Wood lovers want to have wood everywhere, including the bathroom, but is this a good idea? One would be tempted to say no, with all that standing water, splashing, and humidity everywhere.
How to protect your wood
No matter which wood you choose, it will plump up and expand when in contact with water, it will stain, and retain the moisture, simply because wood absorbs. A wood finishing agent like polyurethane-based sealer will make it more resistant to moisture by creating an invisible surface over the wood. The water will find it very difficult to penetrate the wood. Keep in mind that you will need to apply it several times, paying particular attention to the seams, as this is where water finds its way. A marine grade finishing is probably one of the best choices as it is made to be water resistant.
Which types of wood
Wood Flooring for Bathrooms in Colorado
There are many types of wood for hardwood flooring, but some are more apt to handle the humidity of bathrooms than others. Avoid softwoods at all costs; they are dense and will absorb more water. Good choices for hardwood include cedar, cherry, maple, ash, oak (especially white oak), hickory and walnut.
How to minimize the dangers
If you have wooden floors in your bathroom, no matter how well protected the wood is, you are going to need to be extra vigilant and always mope and dry the floor immediately after each use, and that includes after using the sink. Make sure you have mats in your bathrooms to minimize spills when coming out of the bath or the shower, and even when using the sink.
Why have wood in the bathroom
Why insist on having wood? It is simply so sophisticated, beautiful, it is warmer on your feet and warmer for your moods, a wooden bathroom is so much more inviting and cozy. And remember, one of the most significant advantages of wood is that it can be given a facelift with a wood finishing; it will look brand new again.
T&G Flooring is the number one hardwood floor provider and installer in Colorado. Don’t hesitate to give us a call, or even better, come and visit us either in Denver or Evergreen where we can give you more information on wood flooring for bathrooms in Colorado, and how it is possible to have a beautiful wooden floor even in your wettest room.