Wooden floors are great in a home except for the bathroom – or so the common notion goes. After all, it’s pointed out that the bathroom is the dampest and wettest space in a house and wood can’t last very long in a moist environment.
While humidity will always be a concern around Atlanta, this doesn’t mean you should cross wood off your list of bathroom remodel options. With its variety of colors and textures, this material can anchor many moods and designs for your bathroom. It will also keep your feet warmer and more comfortable than conventional tile.
Pick the right wood
Certain types of wood are more resistant to the warping and expansion caused by moisture; build with these, and you will not find wooden flooring difficult to maintain.
Hardwoods, which are generally stronger and denser than softwoods, are your best bet for flooring anywhere in the home. Examples of hardwoods include oak, walnut, cedar, and cherry. Keep in mind that engineered hardwood withstands moisture better than solid wood.
The cost of hardwoods, however, could be prohibitive. Thankfully, you can always shop around Atlanta for restored or recycled options.
Build to fit the material
Your contractor can also build around the susceptibility of wood to moisture. Typically, professionals take the following precautions:
- Using adhesives, rather than nails, to bind planks to the subfloor. Nails create holes and puncture the moisture barrier, allowing water to seep through the flooring.
- Filling in any cracks with putty. This will also prevent water from reaching between or below the boards.
- Applying extra coats of high-quality finishes for added moisture protection.
You can help the cause by finalizing designs that make your bathroom better-ventilated. The best step would be to include high-efficiency vents and fans. Ceiling fans are conventional, but smaller models tucked into corners work, too. You could also line the room with windows. You can use these to air out the room, as well as let in damp-defeating warmth.
Once the bathroom remodel is over, you should also continue looking after your wooden floors by never letting splashes sit for long.
Consider tiles as an alternative
If you still have reservations about using hardwood – but want the look and feel of wood – you could always turn to “wood look” tiles.
These are porcelain or ceramic tiles printed with wood grain patterns and textures. Your feet will sense the difference between materials, but your eyes will not. That might be enough, if aesthetic is your primary reason for liking wood.
Just remember that tiles come with their own baggage in terms of maintenance concerns. Unlike real hardwood, they cannot be re-sealed or refinished at the first stages of damage. Installing a significant amount of tile to mimic long planks of hardwood also means dealing with a significant amount of grout. And, as far as moisture is concerned, porcelain is more water-resistant than ceramic.
Sources:
Fresh Choices in Bathroom Flooring, HGTV.com
Pros and Cons of Wooden Flooring in Your Bathroom, DesignLike.com
Pros and Cons of Tile That Looks Like Wood, DoorwaysMagazine.com
