Moisture-resistant types of wood and sealants: The key to the perfect solid wood floor in the bathroom
A solid wood floor in the bathroom? Many people are skeptical about whether this is a good idea. After all, this is a room with high humidity and constant dampness. But despite these concerns, there are more and more people who are having this type of flooring installed in their bathroom.
A solid wood floor in the bathroom can not only impress visually, but also impress with its natural warmth and feel. But which wood is best suited for use in damp rooms?
Local oak or ash wood is ideal if it is treated appropriately. Both types of wood are naturally robust, but not inherently resistant to moisture. In order to protect the floor from water, a special surface treatment is necessary. There are various options, such as applying a varnish sealant or using oil. While lacquer sealing is often recommended, an oil finish is a better choice as it allows the wood to breathe and provides more natural protection.
Lacquer sealant vs. oil
A varnish seal forms a solid protective film on the wood that is water-repellent and is often considered easy to care for. However, the varnish completely closes the wood, causing it to lose its natural feel and feel cooler.
A natural oil surface, on the other hand, allows the wood to breathe and maintains its pleasant, warm feel. It protects the wood in a natural way and is the better choice for rooms where a natural indoor climate and the preservation of the wood structure are important. It is important to avoid standing water and to remove moisture promptly after bathing or showering to ensure optimal protection.
Important note for installing a solid wood floorboard in the bathroom:
When installing, it is important to remember that water cannot get under the floorboards along the walls. Hot water vapor condenses on the walls and flows downward, which could create moisture under the floorboards. This would cause the wood to swell and would be difficult to dry out again. To prevent this, a technical sealing measure should be carried out between the wall and the floorboard (e.g. sealants, sealing strips, etc.).
Another important factor for solid wood floors in the bathroom is proper care:
Regular cleaning with a mild cleaning agent and occasional follow-up treatment of the floor ensure that it stays beautiful for a long time. A solid wood floor in the bathroom doesn't have to be a risk! With the right materials and regular care, nothing stands in the way of a cozy wellness feeling.
And don't forget:
A solid wood floor in the bathroom is also a sustainable decision. In contrast to other floor coverings, which are often made of plastic or synthetic materials and are therefore difficult to decompose, wood is a natural raw material. So if you are looking for a robust, visually appealing and warm-to-the-foot floor covering for your bathroom and also want to do something good for the environment, you should definitely consider installing a solid wood floor - provided it is treated and maintained professionally.
Read more articles in our “FEEL the WOOD” blog and get inspired.
