Hardwood floors are beautiful, versatile, and long-lasting. You can often find them in nearly every room of the home except the bathroom. Most people believe that wood floors aren’t for use in the bathroom, and this used to be true.
It’s now possible to enjoy hardwood floors in every room of the home, including the bathroom. This is thanks to innovations in floor finishes, a better understanding of hardwood vs. softwood features, and moisture management appliances like bathroom fans.
Keep reading to learn the ins and outs of hardwood bathroom flooring and how to maintain it.
Common Concerns of Hardwood Floors in the Bathroom
There are many common concerns when using hardwood flooring in a bathroom. They all boil down to the same thing: bathrooms are wet, humid areas, and many wood floors don’t handle this type of environment well.
Wood, by itself, is porous and absorbs water, which can cause it to swell, warp, discolor, and harbor mold and mildew. For centuries, most hardwood used for flooring was made of solid wood planks with no protective finish. The wood was allowed to patina naturally, changing color from wear, sunlight, and humidity. The wood would often warp and rot if used in a wet environment.
Over time, builders started to put protective finishes on wood floors to help them resist moisture. As prefinished floors emerged, wood became able to withstand use in wet areas like bathrooms. You can now use several types of wood flooring in bathrooms.
Concerns about using wood flooring in bathrooms include:
- Swelling, warping, or splitting from moisture
- Discoloration or darkening from humidity
- Mold, mildew, or bacteria in the porous wood
- Planks coming loose from moisture damage
- A slippery surface from water spills
- Bad odors from trapped moisture
While valid for some wood floors, measures can mitigate risks and allow the wood to be used safely and successfully in bathrooms.
Managing Hardwood Floor Moisture in the Bathroom
The best way to protect wood floors in the bathroom is to manage moisture. This means minimizing spills and humidity so there’s less chance of damaging the floor.
Using a bathroom fan to remove steam and humidity is a good first step.
Containing water from the tub or shower also helps protect a wood floor. Open showers and splash guards are popular but don’t mix well with wood floors. The best protection is a shower door to contain spray. A bath mat outside the tub or shower can absorb spills and overspray.
Mopping up puddles immediately prevents damage from standing water. When installing, make sure the floor is completely level, as slopes allow water to puddle in low areas. A level floor avoids this issue and better protects the wood.
Tips for moisture management with wood bathroom floors include:
Installing a vapor barrier under the floor
Caulking around baseboards, toilets, tubs, and showers
Limiting plants and humidifiers
Using bath mats, runners, and area rugs
Quickly wiping spills and splashes
Keeping the bathroom well-ventilated
The Right Hardwood Floor For Your Bathroom
There are many wood species used in flooring, including softwoods like fir and pine and hardwoods like maple. Softwoods tend to be more prone to moisture damage than hardwoods. For a bathroom, hardwood is best.
Some hardwoods resist moisture better than others. Teak, white oak, cherry, maple, walnut, and hickory are good choices. A floor with a factory finish rather than unfinished wood is preferable. Factory-finished floors have a more even finish to better protect the wood and allow time to wipe spills before damage occurs.
Reclaimed wood floors also work well in bathrooms. They often have an existing patina from years of use. Any additional patina or darkening in a humid area is less noticeable than on a new floor. Reclaimed wood is often old-growth, so it may be more stable and less prone to warping.
When selecting a wood species and finish, consider its density — denser woods resist moisture better. Heartwoods resist moisture better than sapwood. Also, consider the installation method and make sure the floor warranty covers bathroom use.
Protecting Your Wood Floor During Installation
Proper installation is key to making sure a wood floor withstands bathroom use over time. Work with an experienced installer familiar with techniques for damp areas.
Best practices include:
Allow wood to acclimate to home humidity for a few days before installing
Check that the subfloor is flat, stable, and dry
Install a vapor barrier
Use premium water-resistant adhesives and sealants
Maintain proper expansion gaps
Carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions
Rushing installation or taking shortcuts can lead to damage or loose planks. Investing in careful prep and installation will result in a durable wood floor for your bathroom.
Caring For Your Wood Floor
Proper care is essential for protecting your investment and making sure your bathroom’s wood flooring continues to look its best. Simple maintenance performed regularly can prevent costly repairs or replacements down the road.
- Sweep regularly to prevent scratches.
- Immediately wipe spills to avoid damage.
- Use cleaners for wood flooring and avoid excess water.
- Check for loose planks and re-adhere as needed.
- Re-apply protective finishes as per instructions.
- Monitor humidity, and use the exhaust fan when showering.
With the right steps, your bathroom’s wood floor can look amazing for decades.
So, Is Hardwood Flooring in the Bathroom a Good Idea?
Hardwood flooring can work very well in bathrooms with some precautions. The keys are choosing the right wood species, proper installation, and managing moisture. You can safely enjoy wood flooring throughout your home with a little extra care.
Compared to alternatives like tile or vinyl, wood offers warmth and a timeless style that makes a bathroom special. Consult with flooring specialists on the best options before installing wood flooring in your bathroom.
FAQs About Hardwood Flooring in Bathrooms
Can you put engineered hardwood in a bathroom?
Yes, engineered hardwood with a factory finish works well in bathrooms when properly installed. The layered construction makes it more resistant to moisture damage. Look for a moisture-resistant wood top layer.
What kind of hardwood is best for bathrooms?
Good bathroom wood species include teak, white oak, maple, cherry, walnut, and hickory. Opt for dense hardwoods with a protective factory finish.
Do you need a vapor barrier under bathroom wood floors?
I highly recommend installing a vapor barrier under the bathroom’s wood flooring. This prevents moisture damage from below over time.
Should wood floors go under or around the toilet?
It’s best to install wood flooring under the toilet. Leave a small expansion gap and use a wax ring for a watertight seal. Going around is awkward and can lead to water damage.
How long does wood flooring last in bathrooms?
With proper installation and care, wood flooring can last 30 years or longer in bathrooms. Follow the manufacturer’s maintenance guidelines to maximize life span.