Wood Floors In The Bathroom

Many people shy away from the idea of using wood floors in moisture-prone rooms like bathrooms, but bathroom wood flooring is becoming increasingly popular. With advances in moisture-resistant engineering and easy-to-clean finishes, wood flooring is now a viable option for outfitting your bathroom. If you're considering installing wood floors in your bathroom, there are a few things you'll need to keep in mind to ensure your flooring will stand up to humidity and moisture from steamy showers and splashes around the sink.

Bathrooms are prone to spills and accidents, so choosing a wood species that can stand up to moisture is crucial. Some of the best options for bathroom wood flooring include:

Teak: Known for its natural water resistance, teak is a great choice for bathrooms. It's durable enough to withstand moisture and humidity without warping or rotting.
Ipe: Another moisture-resistant wood, ipe is also very dense, making it resistant to scratches and dents.
Brazilian walnut: Brazilian walnut is naturally water-resistant and rot-resistant, making it an excellent choice for bathrooms.
Cherry: Though not as water-resistant as teak or ipe, cherry is still a durable wood that can withstand occasional moisture exposure.
Maple: Maple is a light-colored wood that is resistant to wear and tear, making it a good choice for high-traffic bathrooms.

Once you've chosen a wood species, you'll need to decide on a finish for your bathroom wood flooring. The finish you choose will affect the look and durability of your floors. Some of the most popular finishes for bathroom wood flooring include:

Polyurethane: Polyurethane is a durable finish that is resistant to water and scratches.
Water-based polyurethane: Water-based polyurethane is a less toxic option that is also resistant to water and scratches.
Oil-based polyurethane: Oil-based polyurethane is a durable finish that gives wood a rich, warm look.
Wax: Wax is a natural finish that is easy to apply and maintain. It's not as durable as polyurethane, but it can be buffed out to remove scratches.

In addition to choosing a wood species and finish, there are a few other things you can do to ensure your bathroom wood flooring will last for many years to come:

Install a moisture barrier: A moisture barrier will help to protect your flooring from moisture that seeps into the subfloor.
Use a vapor barrier: A vapor barrier will help to prevent moisture from evaporating from the subfloor and into the wood flooring.
Ventilate your bathroom: Good ventilation will help to reduce moisture levels in your bathroom and prevent mold and mildew from growing on your wood flooring.

With proper care and maintenance, wood floors in bathrooms can last for many years to come. If you're looking for a beautiful and durable flooring option for your bathroom, wood flooring is a great choice to consider.