Whether it’s your living room or the kitchen, hardwood flooring is always a perfect choice to elevate a room, and is one of the most popular options to choose from. But what about your bathroom? Is hardwood flooring suitable for wet areas?

Why should you avoid installing hardwood flooring in the bathroom?  

When it comes to timber flooring, it is low-maintenance and long-lasting but has some issues with moisture. As your bathroom is the wettest area of the entire home, showers, baths, overflows, spills and splashes can severely damage the timber floor. That’s the main reason hardwood is often not the most preferred option for bathrooms.

Additionally, the moisture can seep through the seams, especially if your bathroom subfloor is not adequately levelled. This can consequently lead to mould and mildew in moist environments, making your bathroom’s floor susceptible to damage. So, using hardwood flooring in your bathroom will, sooner or later, force you to replace the floor, which is not a pleasant experience.

Why should you consider installing hardwood flooring in the bathroom?

Contrary to the belief that hardwood floors aren’t good for wet areas, there are several reasons why people tend to get them installed in their bathrooms. Hardwood flooring looks stunning and has a natural appeal, which is unparalleled for any other flooring type. It is incredibly versatile, provides warmth and texture to any room, and works well with a wide range of interior designs. If you could keep your bathroom floor properly maintained, it would surely last for years while making your bathroom feel like a luxury spa.

On top of that, there are some waterproof flooring options that may complement your bathroom space with the essence of hardwood. They have some amazing properties that make them water-resistant, which is a must for your bathroom area. In addition to that, there are some specific treatments and techniques that can be used to reduce water damage when you install hardwood or hybrid flooring. Here are some of them:

• Sweep the floor every day.
• Clean up all spillages promptly.
• Pay attention to cracks between floorboards.
• Finish the hardwood floor with a waterproof layer.
• Use bath mats at strategic locations, such as outside the bathtub.
• Consider installing surrounds along the perimeter of the bathtub.
• Minimise the humidity level by properly ventilating your bathroom.
• If you see any problem, such as plumbing fixtures, fix it as soon as possible.

Final thoughts on hardwood flooring

Despite the fact that hardwood flooring is prone to water, you can absolutely install it in your bathroom. Although it will need extra care and attention, the hard work will be worth it in the end. After all, nothing makes a room look more warm and sophisticated than high-quality European oak timber flooring. So, if you wish to have timber flooring in your bathroom, it’s completely alright to be a little extravagant.