Hardwood flooring can add warmth and beauty to any room in your home – even bathrooms! While hardwood may not be the first flooring choice that comes to mind for bathrooms, with proper precautions it can be a viable and attractive option. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the pros and cons of using hardwood flooring in bathrooms and provide tips for protecting and maintaining your floors.
Is Hardwood Suitable for Bathrooms?
When choosing flooring for a bathroom, most homeowners opt for ceramic tile, vinyl, or linoleum due to concerns about moisture damage to wood floors. Hardwood can warp or buckle when exposed to standing water. However, with today’s advanced hardwood flooring options and protective treatments, hardwood deserves consideration for bathroom installations.
Water-resistant engineered hardwoods constructed with a plywood or high-density fiberboard (HDF) base are ideal for bathrooms. The laminated wear layer protects the wood from minor water exposure. Species with tight, dense grain patterns like Brazilian cherry, tigerwood, and cumaru are naturally more water-resistant as well. Oiled finishes also withstand moisture better than polyurethane.
With proper precautions like sealing the floors, using bath mats, and promptly wiping up spills, hardwood can thrive in the humid bathroom environment. The rich, warm aesthetic of wood brings life to sterile, cold tile-clad bathrooms.
Benefits of Hardwood Floors in Bathrooms
Here are some of the advantages hardwood floors offer for bathrooms:
- Visual Warmth – Hardwood adds natural beauty, character, and coziness to bathrooms that can feel cold and clinical.
- Continuity – Maintain a seamless flow if you have hardwood flooring in adjoining rooms.
- Resale Value – Wood floors are desirable for homebuyers and can increase resale value.
- Low Maintenance – Hardwood requires no grout lines to clean. Just sweep and damp mop.
- Comfort & Warmth – Wood feels better underfoot than tile and does not get as cold.
- Safety – Hardwood provides better traction when wet than tile. Less chance of slipping!
Precautions for Installing Hardwood in Bathrooms
Special preparations must be made during installation to protect hardwood bathroom floors:
Choose Engineered Hardwood
Engineered wood with its plywood base is more stable and water-resistant than solid hardwood. Opt for at least a 1/2″ thick top layer.
Use a Waterproof Adhesive
Adhesives made specifically for damp areas will securely bond the wood floors. Some options are urethane, epoxy, and silicone/acrylic based.
Seal All Seams
Caulking along the baseboards, around toilets, tubs, and fixtures prevents moisture seeping underneath.
Install Bathroom Fixtures First
Install toilets, tubs, etc. before laying the wood floors to prevent damaging the surface.
Include Expansion Gaps
Allow slightly wider expansion gaps than normal between boards to accommodate moisture.
Check for Moisture
Test the subfloor moisture content before installation. Levels should be below 3-5% for hardwood.
Apply a Moisture Barrier
Add an extra waterproofing precaution like AquaBarrier underlayment beneath the floors.
Use Engineered Wood or WPC Planks in Wet Areas
In the shower and around tubs, use engineered wood or waterproof WPC planks instead of solid wood.
With proper preparation and these moisture protection measures, hardwood floors can perform well in humid bathroom environments. Always consult with an experienced hardwood flooring contractor when installing wood floors in bathrooms.
Caring for Hardwood Floors in Bathrooms
While today’s hardwoods are more water-resistant, they still require some special care in damp bathrooms:
Maintain the Finish
Refinish and recoat the floors as needed to maintain the waterproof barrier. Spot treat any worn or flawed areas promptly.
Address Leaks Quickly
Promptly wipe up spills, fix drips from the tub and sink, and monitor for any hidden leaks behind toilets or under pipes.
Use Bath Mats
Place antimicrobial non-slip bath mats inside and outside showers and tubs to prevent direct water contact.
Sweep and Dry Mop
Use a microfiber mop to quickly pick up moisture and prevent it penetrating the finish.
Control Humidity
Run the bathroom fan during and after showering and baths to reduce harmful moisture buildup. Consider a dehumidifier.
Allow Air Flow
Keep bathroom doors open as much as possible to allow air circulation and reduce condensation.
Avoid Wet Mopping
Excess standing water from mopping can damage the floors. Just occasional damp mopping is recommended.
With attentive care and moisture control, your bathroom hardwood floors will retain their beauty for many years. Be sure to promptly address any signs of water damage or deterioration of the protective finish.
FAQs About Hardwood Flooring in Bathrooms
Many homeowners have questions about the practicalities of using hardwood flooring in bathrooms. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions:
Is it a bad idea to install hardwood flooring in a bathroom?
With the right precautions, modern engineered hardwoods can be successfully installed in bathrooms. Solid hardwood would not be a good choice. Proper preparation like sealing and using water-resistant adhesives keeps moisture away from the wood.
What kind of hardwood is best for bathrooms?
Look for engineered hardwoods rather than solid. Denser exotic species like Brazilian cherry, cumaru, tigerwood, and teak hold up better to moisture. Oak is not the best choice. An oil finish is optimal for bathrooms instead of polyurethane.
How can you protect hardwood floors from water in bathrooms?
Sealing the floors, caulking seams, using bath mats, installing fixtures carefully, controlling humidity, and immediately wiping up spills are key ways to protect hardwood bathroom floors from water damage.
Should you avoid wood floors in bathrooms with kids?
With small children who are prone to splashing, wood floors in bathrooms do require extra care. Non-slip bath mats, towels under kids’ feet getting out of the tub, thorough sealing, and conscientious mopping helps minimize risks. Consider moisture-resistant WPC/SPC planks around tubs and showers.
Do you need special maintenance for hardwood bathroom floors?
Check the finish regularly for wear and recoat as needed. Address any moisture issues immediately. Limit wet mopping. Use bath mats, sweep and dry mop the floors frequently. Control humidity levels. With proper care, hardwood bathroom floors can last for many years.
Can water ruin hardwood floors in bathrooms?
Excessive water exposure from leaks or standing water can cause irreversible damage to hardwood bathroom floors. The planks can cup, warp, discolor, and deteriorate over time.prompt cleanup of spills, bath mats, and sealing/recoating helps prevent water damage.
Professional Tips for Installing Hardwood in Bathrooms
For best results with hardwood bathroom floors, it’s advisable to consult a professional hardwood flooring contractor during the selection, preparation, and installation process. Here are some expert tips:
- Choose low-luster matte finishes that withstand moisture better than shiny ones.
- Opt for wider planks rather than thin strips which have more seams to seal.
- Use transitional moldings between bathroom and non-bathroom floors for better moisture protection.
- Plan adequate expansion gaps for humidity fluctuations – consult manufacturers’ recommendations.
- Remove toilet to install floors underneath for proper sealing rather than around the toilet.
- Check that subflooring meets moisture recommendations for hardwood floors before installing.
- Select quality underlayment like AquaBarrier that resists moisture penetration.
- In steam showers and wet rooms, use engineered wood planks or WPC flooring only.
- Ensure the adhesive used is bathroom-grade and forms a good moisture barrier.
A professional can also recommend optimal hardwood species, finishes, and installation methods to minimize moisture risks and create beautiful, durable wood floors for your bathroom.
Enhancing Bathrooms with Hardwood Floors
While hardwood flooring requires some extra precautions in bathrooms, the warm, welcoming aesthetic of wood can transform your bathroom into a spa-like oasis. Here are some ideas for complementing and enhancing hardwood bathroom floors:
Contrasting Woods
Mix lighter and darker wood tones, like white oak with walnut, for visual interest. Or choose wood with dramatic grain patterns.
Natural Accents
Incorporate decorative natural elements like pebbles, woven baskets, bamboo mats, live plants, and flowers.
Bold Pops of Color
Vivid towels, shower curtains, and bathmats contrast beautifully with natural wood tones.
Spa Touches
Add candle sconces, zen decor, and a wall fountain for a relaxing spa vibe.
Rustic & Organic
Use textured vessels, antique hardware, and earthy materials like stone, brick, or marble for a cozy rustic feel.
Minimalist Style
Let the clean lines and warm simplicity of the wood floors shine through with minimal, modern decor.
Hardwood infuses bathrooms with nature’s relaxed elegance. Once proper moisture precautions are in place, this versatile flooring option allows you to create any bath design aesthetic you desire.
Conclusion
While hardwood flooring in bathrooms was once considered taboo, advances in wood floor technology mean today’s hardwoods can not only survive but also thrive in humid bathroom environments. Engineered wood construction, protective finishes, and attentive care taking basic precautions against moisture make hardwood a viable option. For homeowners who want to extend the visual continuity and natural beauty of their wood floors into bathrooms, this practical flooring choice delivers warmth, comfort, and style. With proper preparations for preventing water damage and maintaining the wood properly, you can confidently incorporate hardwood floors to create a welcoming bathroom oasis.
