Hardwood floors are known for their warmth, beauty, and timeless appeal. While they’re a common choice for living rooms, bedrooms, and dining areas, using hardwood in the full bathroom can be controversial.
Bathrooms are high-moisture areas, which can make hardwood seem like a risky choice. While we standardly install hardwood in half baths and powder rooms, full baths with a tub or shower source require some consideration. If you’re considering hardwood for your bathroom, here’s what you should know about its pros, and cons, and how to make it work if you decide to go for it.
Pros of Hardwood Floors in the Bathroom
1. Stylish and Unique Look
Hardwood in the bathroom adds a touch of luxury and uniqueness. It creates a warm, cohesive feel if you have hardwood throughout your home. This can make a smaller bathroom feel more welcoming.
2. Long-Lasting Durability (With Proper Care)
High-quality hardwood floors are durable and can last for decades with proper care and maintenance. While hardwood in a full bathroom requires extra attention, it can still stand the test of time if treated correctly.
3. Increased Home Value
Hardwood is often viewed as a premium flooring material, which can enhance your home’s value and appeal to potential buyers. A beautifully maintained hardwood floor in the bathroom can be an eye-catching feature.
4. Warm Underfoot Feeling
Unlike tile, hardwood doesn’t get as cold, making it more comfortable to walk on – especially in the colder months. If comfort is a priority, hardwood could be a cozy alternative to traditional tile.
Cons of Hardwood Floors in the Bathroom
1. Moisture Sensitivity
The biggest downside to hardwood in the bathroom is its sensitivity to moisture. Wood expands and contracts with changes in humidity, which can lead to warping, swelling, or even mold growth if it’s not properly managed.
2. Requires More Maintenance
Hardwood in bathrooms requires more frequent maintenance, such as sealing and quick attention to any water spills or splashes. To prevent long-term damage, you’ll need to be vigilant about keeping water off the floor and maintaining the finish. Be sure to hang all wet towels – don’t leave them lying on the hardwood. However, with the guidance of Barnum’s experienced team, you can set up a care routine that keeps your hardwood bathroom floor looking beautiful and lasting longer.
3. Higher Risk of Damage Over Time
Even with careful care, hardwood floors in the bathroom are at a higher risk for water damage compared to other areas of the home. Over time, this can lead to a need for more frequent refinishing or even replacement.
4. Limited Warranty Coverage
Some hardwood flooring manufacturers do not extend warranties to floors installed in high-moisture areas like bathrooms. This is an important consideration if you’re concerned about warranty protection.
Is Hardwood in the Bathroom Right for You?
While hardwood can be installed in a full bathroom with the right precautions, it does require commitment to ongoing maintenance. If you’re willing to invest time in upkeep and are excited about the look and feel of hardwood in your bathroom, it can be a beautiful, unique choice.
For expert advice and help choosing the best option for your bathroom, contact Barnun Floors today! We’ll help you create the bathroom floor that suits your style and lifestyle.
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