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Glam Journal

Is wood floor in bathroom a good idea?

Author

Matthew Shields

Updated on March 09, 2026

Is wood floor in bathroom a good idea?

A.: Hardwood is a better bathroom flooring choice than, say, carpet, but it can still be very problematic. Moisture kills hardwood, and a bathroom is probably the most humid area of the entire home. An engineered hardwood floor could hold up well in spacious, well-ventilated bathrooms that doesn’t receive much traffic.

Which flooring is best for bathroom?

Ceramic or Porcelain Tile The most popular choice for bathrooms is tile. Specifically, ceramic and porcelain tiles are great options for bathrooms. Tile flooring is resilient, waterproof, available in a variety of colors and designs, and generally less expensive than other hard surface options.

Can you have timber floors in a bathroom?

The best options for timber flooring in bathrooms are specially engineered water resistant wood products. Hardwood flooring can be used in bathrooms but regular maintenance, property waterproofing seals and airing (aeration resulting in completely dry floors) are essential for hardwood floors in your wet areas.

How do you waterproof a wooden bathroom floor?

When waterproofing wood floors, use a urethane waterproof sealer that is water or oil-based to protect the floor’s natural shine. If you’re using a urethane sealer, apply the first coat with a thick mop made of wool or another natural material. This is a great way to create a smooth, even application.

How do you waterproof hardwood floors in a bathroom?

As bathrooms are wet environments, you need to protect your floor with a waterproof seal, to stop the water seeping into the wooden floor. A finishing agent can be used to create an invisible barrier between wood and water. Use a polyurethane-based sealer and apply several times.

Can engineered hardwood be used in bathrooms?

If you would like the look of wood in a material that can withstand the perils of the bathroom, engineered flooring is for you. As long as you are installing engineered wood, you can select virtually any species. But white oak, red cedar, and redwood are especially good options for a bathroom floor.

What is the best material for a bathroom subfloor?

Plywood or enhanced plywood is going to be the best option for your bathroom subfloor. Although they are more expensive than OSB, they still hold up better in high-moisture areas.

Can you put wood planks in a bathroom?

Can I install planks/panels in my bathroom or kitchen? While you can use planks and panels at your discretion in kitchens and bathrooms, they’re not recommended in areas where they can come in direct contact with heat, water, high humidity or moisture levels.

Does a bathroom floor need to be waterproofed?

Bathrooms are the main wet area in the house. Therefore, you need to waterproof the area so that water does not get into the substructure of the house and cause major structural damage. It involves setting up a waterproof barrier around the floor and walls of the bathroom, including the shower.

What kind of wood is water resistant?

The granddaddy of all the moisture-resistant woods is certainly teak. Because of its natural oiliness, teak can withstand wet conditions very well. In fact, when freshly milled, the surface of teak feels very waxy.

Can hardwood floors get wet?

A wood floor can accidentally get wet or even flooded with water. Quick thinking to mitigate the situation can be important in preventing further damage, as well as restoring your floor. So, what do you do if water spills on your hardwood floor? Water is the mortal enemy of any wood, and in particular hardwood floors.

How do you waterproof bathroom wood floors?

Waterproof Wood Flooring for Bathrooms

  1. Step #1 Use Site Finished Wood Flooring.
  2. Step #2 Clean the Area.
  3. Step #3 Sand & Clean.
  4. Step #4 Apply Wood Primer.
  5. Step #5 Fill the Gaps with Silicone.
  6. Step #6 Apply Waterproofing Sealer.
  7. Step #7 Apply Multiple Layers.

What is the best wood flooring for bathrooms?

If a wood floor is going to be used in a bathroom, it should be hardwood rather than softwood because softer wood absorbs moisture more easily. Some popular types of hardwood flooring include walnut, maple, cherry, oak and hickory.

Can you use engineered wood flooring in a bathroom?

Of all hardwood flooring options, engineered is a better choice for a bathroom than solid, as plywood or solid wood bottom layers hold up against moisture relatively well and are very dimensionally stable. An engineered hardwood floor could hold up well in spacious, well-ventilated bathrooms that doesn’t receive much traffic.

Is hardwood floor in bathroom a good idea?

Contrary to popular belief, using hardwood flooring in a bathroom offers considerable advantages, although it isn’t the best flooring option for bathrooms, people tend to use it because of the following reasons: Perhaps the most significant benefit of using hardwood flooring in a bathroom has to do with how beautiful it looks.

Which ply wood is best for a bathroom?

Best Wood for Bathroom Vanity & Cabinets Plywood Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) Teak Birch Douglas Fir Maple