Wood in the bathroom? Believe it or not, yes. Over the last few years wood has become a popular design choice for bathroom design. Used to provide warmth and character throughout our homes, wood has now found its way into bathrooms. Thought for years that because of its vulnerability to moisture, wood shouldn’t be used in high moisture areas, new sealing techniques have now made this possible.b
A couple of things to keep in mind before making the final decision to add wood to your bathroom. Although it can be the element that makes the statement in your bathroom, it does require more maintenance. Proper sealing is a necessity to protect from water damage. Resealing every two to three years is necessary to maintain the look and health of your wood. Tung oil or Rubio Monocoat are environmentally-friendly products you can use. Polyurethane is a good sealant as well, but the most durable is epoxy. Though costly, it will provide the most protection. If you choose this route, look for a low-VOC product.
Another consideration for homeowners is the type of wood. Cedar, teak, old-growth pine and cypress (reclaimed woods), and some exotic woods offer the best moisture resistance. However, protecting your wood surface from direct contact with water is still the best way to keep it looking good. So, before installing wood, make certain you understand the maintenance it will require.
If you decide that you want to try wood in your bathroom, let your creativity flow. Consider wood countertops, a variety base, a feature wall(s), shower plank flooring, a wood ceiling or beams, even sinks and tubs. Options are limited only by your design style and budget. So, if you want your bathroom to have that something special, look into adding a little bit of wood. It will definitely bring some “wow” to your design.
