Pros and Cons of Wooden Floor in Bathroom

Have you ever walked into a bathroom with a clean and fresh environment of hardwood flooring? It’s like receiving a warm hug from Mother Nature. Although this sounds funny at the beginning, this is happening more and more often. Today, we’re going to discuss if it’s good or bad.

Have you, too, asked similar ones? You are not the only one. A lot of them want to have a hardwood floor in the bathroom; however, hesitation appears because of fear. Wooden bathroom coverage might be risky, though its beauty is hard to resist. It is a fact that, generally, wood is a striking material for any floor.

Here, we’ll discuss the good things about the wood floor in the bathroom. In the end, we will understand what is known as engineered hardwood, which you can also use in your bathroom.

Is the Wooden Floor in the Bathroom a Good Idea?

Hardwood floors were initially not thought to be appropriate for use in bathrooms. But it has unique advantages too that deserve some attention. The primary advantage is that wood reflects warmth, which contrasts significantly with the chilly feel of tiles. The sensation of a hardwood floor under the foot is incredibly cozy, especially after a warm bath in a bathroom.

When combined with other materials, hardwood flooring creates a warm and inviting atmosphere in any space. Recognized for its hardness, the properly maintained hardwood floors can withstand even one hundred years, achieving the lifespan of many other flooring materials. Such durable wood suggests that other materials aren’t all that superior to hardwood.

In addition, the visual pros of solid hardwood flooring are apparent. It’s fantastic view and timeless vintage style raise the room’s atmosphere to a higher level. Among the flooring materials, wood flooring is the biggest winner in beauty and grade with its irreplaceable stylish characteristics.

Pros of Wood Floor in the Bathroom

Lets see some great advantages of having a wood floor in the bathroom.

Warmth

Warmth is one of the most general properties of wooden flooring; it makes the space warm and atmospheric, so you can feel comfortable staying in any place, including the bathroom. It’s much nicer to walk on wood when it’s chilly outside or in a house with a harsh winter.

Aesthetic Appeal

The aesthetic created of wood gives you an eternal feeling of being in touch with nature and utmost luxury. Rich, natural colors, intricate wood grain, and a variety of wood textures combine to produce an eye-catching decor surface that works well in both traditional and modern interior design concepts. You can compose any bathroom fancy with wood flooring that never goes out of fashion.

Durability

Wooden floor durability is the reason for its popularity, particularly in high-traffic areas such as the bathroom. The best part of maintaining hardwood flooring is that it can last for many decades and even centuries because it has high resistance to stress from daily use. Wooden floors can remain strong and beautiful. Thus, the house owner can be happy for a long time.

Timelessness

Either way, the wood flooring’s Timelessness is amazing; despite its nature, it is timeless and will always be fascinating. The tree’s natural aesthetic and sophistication will always be there and can bring beauty anywhere, including the bathroom. Unique wooden floors do not become outdated and stay eye-catching and majestic for many years.

Variety

When it comes to flooring, wood flooring provides an extensive range of options, enabling homeowners to choose from limitless options that will suit their specific tastes and visions. This being true, different types of wood, such as oak, maple, and walnut, are available, as well as a variety of finishes from light and airy to rich and dark. Wood flooring is also available in multiple designs.

Some of those styles include traditional solid hardwood, engineered hardwood, and laminate so that there is variety for any taste and budget. Such a variety of wood flooring allows homeowners to easily make their bathroom area stunning and functional by finding the wood floor that suits them the most.

Resale Value

Wood flooring has proved to be one of the most prominent sellers in interior design, and therefore, it is a suitable investment for homeowners. One of the reasons is that installed wooden flooring may be the most desired feature. That might attract more buyers and lead to higher resale prices, resulting in a good return on investment for the sellers.

Sustainability

Eco-friendly wood flooring is possible for those who care about the sustainability of their homes. Besides, wood flooring can last longer and lead to fewer replacements, hence the minimum environmental impact. Using eco-friendly coatings and joints improves the sustainability of wood flooring, and it wins over synthetic materials in the green competition.

Cons of Wood Floor in the Bathroom

Apart from its advantages of wood floors in the bathroom, there are also some drawbacks. Take a look at those to make wise decisions regarding this.

Susceptibility to Water Damage

One disadvantage of wood flooring is that it is vulnerable to water damage. Wood tends to absorb moisture and could cause problems of swelling, warping, or decay in the long run. Even though the wood is appropriately sealed and the water from showers, baths, and spills is not touching it, the wood is still exposed to water for a long time. Thus causing costs for repair or replacement. Overall, this reminds us to thoroughly evaluate before deciding on wood to use to floor the bathroom.

High Maintenance Requirements

However, compared to the wood flooring in the bathroom, the high maintenance need is significant. This involves using waterproof sealers. In addition, frequent cleaning is required to quickly remove any water stains and stop them from discoloring or staining.

Risk of Slippery Surfaces

Wet bathroom wooden floors would be slippery and thus risky to walk on. The deck is slick when covered with water, which increases the risk of slips and falls. Such a threat must be considered in houses with children, older people, or people with mobility issues.

Potential for Mold and Mildew Growth

The warm, humid atmosphere is just right for the growth of molds and mildew, while the wooden floor’s ability to generate moisture does not help lower the risk. But moisture may still pass through the wood, which can lead to the growth of certain fungi. In addition to compromising the structure, these fungi serve as breeding grounds for potentially harmful microbiological growth, requiring treatment and occasionally the replacement of damaged flooring.

Higher Initial Cost

One disadvantage of wood flooring in the bathroom is that its initial cost is higher than alternatives such as ceramic tiles or vinyl. Quality wood flooring materials and professional installation, which can be costly, may not match some homeowners’ affordability. Apart from future maintenance and repair costs, these should be considered when investing in the overall costs.

Environmental Concerns

Wood flooring seems to be a threat to the environment because of carbon emissions and deforestation. Furthermore, the production and transportation of wood flooring products leading to environmental pollution and climate change.

What Maintenance is Required for Wood Flooring in the Bathroom?

Besides the luxury it adds, the wood flooring of the bathroom needs special attention. Since water and wood don’t match, regular maintenance is required.

Cleaning Your Hardwood Floors

If you want to preserve the attractiveness of your floor, clean it with hardwood-specific cleaning products regularly. These are the best professional ideas for polishing wooden floors.

Stay away from wet mopping or steam cleaning since this could lead to permanent warping or discoloration in the long run. Rather than using a wet mop, go for damp mopping and ensure it is drying properly.

Use Your Exhaust Fan

Your exhaust fan should have a powerful motor that manages excess humidity after showering. Make sure to turn on the exhaust fan after each bath or shower. By dehumidifying the bathroom, you can address several problems and prevent the development of mildew and mold.

Tub And Shower Surrounds

Alongside basic cleaning methods, avoiding leaks is another measure you can implement to save your parquet from damage.

A grip around the tub and shower area is an extra wall to prevent bouncing droplets from sneaking onto the wood underneath.

Employ Bath Mats and Rugs

After showers or bathing try to stand on a bathmat to gather water drips from your body. Make sure you always dry your body before leaving the mat. To keep water from touching the floor, choose bath mats with a rubber backing. Once the mats or rugs become damp, let them air-dry immediately to prevent the water from seeping into the wooden floor.

Maintaining Plumbing Fixtures

It is also crucial to pay close attention to plumbing fixtures near wooden floors. Develop the routine of routinely inspecting your home for drips or leaks, and fix them as soon as you see them to reduce the risk of water damage. By the way, only a little dripping can cause great destruction after a more extended period.

Hang Up Towels

Make sure there are enough lines and hooks to hang up wet towels. Please encourage your family to put the dirty clothes into the hamper instead of leaving them lying around. Although the clothes are not soaked in water, the trapped moisture under the fabric could percolate through the flooring over time.

Why Choose an Engineered Hardwood Floor for a Bathroom?

Regarding bathroom wood flooring, engineered hardwood is the most significant competitor. Stable by nature, it becomes resistant to changes in humidity or temperature and is less likely to suffer from warping or cupping.

Besides that, engineered hardwood gives you various styles and finishes to match any design taste. Be it the rustic appeal of reclaimed wood or the sparkling elegance of oak, you can consider the engineered hardwood option to suit any vision for your bathroom.

Also Read: Best Way to Clean Engineered Hardwood Floors Safely

FAQs

Can You Seal a Wooden Floor for a Bathroom?

Yes, sewaling a wooden floor in your washroom is perfectly possible. Applying a waterproof sealant to the wood prevents moisture damage so that you can use it in wet areas.

Is Tile Or Hardwood Better For Bathrooms?

The decision between tile and hardwood for bathrooms will depend on aesthetic preference, maintenance, and moisture resistance. Tile is known for being more water-proof, though hardwood offers warmth and elegance.

Which is Cheaper to Install, Tile or Hardwood?

Generally speaking, tile is much more economical to install than hardwood flooring. Even though prices can vary due to different factors, such as material quality, installation complexity, and labor costs, it’s necessary to consider everything before deciding.

Can Mold Grow Under Hardwood Floors?

If the moisture remains under hardwood floors, mold can be developed. Effective sealing, ventilation, and moisture control are mandatory to avoid mold formation and ensure safe and durable flooring.

Conclusion

When planned and maintained properly, wooden bathroom floors can be a wise choice. The charm and coziness of this plant requires you to take into account the benefits and drawbacks and take sufficient measures to avoid moisture damage. By choosing engineered hardwood flooring and sticking to the recommended maintenance procedures, you can visualize the timeless beauty of the wood in your bathroom for many years to come with the help of qualified experts.