One of the newest trends for bathrooms is wooden flooring. However, worries about water and humidity are legitimate and should be taken into account when choosing a bathroom floor. Here’s a list of some wooden bathroom flooring choices.
Solid Hardwood
Although beautiful and economical, solid hardwood (a non-engineered and non-hollow hardwood) typically works only in bathrooms that see little use or which feature only a toilet. Solid hardwood readily absorbs moisture, either from high humidity or splashed and dripped water, and is therefore prone to warping, cupping, curling and subsequently shrinking and cracking when drying. Consider different types of wooden bathroom flooring, except in unique circumstances.
Laminate
Laminate floors are another option to consider for bathroom use. Laminates are composites composed of many fused layers. The bottom layer is typically a resinous layer creating moisture resistance and stability. The middle core is composed of high density fibreboard (HDF) while the top layer is decorative and shows off the properties of the wood. The top layer usually has a see-through coating to protect the wood from scratching and moisture. Installation of laminate flooring is usually quite easy with click-lock systems that allow for a floating floor. Laminate flooring also has the ability to mimic stones, ceramics and other woods without the associated costs and disadvantages. The one major drawback to using laminate flooring in the bathroom is that it’s not completely resistant to the effects of high humidity and splashed or dripped water. Although better able to withstand moisture than solid hardwood, laminates do have a tendency to warp or curl under heavy water stress.
Engineered Hardwood
Engineered hardwood is the middle ground between solid hardwood and laminate flooring. Engineered hardwood also has multiple layers like laminate flooring, but is much more stable and moisture resistant than solid hardwood or laminates. The top layer of engineered hardwood is composed of solid hardwood, so you’re able to get the same classic look of all the solid hardwood species with a stability that’s able to survive bathroom use. The pricing of engineered hardwood is comparable with solid hardwoods, therefore your budget won’t change significantly if you were set on a solid hardwood look and feel.
