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is wood floor in bathroom a good idea

by Electa Gleichner V Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Advantages of Hardwood Floors in Bathroom

  • Added Warmth. Unlike ceramic tiles that can be chilly in the winter months, hardwood flooring is warmer and more comfortable to walk barefoot.
  • Aesthetic. Simply put, hardwood floors in the bathroom are an elegant addition. ...
  • Long-Lasting. You can expect your solid hardwood floors to last up to 25 years or more with proper maintenance. ...

"Wood is fine in bathrooms. You just have to dry water off of it rather than letting it sit, but you should do that anyway," explains Sassaman. "Putting extra coats of varnish on it will also help make it more durable."

Full Answer

Can you put hardwood floors in a bathroom?

You can definitely have hardwood floors in the bathroom. Extra care should be taken during installment. Additional maintenance is also required to help prevent the wood from being over saturated by the tub, shower or during a potential water leak. This type of work is generally best left to pros.

What is the best wood for a bathroom?

  • MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard): This type of wood is man made. ...
  • Plywood: Plywood can be made of softwood or hardwood. It features thin sheets of wood that are glued together. ...
  • Solid Wood: Solid wood is basically natural planks of wood made of just one type of wood like oak, pine, or maple.

What is the Best Flooring for bathrooms?

Top 15 Best Flooring for Bathrooms Reviews 2022

  • Tile. Porcelain is arguably the most popular bathroom flooring option. ...
  • Ceramic Tile. Ceramic tile is one of the most versatile flooring types. ...
  • Terrazzo Texture. ...
  • Natural Stone. ...
  • Concrete. ...
  • Pebble Texture. ...
  • Natural Solid Wood. ...
  • Engineered Hardwood. ...
  • Laminate Tile. ...
  • Carpeted. ...

More items...

Can you put a wood ceiling in a bathroom?

Wood can be installed in a home no matter what the plan is. There is always a way to remodel your bathroom to include a wood ceiling and still mesh with the current style of your home. A wooden bathroom will never look out of place or odd in a home when installed correctly.

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Is it better to have tile or hardwood in the bathroom?

Which is more durable? In a bathroom setting, moisture remains the most crucial factor when selecting a flooring material. Naturally, tile triumphs as the most resilient due to its resistance to cracking, scratching and water damage.

How do you protect a wooden bathroom floor?

As bathrooms are wet environments, you need to protect your floor with a waterproof seal, to stop the water seeping into the wooden floor. A finishing agent can be used to create an invisible barrier between wood and water. Use a polyurethane-based sealer and apply several times.

What type of wood flooring is best for bathrooms?

engineered woodWhile wood and water don't typically mix, engineered wood features a plywood base that holds up well against moisture. If you must have a wood floor in your bathroom, this is your best bet. Engineered wood looks like real wood because the top layer is made of hardwood veneer.

What flooring is best for bathroom floor?

porcelain tilesThe most popular choice for bathrooms is tile. Specifically, ceramic and porcelain tiles are great options for bathrooms. Tile flooring is resilient, waterproof, available in a variety of colors and designs, and generally less expensive than other hard surface options.

Can you put a toilet on a wood floor?

In fact, it's easier to install a toilet on a wood floor than it is to install one on ceramic tiles, which is a more common bathroom floor covering. You'll encounter fewer problems if the flooring is already down when you install the toilet floor plate, more commonly known as the flange, but it's no biggie if it isn't.

Should I caulk around toilet on a wood floor?

No you never silicone a toilet to the floor. If you do and have a leak, you won't be able too tell until it's too late. Then if you do have a leak and can't tell, there goes your floor. That is why you do not totally seal it- you leave a 1-2" gap at the back.

Can you make wood floors waterproof?

Hardwood floors cannot usually become absolutely waterproof, but applying a highly water-resistant surface sealer works well to safeguard your floors. Polyurethane wood sealers are the most popular option for protecting hardwood.

What is the most durable waterproof flooring?

The 4 Best Waterproof Flooring Options for Your Home1 Option #1: Tile.2 Option #2: Vinyl Plank (Luxury Vinyl)3 Option #3: Sheet Vinyl.4 Option #4: Laminate.5 Conclusion.

Do you need to waterproof bathroom floor?

Bathrooms are the main wet area in the house. Therefore, you need to waterproof the area so that water does not get into the substructure of the house and cause major structural damage.

What is the safest flooring for bathrooms?

porcelain tileFor a safer floor, Laniado recommends “a textured porcelain tile over vinyl or laminate.” He adds glazed ceramic tile will likely be the most slippery option you can choose, so keep that in mind.

How do I waterproof my bathroom floor?

0:514:18How To Waterproof a Bathroom Floor - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipUse the grip seat gp you could use the h20 primer if you want if it's a non-porous surface you canMoreUse the grip seat gp you could use the h20 primer if you want if it's a non-porous surface you can use the grips at op the sp primer or even the e60.

What is the easiest flooring to install in a bathroom?

vinyl tileIf you are looking for the easiest bathroom flooring to install, you should consider vinyl tile, water resistant laminate flooring and the rigid core engineered wood as they are of high quality and relatively easy to install.

What can you put on wood to make it waterproof?

To waterproof wood, start by sanding it with fine grit sandpaper to remove any imperfections and prep the surface. Then, use a rag to apply an even coat of linseed oil, walnut oil, or tung oil to the wood and let it cure for 24 hours.

How do I waterproof my bathroom floor?

2:193:15Schluter DITRA Tips for Beginners - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd if you do have a seam between successive pieces you can kirby band over top of that toMoreAnd if you do have a seam between successive pieces you can kirby band over top of that to waterproof it as well so for a curb shower again this is optional.

How do you waterproof plywood in a bathroom?

One way is by laminating the plywood with a coat of paint. This coat makes the plywood durable, water-repellent, and long-lasting. Manufacturers use different hydrophobic sealants, such as polyurethane or epoxy, to add a protective layer on the subfloors and make them waterproof.

What is the best way to waterproof plywood?

Plywood can be waterproofed with paint, polyurethane, or epoxy finish. Lightly sand the plywood with 180 grit sandpaper, clean off any sawdust, and apply the finish with a brush or by pouring the finish on if using epoxy.

Advantages of Hardwood Floors in Bathroom

There are a couple of advantages to choosing hardwood floors for your bathroom.

Disadvantages of Hardwood Flooring in a Bathroom

As previously mentioned, moisture may affect the hardwood flooring in your bathroom. Here are some other setbacks to expect:

Hardwood Flooring Alternatives

Homeowners who find it a chore to maintain the upkeep of hardwood floors in the bathroom may consider alternatives, such as faux hardwood surfaces.

How Can I Prevent Hardwood Floor Damage?

As previously mentioned, hardwood floors in the bathroom are at risk of water damage. These floors require extra care and upkeep compared to other bathroom flooring choices. However, plenty of homeowners have successfully maintained their bathroom hardwood floors.

What are the issues with hardwood flooring in a bathroom?

The issues affecting hardwood flooring in a bathroom all involve the way that moisture can affect the material.

What are the advantages of hardwood flooring?

The biggest advantage of hardwood is that it can be really beautiful. It lends a sense of natural wonder to spaces while also providing a unique appeal—every plank is a piece of natural artwork with its individual grain pattern.

How long does hardwood flooring last?

Longevity. Properly maintained, a solid hardwood floor is a very durable, long-lived flooring material. Lifespans of 25 years or more are common, making hardwood flooring second only to ceramic or stone tile for longevity. When hardwood does become scratched, it can be sanded and refinished to renew the surface.

Can humidity damage hardwood floors?

Unfortunately, humidity can attack every side of the hardwood—even the bottom, which generally does not get a finish treatment. In the case of a heavily used bathroom, humidity can result in floorboards twisting, warping, plumping and cracking. Bathrooms with hardwood flooring should have good exhaust fans, which should be run for a good length ...

Can you use a vapor barrier on hardwood floors?

Many hardwood floors are installed by nailing planks directly to the subfloor, which means that a traditional vapor barrier can't be used since the nails would puncture it. If moisture seeps down past the surface, it can get to the structural components of the floor and start eating away at the subfloor and underlayment. For this reason, hardwood flooring products that are installed with adhesives or click-together methods are better suited for a bathroom setting.

Is hardwood flooring good for a bathroom?

However, it does have issues when used in moist or humid environments, such as bathrooms. While certain types of hardwood flooring can be successful in bathroom use, wood in the bathroom will require a higher level of maintenance than in other places.

Do you need exhaust fans in a bathroom?

Bathrooms with hardwood flooring should have good exhaust fans, which should be run for a good length of time during and after a shower or bath.

Which is better for a bathroom: engineered or solid?

Of all hardwood flooring options, engineered is a better choice for a bathroom than solid, as plywood or solid wood bottom layers hold up against moisture relatively well and are very dimensionally stable.

How to reduce humidity in bathroom?

Minimize humidity of your bathroom by properly ventilating. Promptly clean up all spills. Place rugs in “high-risk” areas, i.e. in front of the bathtub, vanity/sink, and the shower. Something as simple as a clogged toilet, or condensation on the toilet feed pipes could potentially turn into a much bigger issue.

Can you use faux wood floors on hardwood floors?

Many vinyl based floors can be matched to the look of hardwood quite nicely, so that your faux-hardwood floor will appear nearly indistinguishable from the real wood installed throughout the rest of your home. Wood-like tile and ceramic can be good alternatives to hardwood.

Can engineered hardwood floors hold up?

An engineered hardwood floor could hold up well in spacious, well-ventilated bathrooms that doesn’t receive much traffic. This is not the case in large family households with kids, where no matter how responsible you try to be, there is always going to be more water left on the floor than you think.

Is wood flooring good for a bathroom?

Is wood flooring in the bathroom a good idea? A.: Hardwood is a better bathroom flooring choice than, say, carpet, but it can still be very problematic. Moisture kills hardwood, and a bathroom is probably the most humid area of the entire home.

Is treated decking wood good for moisture?

Treated Decking Wood. A wood floor that’s been specially treated against moisture – like most outside decking surfaces are- may be another alternative to consider. But if you do, pay close attention to the chemical composition and possible emission levels of such floors while doing your research.

Can a bathroom floor be damp?

Additionally, bathroom floors in large family households are bound to be damp most of the time, and this can lead to growth of mold. Although some harsh chemical cleaners can kill harmful mold and bacteria, they are likely to dull or damage hardwood floor finish as well.

What is the best flooring for a bathroom?

Natural hardwood floor ing in a bathroom. By far, the most accepted hardwood flooring for a bathroom is natural hardwood flooring. The reason why it stands at the top is because of how you finish the project when the wood is laid. The last step just before cleanup is to apply a few coats of a sealing product called polyurethane.

Why is my bathroom floor stained?

Over time and if not properly and quickly taken care of, deposits of these chemicals can start to eat at the finish and cause the floor to be stained. This will create spots in your hardwood bathroom floor that look awful.

What is engineered hardwood flooring?

The first kind of flooring we will look at is engineered hardwood flooring. This is also called prefinished hardwood flooring. The concept behind this type is that the planks are all cut to a standard size and the finish is applied to them before they ship. You pull the planks out of the box, cut the ends off to size as needed and just plop them right in place. It’s a little more complicated than that but in the end, your floor is a bit faster to install.

What causes water to leak in the bathroom?

Every one of those pipes is a potential place for a leak to spring. The faucet in the sink, the toilet and the tub itself also pose risk to leaking.

Why do we need to clean the bathroom?

Bathrooms are pretty close to the most unclean room in any house. If this were a race, kitchens and bathrooms would probably tie. Having a cleaning schedule for the bathroom is the best way to extend the life of your floor. Also, it helps to prevent mold, mildew and floor rot as well!

How often should I sweep hardwood floors?

It is recommended that you sweep a hardwood floor every day. Let’s be serious though, not many people have time to do that. In my house, I try to make sure I sweep the floors every weekend. Every other weekend, I take the time to do a light mopping.

How to prevent water damage to tub?

Getting a decent mat outside of the tub can also help prevent a good deal of water damage to the floor and reduce the amount of regular maintenance needed. Starting a habit of wiping your feet off before you get out of the tub is also a great way to prolong time between hardwood floor cleaning.

What Is the Best Wood Flooring to Use in a Bathroom?

Engineered hardwood flooring is the best to install in a bathroom. It is dimensionally strong, stable, and is minimally affected by moisture and temperature.

What is the best finish for bathroom flooring?

In addition, the wood flooring in the bathroom should be properly sealed with a strong finish such as polyurethane. The finish offers strong protection against moisture damage and stains.

What are the most common problems in a bathroom?

Spills and splashes are a major concern. These include water droplets from the sink, an overflowing bathtub, or splashes from the shower. They are notoriously common when kids or a large family share a bathroom.

What is the most humid area in a home?

A bathroom is one of the most consistently humid areas in a home. With the (hopefully) daily use of the shower, sink, or bathtub, you will invariably find a lot of splashes and drips of water on the floor — especially if you have kids.

Why is a bathroom moist?

The moist nature of a bathroom provides a conducive environment for the growth and thriving of mold or mildew.

Why is my bathroom floor sloping?

This is a common problem when a bathroom floor is not properly leveled. A sloping floor makes water slide towards one direction.

How to prevent a shower from leaking?

Ensure all plumbing fixtures and appliances are running properly without any leakage. Check the toilet and ensure that there is no clogging. Seal all joints around the shower to ensure that no leaking is taking place.

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13 hours ago  · vovidzha/Shutterstock. Wood flooring adds lots of benefits to the spaces it's put in, including creating warmth, natural material beauty, and a high-end feel to the space, even if put into the bathroom. However, MYMOVE warns that placing wood flooring in the bathroom isn't a good idea for numerous reasons, no matter what you want this space to ...

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7 hours ago  · Harder woods are often less porous. And the more porous your wood, the more vulnerable your wood floor bathroom. Woods like ipe, maple, and cherry make good bathroom floors, as does mahogany. If you want to go one step further, though, consider using teak flooring. Teak is packed with natural resins and oils that make it naturally water-resistant.

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