Using Hardwood Flooring in a Bathroom

Hardwood flooring can add warmth and beauty to any room in your home – even bathrooms. While hardwood may not be the first flooring choice that comes to mind for bathrooms, it can be an elegant and durable option when properly installed and cared for. In this comprehensive guide, we will discuss the pros and cons of using hardwood floors in bathrooms and provide tips for protecting your floors to keep them looking beautiful for years to come.

Can You Use Hardwood Flooring in Bathrooms?

The short answer is yes, you can install hardwood flooring in bathrooms. Hardwood is a viable flooring option for bathrooms – as long as some special considerations are made during installation and proper care is taken to protect the floors from excess moisture.

When chosen carefully and properly sealed, many modern hardwoods can stand up to the humid environment of a bathroom. Domestic hardwood species like maple, oak, ash, hickory, and walnut have a natural resistance to moisture. Exotic species like Brazilian cherry, tigerwood, andcumaru are also great choices due to their high density and natural oils that make them more moisture-resistant.

However, traditional softwoods like pine are too porous and absorbent to be used in bathrooms. And while you can install engineered hardwood containing plywood and hardwood layers, solid hardwood is preferable for the moisture resistance.

Overall, hardwood flooring can work in bathrooms when installed correctly using moisture-resistant wood species. Extra precautions need to be taken during installation and daily use to avoid moisture damage issues.

Pros and Cons of Using Hardwood Floors in Bathrooms

Pros:

Provides a warm, elegant look
Variety of wood species & colors to choose from
Durable and long-lasting with proper care
Easier to clean than carpet or tile floors
Helps add value to your home

Cons:

More expensive upfront cost than other bathroom flooring
Requires extra moisture protection during installation
Can be damaged by excessive moisture without proper care
Needs special cleaners designed for hardwood
Shows scratches more than tile or vinyl floors

Choosing the Best Hardwood Species

When selecting a hardwood species for your bathroom, moisture resistance should be the priority. Denser exotic species and domestic hardwoods that contain natural oils will be able to stand up to humidity and spills better than traditional softwoods.

Here are some top moisture-resistant species to consider:

Brazilian Cherry: Has a rich red-brown color and is one of the hardest, densest hardwoods available. It has natural oils that repel water.
Santos Mahogany: Named after the Brazilian port it is exported from, Santos mahogany is a durable, moisture-resistant exotic wood with a reddish-brown color and straight grain.
Teak: Known for its golden brown color and natural water-resistant oils. Teak has been used for boat decking and outdoor furniture.
Ipe: An extremely dense Brazilian walnut wood that is naturally scratch, mold, and moisture resistant. Ipe has a dark brown/black coloration.
Cumaru: Another moisture-resistant Brazilian exotic sometimes called Brazilian teak. It has a warm reddish-brown color.
White Oak: A domestic hardwood that has a high density and contains tannins that help protect against moisture. Has a pale white to light brown tone.
Maple: The hard Canadian maple species is naturally moisture-resistant with a golden blonde to pale brown color.

Always inspect wood floor samples in person before purchasing to get accurate color representation and grain pattern. And consult with your flooring supplier about the best options for your bathroom based on moisture resistance, budget, and desired look.

Preparing & Sealing the Subfloor

Before installing hardwood in a bathroom, it’s critical that the subfloor is properly sealed and prepared to prevent moisture damage. Here are subfloor preparation tips:

Concrete Subfloor: Seal porous concrete with an epoxy sealer formulated for moisture protection. This creates a watertight layer.
Plywood Subfloor: Use exterior grade plywood designed for humid areas. Coat with polyurethane sealant.
Install Moisture Barrier: Always install a moisture barrier like Aquabar “B” on top of the subfloor before laying hardwood planks.
Fill Cracks: Check for cracks in the subfloor and fill with hydraulic cement. This helps waterproof.

Taking time to properly seal and prep your bathroom subfloor will provide a stable, moisture-protected foundation for hardwood flooring. Never install hardwood directly over an unsealed concrete or plywood subfloor.

Hardwood Installation Tips for Bathrooms

Specialized installation techniques should be used when installing hardwood in bathrooms:

Acclimate Flooring: Let hardwood planks sit in the sealed bathroom for a few days before install to acclimate to the humidity.
Expansion Gaps: Leave slightly larger expansion gaps between planks during install to account for humidity changes. 3/4″ gaps are ideal.
Staggered Plank Layout: Use a more staggered plank layout vsrepeating tile patterns. This makes the floor move together better.
Adhesives: Use a flexible urethane wood flooring adhesive to attach planks to the moisture barrier. Nail or staple as well.
Finish Planks On Site: Prefinished hardwood could fail prematurely in bathrooms. Opt for unfinished planks sanded and finished after install.
Moisture Barrier: Make sure planks have an integrated moisture barrier backing or underlayment added.

Follow all best practices for acclimation, layout, expansion, and adhesion when installing hardwood in bathrooms. Consult an experienced hardwood flooring installer if unsure.

Protecting & Maintaining Hardwood Bathroom Floors

Once installed, hardwood bathroom floors require some special care and maintenance:

Rugs: Use area rugs in front of sinks, tubs, and other wet areas to absorb moisture and prevent direct water contact.
Mats: Place absorbent, non-slip mats inside showers and baths over your wood floors.
Promptly Clean Spills: Immediately wipe up any water or liquid spills to minimize moisture damage to planks.
Humidity-Resistant Finish: Use a water-based urethane floor finish formulated for humidity resistance and reapply every 1-2 years.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Clean hardwood bathroom floors with with mild, wood-safe cleaners only. Avoid bleach, ammonia, vinegar, etc.
Inspect for Damage: Periodically inspect floors around toilets, tubs, and sinks for any moisture related issues like cupping or gapping planks.

Cleaning Products for Hardwood Bathroom Floors

Only use cleaning products specifically designed for finished hardwood flooring. Look for “wood floor cleaner” on the label.

Some top options include:

Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner
Method Wood for Good Daily Floor Cleaner
Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Hardwood Floor Cleaner
Armstrong Once ‘n Done Resilient & Wood Floor Cleaner

Avoid generic cleaners, steam mops, vinegar, oil soap, and any abrasive scrubbing pads. Read labels carefully and test products in an inconspicuous area first.

By taking protective measures and using proper maintenance techniques, your bathroom hardwood floors can stay beautiful and avoid moisture damage. Be sure to thoroughly dry surfaces after bathing and cleaning.

Tips for Different Bathroom Hardwood Installations

There are some special considerations for installing hardwood flooring in different types of bathrooms:

Full Bathroom Installation Tips

Use smaller plank sizes like 3″ wide to follow tub/toilet contours better
Arrange planks vertically to minimize expansion/contraction issues
Add an extra moisture barrier around the tub and shower areas
Use a flexible silicone caulk for expansion gaps to prevent water intrusion

Half Bath/Powder Room Installation Tips

Can better handle wider planks sizes like 5″-7″ wide
May only need moisture barrier under toilet flange area
Leave expansion space around perimeter walls and fixtures
Add water-resistant baseboard trim with sealed backer

Master Bathroom Suite Installation Tips

Integrate hardwood with tile layouts – tile around wet areas
Transition from hardwood to tile with reducer strips
Use plank floors in dressing area, tile in sinks/tub zone
Arrange planks to run into main bedroom for seamless flow

Plan your bathroom layout, moisture barriers, and plank direction carefully during install based on the room size and fixtures.

Improving Moisture Resistance of Existing Floors

For homes with existing hardwood bathroom floors, you can improve moisture resistance by:

Having floors professionally refinished with moisture-cure urethane
Applying a penetrating sealer formulated for floors
Installing peel-and-stick waterproof mats around sinks/tubs
Adding area rugs and runners in high-traffic wet areas
Replacing any damaged planks around fixtures prone to leaks

While you may not be able to make an existing floor 100% waterproof, taking protective steps can significantly improve performance and longevity.

Signs of Water Damage on Hardwood Bathroom Floors

Check your bathroom hardwood floors periodically for any of these signs of water damage:

Cupping: Planks swell and curl up on the edges due to moisture underneath.
Peaking: Similar to cupping but with the middle of the plank swelling upward.
Gapping: Excessive expansion spaces opening up between planks from water exposure.
Discoloration: Darker streaks or white opaque patches appear on plank surface.
Rotting: Black or brown decayed spots on wood indicating fungal growth.
Loose Planks: Sections of flooring feeling spongy or separating from subfloor.

If you spot these moisture damage issues, immediately address the source of the problem. Identify any leaks or gaps in moisture barriers. Then replace any damaged sections of flooring to prevent further issues.

How to Refinish & Seal Hardwood Bathroom Floors

Over time, the finish will wear off bathroom hardwood floors at a faster rate than other rooms due to higher traffic and moisture. When the floor starts looking dull or worn, a refinish and added sealant is critical.

Follow this process to refinish and seal bathroom hardwood:

Prep the Floor: Remove all furniture and clean flooring thoroughly. sand with progressively finer grits down to bare wood. Vacuum up dust.
Apply Wood Filler: Fill any cracks, holes, or imperfections with color-matched wood filler for smooth results. Let dry completely.
Finish Sanding: Do a final pass with 120-150 grit sandpaper to ensure floor is smooth. Tack cloth to remove residual dust.
Apply Finish: Use a laminate roller or brush to apply 2-3 coats of moisture-cure water-based polyurethane, allowing proper drying time between coats. Consider tinting the finish to help hide scratches over time. Apply finish 3 feet out from walls so edges can be reached for final coat.
Install New Baseboards: Remove old baseboards and install new wood trim sealed on back and seams to protect from spills. Consider baseboards with integrated metal strips for hardwood protection.
Add Protectants: Consider using peel-and-stick waterproof mats around high moisture areas. Maintain with appropriate wood floor cleaners.

Refinishing and sealing hardwood bathroom floors regularly will restore appearance and provide added moisture protection. Hire a professional if in doubt about how to properly refinish wood floors

Cost to Install Hardwood in a Bathroom

What’s the typical cost to install hardwood flooring in a bathroom? Here are some average installed costs per square foot:

Solid red oak flooring: $9-$12 per sq.ft.
Hickory engineered wood: $7-$10 per sq.ft.
Acacia engineered wood: $4-$8 per sq.ft.
Jatoba exotic hardwood: $12-$18 per sq.ft.
Teak hardwood: $14-$22 per sq.ft.

The total cost for your project will depend on the room size, species chosen, labor rates in your area, and any subfloor prep work needed. Expect a bathroom hardwood floor to be 25-50% more expensive than in a traditional room install due to moisture precautions.

Always get multiple quotes from qualified hardwood installation pros in your area to get a more accurate estimate. The investment can pay off for many years of stylish water-resistant floors.

Alternatives to Hardwood in Bathrooms

While moisture-resistant hardwoods can work well in bathrooms, some homeowners opt for these easier-to-maintain bathroom flooring alternatives:

Ceramic, Porcelain or Stone Tile: Very water-resistant and easy to clean grout lines. Can be cold underfoot.
Luxury Vinyl Plank: Affordable, comfortable, and waterproof. Large variety of wood-look options.
Solid-Surface Flooring: Made from acrylic resin blends. Waterproof and seamless installation.
Sheet Vinyl: Budget option that is water-resistant and inexpensive to install over subfloor.
Cork Tiles: Naturally moisture-resistant with a warm, soft texture. Eco-friendly material.
Glass Tile: Eye-catching option for walls and floors. Completely waterproof surface.

Evaluate your budget, lifestyle, and decor goals before choosing bathroom floors. While hardwood brings unmatched beauty, other options may be lower maintenance.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hardwood Bathroom Floors

Can you put hardwood flooring in a bathroom?

Yes, it is possible to install hardwood in bathrooms as long as the flooring is a dense exotic species or moisture-resistant domestic wood. Extra care needs to be taken during installation and daily use to prevent water damage.

What kind of hardwood is best for bathrooms?

Exotic species like cumaru, tigerwood, and ipe work well in bathrooms thanks to their density and natural oils. Domestic maple, white oak, and hickory are good choices too due to moisture resistance. Stay away from soft porous woods like pine.

How long does hardwood flooring last in bathrooms?

With proper installation and care, hardwood can last 15-25 years in bathroom conditions. Refinishing the floors when worn and staying on top of maintenance is key to long-term performance.

Can you put engineered hardwood in a bathroom?

Yes, you can install engineered hardwood flooring in bathrooms as long as the top hardwood layer is a moisture-resistant species. The plywood base also helps minimize expansion and contraction issues. Adhere well during installation.

Should hardwood flooring run horizontally or vertically in a bathroom?

Vertical installations allow for better expansion and contraction control in smaller bathrooms. But horizontal may work fine for larger baths. Always stagger ends between rows for stability.

How do you waterproof hardwood floors in a bathroom?

Sealing subfloors, using a vapor barrier underlayment, proper expansion gaps, sticking with dense wood species, and applying water-based polyurethane finishes will help waterproof hardwood bathroom floors during installation and over time.

Can you put laminate flooring in a bathroom?

Laminate flooring swells and deteriorates quickly with excess moisture, making it a poor choice for bathrooms. Even laminates marketed as “water-resistant” will fail in humid bathroom conditions. Choose engineered wood or LVP instead.

Conclusion

Installing elegant hardwood flooring in your bathroom can add warmth and style when done properly. Focus on selecting a naturally moisture-resistant exotic or domestic wood species. Take extra precautions during install like sealing subfloors, allowing expansion space, and utilizing moisture barrier underlayments. Provide routine maintenance with wood-safe cleaners and mats. Refinish the floor every few years. With proper prep and care, you can safely enjoy beautiful hardwood floors throughout your entire home – even in the bathroom!