Pros and Cons of Using Hardwood Floor in Bathrooms

05/03/2022

Hardwood flooring is one of the most popular choices amongst homeowners for a wide variety of interior spaces. These floors are low maintenance, durable, and have a beautiful natural look. However, there can be some issues when this type of flooring is used in humid and moist environments, such as bathrooms. This doesn’t mean that using hardwood floor in bathrooms is not the right decision. There are certain types of hardwood flooring that can be used in bathrooms without any issues. However, a relatively higher level of maintenance may be required compared to other places.   

Advantages of Hardwood Bathroom Floors:

Though there are some drawbacks, the aesthetic advantages of hardwood can’t be ignored, even when it is used in bathrooms.  

• Warmth is one of the biggest benefits of having hardwood flooring in a bathroom. We often go to bathrooms barefoot, and the chilly ceramic tiles can be quite an issue during the winter days. On the other hand, hardwood flooring can create a more comforting and warmer feel underfoot.
• Another great advantage of hardwood flooring is its timeless beauty, with its individual grain pattern. Each plank of hardwood is no less than a piece of natural artwork. If you are looking for design continuity between rooms, a bathroom floored with hardwood is an excellent idea. 
• When properly maintained, hardwood flooring can easily last for 25 years or more. Even when these floors get scratched, the surface can be renewed by sanding and refinishing it.   

Some Concerns:    

All issues related to using hardwood floors in bathroom involve the impact of moisture on the flooring material. 

• Spills and splashes are common in bathrooms, and therefore, it is common to see droplets of water spilling out across the floor. Proper care is required to ensure that the material’s protective layer is not worn away by the moisture.   
• If the floor’s levelling is not perfect, puddling is extremely likely in the low areas. If the water starts seeping through seams, the structural integrity of the floor may be damaged. This is why it is extremely important to create a perfectly level and flat base for hardwood flooring. 
• In some cases, planks are nailed directly to the subfloor during the installation of hardwood floors. When this is done, it is not possible to use traditional vapour barriers because they will be damaged by the nails. Therefore, for bathrooms, it is always better to opt for adhesive installed hardwood flooring products. 
• Another common concern for hardwood flooring in bathrooms is chemical staining. Many of the cleansers, soaps, and body products used in bathrooms are slightly acidic in nature. In the long run, they can cause permanent staining or eat away at the finish. This problem can be addressed by cleaning up these materials quickly and thoroughly. 
• As all bathrooms are generally moist, mold and mildew growth will always be an area of concern. Though the finishing coating can provide some degree of protection, mold and mildew is likely to grow beneath and between the boards. 

If you have more questions related to hardwood flooring, please contact our experts today. Regardless of where you want to install hardwood floors, we have the best in store for you.