Now, isn’t hardwood flooring a risky option suited for bathrooms? Traditionally, that might have been the case. With their constant exposure to moisture and humidity, bathrooms posed challenges suited for traditional solid hardwood floors. However, advancements in flooring technology have transformed this perception of tile everywhere.

Today, hardwood flooring is making a confident comeback in bathrooms, and for good reason. The durability and longevity of hardwood are undeniable. When properly maintained, hardwood floors can last for generations, making them a sustainable and cost-effective investment. Plus, the natural beauty of wood adds a unique character to your bathroom, enhancing its overall appeal.

What makes this revival of hardwood in bathrooms possible? It’s all about innovation. Imagine the possibilities with hardwood flooring in your bathroom. You have a wide range of wood species to choose from, each with its own distinctive grain patterns and colors. So, why consider embracing hardwood flooring for your bathroom and discover the enduring charm of wood in a space where comfort and style converge?

Considering hardwood flooring for your bathroom is a decision that brings a blend of practical benefits and aesthetic appeal. Here are compelling reasons why hardwood flooring could be an excellent choice for your bathroom.

Timeless Elegance

Hardwood flooring exudes a timeless charm that can elevate the overall aesthetic of your bathroom. The natural beauty of wood, complete with its unique grain patterns and warm tones adds a touch of sophistication and luxury to the space. Whether your bathroom design is classic, modern, or eclectic, hardwood flooring can complement any style seamlessly.

Durability

Contrary to common belief, hardwood flooring can be quite durable, especially when properly installed and maintained. High-quality hardwood floors are resistant to scratches and wear, making them suitable for high-traffic areas and surfaces like bathrooms. With a protective finish, hardwood flooring can withstand daily use and retain its appearance for years.

Variety of Species and Finishes

Hardwood flooring offers customers a wide range of wood species to choose from, each with its own unique characteristics. Whether you prefer the classic look of oak, the rich hues of cherry, or the exotic appeal of teak, there’s a hardwood species to match your design preferences. Additionally, hardwood flooring comes in various finishes, from smooth and glossy to hand-scraped and distressed, allowing you to customize the look of your bathroom floor.

Warmth and Comfort

Unlike cold ceramic tile or tiles, hardwood flooring feels warmer underfoot, creating a more comfortable environment, especially during colder months. Hardwood also adds a layer of insulation, making your house and bathroom cozier and inviting.

Versatility

Hardwood flooring is versatile and can be installed in various patterns, such as planks, strips, or parquet, allowing you to create unique and eye-catching designs in your bathroom. You can also coordinate the hardwood flooring with other elements in the bathroom, such as cabinetry and the shower accessories, tub, or shower itself, for a cohesive look.

Ease of Maintenance

With regular sweeping and occasional mopping, hardwood flooring is relatively easy to maintain. Spills and stains can be wiped away quickly, and the occasional refinishing can restore the used wood flooring’s original beauty, extending its lifespan.

When choosing hardwood flooring for your laundry room or bathroom, it’s essential to select a type of wood flooring that can withstand the moisture and humidity typical of bathroom environments. Here are some types of hardwood flooring that are suitable for bathrooms.

Engineered hardwood flooring is designed specifically to handle moisture better than solid hardwood. It consists of multiple layers of wood veneer stacked and glued together under heat and pressure. comes in a wide range of wood species, colors, and finishes, allowing you to achieve the desired aesthetic for your bathroom design. 

You can choose from various plank sizes, surface textures (smooth, hand-scraped, wire-brushed), and finishes (matte, semi-gloss, gloss) to complement your bathroom style. The top layer is a real hardwood veneer, providing the desired aesthetics of natural wood, while the materials in the underlying layers provide stability and resistance to moisture. 

Engineered hardwood is more dimensionally stable than solid, wood flooring, making it less prone to warping or cupping in humid conditions. It is a cost-effective flooring option that adds value to your home. With proper care and low maintenance alone, engineered hardwood flooring can last for many years, making it a worthwhile investment

Teak is a tropical hardwood known for its natural water resistance and durability. It contains natural oils that repel and absorb moisture well, making it an excellent choice for bathroom flooring. Teak has a rich golden-brown color that darkens with age, developing a beautiful patina over time. 

It features an attractive grain pattern with natural variations, adding character and warmth to your bathroom space. Teak’s classic and timeless appearance makes it suitable for various bath design styles, from traditional to contemporary. When installing teak hardwood flooring in a bathroom, it’s essential to use a high-quality finish to enhance its water resistance and protect the bath against moisture. 

Proper installation methods, including sealing gaps and using appropriate underlayment, can further safeguard the bath and flooring against water damage.

White oak is a popular hardwood choice for bathrooms due to its strength and resistance to moisture. This durability is beneficial in high-traffic areas like bathrooms. It has a light, neutral color with a straight-grain pattern that complements a variety of design styles. 

This hardwood flooring material pairs well with both light and dark cabinetry and fixtures, allowing for flexibility in bathroom design. White oak is also more resistant to water damage compared to other hardwood species. When installing white oak hardwood flooring in a bathroom, it’s essential to use appropriate sealant materials and install all finishes designed for moisture-prone areas. 

Ensure that the tile or subfloor is properly prepared and leveled before installation to minimize the risk of moisture-related issues.

Cherry wood is prized for its natural beauty and unique characteristics. Its rich color and lustrous finish make it a standout choice for homeowners seeking a sophisticated and timeless look in their bathroom flooring. 

It has a warm, reddish-brown tone that deepens over time with exposure to light. It features a smooth, fine-grain pattern with occasional knots and mineral streaks, adding character and charm to the flooring. Cherry flooring can withstand moderate foot traffic and regular use, making it suitable for residential bathrooms. 

Keep in mind that cherry is more susceptible to color changes and may darken over time, especially with exposure to sunlight. This natural aging process adds to the wood’s character but should be considered when selecting cherry flooring for your bathroom.

Maple is a dense and hard hardwood, making it highly durable and resistant to wear and tear. Its hardness makes it suitable for areas with high foot traffic, such as bathrooms, where durability is essential. 

It has a light, creamy color with minimal grain patterns, giving it a clean and uniform appearance. Hence, it is ideal for modern and contemporary bathroom designs, as well as for creating a bright and airy feel in the space.

Maple can be stained to achieve various shades, from light to dark tones, depending on the materials and your design preferences. When installing maple hardwood flooring in a bathroom, ensure that it is properly sealed to protect against moisture and water damage. Choose a high-quality finish that provides an additional layer of protection while enhancing the natural beauty of the wood.

Hickory is one of the hardest and most durable domestic hardwood species available. It is highly resistant to dents, scratches, and wear, making it ideal for high-traffic areas like bathrooms. It is known for its striking grain patterns, color variations, and contrasting light and dark tones. 

It features prominent knots, mineral streaks, and grain swirls that give it a rustic and authentic look. While no hardwood is entirely waterproof, hickory is naturally resistant to moisture to some extent. Proper sealing and finishing can further enhance its moisture resistance, making hickory flooring suitable for bathrooms. 

With its inherent strength and durability, properly maintained hickory floors can withstand the demands of daily life and continue to look beautiful for decades. Use appropriate sealants and finishes designed for bathrooms to protect the wood against water damage and maintain its integrity over time.

Walnut wood is prized for its deep, dark brown color that ranges from chocolatey hues to almost black tones. It features a beautiful grain pattern with swirls, knots, and occasional mineral streaks, giving each plank a unique and stunning appearance. It exudes timeless elegance and sophistication. 

It has been a popular choice for centuries in high-end homes and luxury bathroom settings, making it a statement piece for modern bathroom designs. Walnut wood ages beautifully over time, developing a rich patina that enhances its character and allure. The natural darkening of the walnut adds depth and dimension to your bathroom flooring, creating a sense of depth and richness in the space. 

It pairs well with both light and dark cabinetry, fixtures, and decor, allowing more room for flexibility in bathroom design. When installing walnut hardwood flooring in a bathroom, ensure that it is properly sealed and finished to protect against moisture and water damage.

Maintaining hardwood flooring in a bathroom requires special care due to the increased exposure to moisture and humidity. Proper maintenance practices will help preserve the beauty and durability of your hardwood floors. 

Here are some essential tips and ideas for maintaining hardwood flooring in a bathroom.

Regular Cleaning

• Sweep or vacuum the floor regularly to remove dust, dirt, and debris that can scratch the surface of the wood.
• Use a soft-bristled broom or vacuum with a floor brush attachment to avoid scratching the finish.

Avoid Excess Water

• Wipe up spills and splashes promptly using a soft, absorbent cloth to prevent water from seeping into the wood.
• Avoid using excessive water when mopping hardwood floors. Use a slightly damp mop with a hardwood floor cleaner recommended by the flooring manufacturer.

Use the Right Cleaning Products

• Use a pH-neutral hardwood floor cleaner that is specifically formulated for wood floors.
• Avoid using harsh chemicals, ammonia-based cleaners, or abrasive cleaners that can damage the wood finish.

Protective Mats and Rugs

• Place mats or rugs at entryways and in front of sinks, showers, and bathtubs to capture dirt, moisture, and debris.
• Use mats with a non-slip backing to prevent slips and falls in wet areas.

Control Humidity Levels

• Maintain stable humidity levels in the bathroom to prevent excessive moisture absorption by the hardwood flooring.
• Use a dehumidifier or exhaust fan to reduce humidity levels after showers or baths.

Inspect and Repair as Needed

• Regularly inspect the hardwood flooring for signs of damage, such as scratches, dents, or worn areas.
• Repair minor damage promptly by applying a touch-up finish or using wood fillers to fill in scratches.

Reapply Finish as Necessary

• Monitor the condition of the wood finish and reapply a protective finish as needed to maintain water resistance and durability.
• Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for refinishing intervals based on the wear and tear of the flooring.

Avoid High Heels and Sharp Objects

• Encourage household members to remove high heels and avoid walking on hardwood floors with sharp or abrasive objects that can scratch or dent the surface.

Use Furniture Pads

• Place felt pads or furniture glides under the legs of furniture to prevent scratches and dents caused by moving furniture.

Beyond aesthetics, hardwood flooring in bathrooms also aligns with the trend toward creating cohesive, seamless interiors throughout the home. By extending hardwood from living areas into bathrooms, you create a sense of continuity and flow, enhancing the overall design of your home. It’s a statement of timeless elegance that transforms your bathroom into a sophisticated retreat, inviting you to indulge in everyday luxury. 

But what about maintenance? Modern hardwood flooring requires minimal upkeep. Routine cleaning and occasional maintenance will keep your hardwood floors looking pristine for years to come. With proper care, hardwood flooring becomes a long-lasting well-term investment that adds value and beauty to your home.

From rich walnut to classic oak, find the perfect style to complement your bathroom design. Visit our showroom or schedule a consultation with our flooring experts today to explore the possibilities and bring your vision to life. Contact us today to get started!