that moisture can be problematic for wood floors. From environmental factors that can cause the boards to expand and contract to floods that can warp or cause mold, moisture can certainly wreak havoc. But let’s be honest, this can be true for almost every type of flooring out there. So don’t base your decision solely on that. You will also be happy to know that there are plenty of ways to protect your wood floor from moisture and get that warm, stylish feel that only hardwood can provide.
Here are our 5 tips for having hardwood flooring in a bathroom:
1. Check Your Plumbing
First, you will want to take a look at all your plumbing fixtures. Make sure all your pipework is up to date, that there are no small leaks, and that all the seals are still in good shape. One of the biggest culprits can be the wax seal on a toilet. If you haven’t changed it in a while, it might be time to do that!
2. Proper Ventilation
One way to lower the moisture level in a bathroom is to make sure you have adequate ventilation. Most bathrooms have some sort of exhaust fan that you can run during and after a shower or bath. This will help pull some of the steam and other moisture out of the room. You can also open windows and doors or install a regular fan to improve ventilation.
3. The Right Species of Wood
In the past, we have talked about the differences between hardwood and softwood, one being water absorption. For areas that are semi-moist like bathrooms, you will want to have a harder wood species. Generally speaking, the harder the wood, the more resistant it is to water damage. Some excellent wood species to use for flooring in a bathroom are white oak, red oak, teak, maple, hickory, and walnut.
4. Maintain Your Finish
The proper finish or sealer is essential for getting the most out of your hardwood floor in a bathroom. The sealant or finish will be the first thing protecting your floor when there is a spill or leak. That means you will want to pay close attention to how it is applied and when it should be reapplied. For application, it is not only crucial for the surface of the board to be adequately covered, but the grooves and cracks between the boards also need to be covered appropriately. You will also want to reapply sealant or finish in these areas regularly, based on the manufacturer and your hardwood flooring specialist’s recommendation. One way to see if you need to reapply is by using the water drop test. Put a drop of water on the floor and see if it beads up. If it does, your coating is still intact. If it soaks in, you need to reapply sooner than later! have a harder wood species. Generally speaking, the harder the wood, the more resistant it is to water damage. Some excellent wood species to use for flooring in a bathroom are white oak, red oak, teak, maple, hickory, and walnut.
5. Use Mats
Finally, as in all semi-moist areas, it is a good idea to use mats or rugs that can absorb any extra moisture. This is especially true right outside your bathtub or shower. A rug placed here can help prevent the water from your feet dripping onto the floor. Plus, having a nice microfiber or chenille rug can add a little extra comfort, and they are easy to clean!
By following these 5 tips, not only can you have a gorgeous hardwood floor in your bathroom, but you can also make sure it lasts a long time. Interested in learning more or want to talk to a hardwood flooring specialist about installing wood floors in your home? Give us a call or fill out the contact form below.
