The warmth and natural beauty of wood flooring are incontrovertibly charming, and numerous homeowners dream of extending this aesthetic into their bathrooms. Yet the essential vulnerability of wood to humidity raises a pivotal question- is wood flooring truly safe for the bathroom area? While traditionally considered a parlous choice, advancements in wood treatment, installation ways, and sealant technology have made wood flooring a feasible, albeit precisely considered, option for bathrooms. Whether you use solid oak flooring, or engineered wood flooring, modern wood floors come with a lot of benefits, unlike the conventional ones.
In this article we shall be exploring the answer to the important question in the title of this article as well. We, at Floorsave, provide you with a wide range of floorings, ranging from unfinished wood flooring to white engineered flooring which you can choose for your space, and believe it or not, they are more than just providing aesthetic appeal to your house or office or retail store. Let us now dive deep into the answer to this question and know whether wood floors are suitable for bathrooms or not.
Engineered wood flooring
The key to successfully incorporating wood into a bathroom lies in choosing the right type of wood and then going for a proper installation process. Engineered wood flooring, constructed from multiple layers of wood together, offers superior dimensional stability compared to solid wood. This means it’s lower prone to screwing and shrinking when exposed to humidity. The top subcaste, or veneer, can be made from a variety of hardwood species, allowing for a wide range of aesthetic choices.
Opting the right wood species
Indeed with engineered wood, opting a naturally humidity- resistant species is pivotal. Tropical hardwoods like teak, ipe, and acacia are naturally thick and contain canvases that repel water. These species are generally used in out-of-door operations and are well- suited for sticky surroundings like bathrooms. Domestic hardwoods like White Engineered Flooring, known for its tighter grain and natural resistance, are also a popular choice. Still, softer woods, such as pine or maple should be avoided due to their advanced vulnerability to humidity damage.
The significance of proper installation
A strictly executed installation is consummate to precluding water damage. This is what to consider:
● Subfloor preparation: A position, dry subfloor is essential. Any humidity issues must be addressed before installing the flooring. A moisture humidity barrier should be installed between the subfloor and the wood flooring to help humidity from percolating up.
● Acclimation: Allow the wood flooring to acclimate to the bathroom’s moisture situations for several days before installation. This minimises expansion and compression after installation.
● Tight installation: Ensure a tight, flawless installation to help water from piercing between the planks. Using a high- quality wood glue specifically designed for sticky surroundings is pivotal.
● Expansion gaps: Leave acceptable expansion gaps around the border of the room to allow for natural wood movement. These gaps can be concealed with leak proof baseboards or mouldings.
Sealants and finishes as protective barrier
Applying a durable, leak proof finish is the final line of protection against humidity. Polyurethane, specifically formulated for wet areas, is a popular choice. Multiple coats should be applied to ensure complete content. Wooden floors with oil based finishes are also a good option, as they access the wood and give a water- resistant barrier. Regular maintenance which includes reapplying the finish as demanded, is essential.
Maintenance and ventilation
Proper ventilation is critical to minimising humidity buildup in the bathroom. An exhaust fan should be used during and after showers to remove redundant moisture. Regular cleaning with a damp (not wet) mop and prompt eradication of standing water are essential maintenance practices. Avoid using harsh detergents or cleaning chemicals that can damage the finish.
Summing up
Wooden flooring in bathrooms is attainable with careful planning and prosecution. Choosing engineered wood flooring, opting humidity- resistant species, proper installation, and applying a durable finish are all essential aspects. By prioritising these factors and maintaining good ventilation and cleaning practices, homeowners can enjoy the warmth and fineness of wood flooring in their bathrooms without compromising safety or life. Still, it’s always wise to consult with a good flooring professional to assess the specific conditions of your bathroom and determine which wooden floor will be the best. You will find many shops and websites selling a wide range of floorings, such as oak herringbone flooring, unfinished wood flooring and SPC flooring UK among others.
