Wood floors bathrooms: 90 Primary Bathrooms with Hardwood Flooring (Photos)

Waterproof Wood Flooring for Bathrooms

Below we share how to waterproof wood flooring for bathrooms including installation steps and tips to help.Waterproofing wood flooring in the bathroom is essential to keeping you floor looking beautiful. By sealing the wood you can make it easier to clean up water spills provide stain resistance. This can help prevent water from seeping and settling which can pose serious damage to your flooring. Waterproofing also protects wood flooring from the expanding and shrinking caused by water spillage.

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Before you consider wood flooring for the bathroom its important to know your options. For the most maintenance free flooring option most home owners use ceramic or porcelain tile. There are even many types of wood look floor tile that look like natural wood and provide superior waterproof protection at a cheaper price. Vinyl flooring is another type that also provides a low maintenance option and is more slip resistant. Read more about the best type of flooring for the bathroom here.

If you absolutely do want solid hardwood floors in your bathroom, keep in mind that water is so prevalent in bathrooms and its probably the most humid area of your home; and so you need to make sure that the wood flooring is installed perfectly. This means that wood flooring should be installed with zero gaps to prevent moisture from seeping in.

Step #1 Use Site Finished Wood Flooring

We highly recommend you perform on site-finishing for your hardwood floor rather than installing pre-finished flooring. Site-finishing will fill the seams between the wood flooring with a coating which will effectively block moisture from seeping into the core from the top side; but you have to make sure that the water will have to be wiped away eventually. Usually wooden floors which are lacquered or varnished have some water resistance built in.

There are some products on the market which can be applied to wood flooring to help protect it from some water. However, standing water should always be mopped up and dried as quickly as possible to avoid damage. If you would like to know how to fix damaged wood floors check out this page.

Step #2 Clean the Area

When preparing the wood floor for the use of a waterproofing product, make sure that you first repair any damage on the wood floor and carefully and completely clean the floor. Take out all clutter, furniture and clean it completely free of dust.

Step #3 Sand & Clean

Next step is to sand the wood flooring. The sanding process takes a lot of time, you need to do the sanding right to get a good end result – patience is the key. When you sand your wood flooring, always start along the edges using a rough grit sandpaper and then move on to using a finer grit. After you have sanded the whole area, you need to again clean and vacuum the floor.

Step #4 Apply Wood Primer

In applying the primer, we recommend an epoxy water-based primer for waterproofing. Use a paint roller or brush when applying primer to get even strokes. To ensure that your bathroom is fully proofed, also coat about 8 inches of the wall with primer and waterproof sealer. Make sure that the primer is mixed thoroughly and apply it according to the instructions on the label then let the primer dry for at least four hours.

Step #5 Fill the Gaps with Silicone

Once the primer has dried, you can start filling the cracks with silicone, this seals the gap between floor and wall as well as other cracks in the floor. This step ensures that all cracks and gaps which can attract moisture are totally sealed off. Typically, it will take 24 hours for the primer and silicone to dry off thoroughly.

Step #6 Apply Waterproofing Sealer

Now you are ready to apply the waterproofing product. We recommend waterproofing about half a foot to 8 inches off the floor on the wall to ensure complete waterproofing and reduce the risk of damage. Start waterproofing by applying the waterproofing agent to the wall, once completed apply the agent to the floors.

It is important to read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the label. When using polyurethane waterproof sealer, choose a product which is oil or water based. This type of sealer will protect the natural shine of your wood floor.

Step #7 Apply Multiple Layers

Make sure you apply no less than three layers; allowing each coat to dry thoroughly before applying the next layer. Check for any bubbles or wrinkles in between coats; should there be any bubbles or wrinkles, you need to sand them away before applying the next coat. For this process, it’s a good idea to use a wool mop or a thick natural material to get good floor coverage and help create a smooth application. Use a brush towards the end of the process to achieve a nice and even finish.

Tips: Remember when applying the waterproof product, always work towards the door to avoid being trapped in the middle of the bathroom. We also recommend that it is best to waterproof your wood flooring on a warm, dry day so that the floor could dry quickly and evenly.

Make sure that your bathroom is properly ventilated in order to minimize the humidity. Take note that primer and waterproofing agent will take longer to dry when humidity is high. Always promptly mop up all spills and avoid water flooding as it can still damage the wood flooring regardless of how carefully you apply a waterproofing product to the wood flooring.

Bottom line, water proofing is a great way to ensure your floors are well maintained and stay free from moisture damage for years to come.

Should You Use Hardwood Floors in Kitchens and Bathrooms?

Hardwood floors offer a number of benefits. They are both incredibly beautiful, and incredibly easy to clean. They are a great option for allergy sufferers as carpets can aggravate symptoms. Even homeowners without allergies can enjoy the seamless look of hardwood flooring.However, water can easily damage or warp these types of materials. So, is it a good idea to install hardwood floors in kitchens and bathrooms? Freshome asked several experts, including designers, realtors and water damage restoration experts to weigh in on this topic.

Pros of hardwood floors

You can choose from a variety of hardwoods for your floors. Image: Breadmaker/Shutterstock

Shop These Products Now: Wooden Flooring – Counter StoolDave Murphy, the training director of N-Hance Wood Refinishing, believes that hardwood floors make an excellent choice in the kitchen. “Hardwood flooring is stylish and sustainable, comes in a variety of natural colors, and doesn’t absorb dust or debris, making it easy to clean and maintain,” he says. Murphy says it is also a good choice for the kitchen because you rarely need to replace hardwood flooring. “Most repairs can be easily refinished by a professional,” he notes.

Hardwood also comes in a variety of colors, ranging from light brown to gray. Image: contraaddict/Getty Images

Shop These Products Now: Hard Wood Flooring – Textured CountertopErin Davis of Mosaik Design and Remodeling in Portland Oregon, says hardwood in the kitchen is a very popular choice. “It is softer and warmer underfoot than tile and looks more upscale than vinyl or laminate flooring,” Davis says. “Wood also adds a comfortable, livable feel to a space due to its warmer color palettes and natural essence.”She admits that liquids are the enemy of wood floors.  “If left too long, the wood can swell or stain so it is important that spills are cleaned up quickly.” Davis also recommends that you put a large floor mat in front of the sink.

Clean up any spills ASAP. Image: Hero Images/Getty Images

Shop These Products Now: Flooring Wood Planks – Pendant LampsSusan Serra, certified kitchen designer at Susan Serra Associates, believes that hardwood floors, when properly finished, make an ideal choice for the kitchen. She agrees with Davis that you should wipe up spills as soon as you notice them. “Small spills, noticed later, will not damage a wood floor; however larger spills, such as a leaking icemaker in a refrigerator, or leaking dishwasher, most likely will damage the floor, especially since leaks often appear under the appliance,” Serra explains.“The good news is that solid wood floors last for decades, even in the kitchen, as they can be refinished every 5 or so years and will look like new,” Serra says. “They give a warm look to the kitchen and it’s especially nice when the same flooring is connected to surrounding rooms for a nice visual flow.”

You can refinish solid wood floors.Image: Breadmaker/Shutterstock

Shop These Products Now: Hard Wood Planks – Utensil HolderThere are sealants that can protect hardwood floors. But, according to Joan Slaughterbeck of Slaughterbeck Floors in Campbell, CA, there are limitations. “Sealants on hardwood floor – whether solid or engineered – are only sealed ‘finished’ on the top as a protective wear layer,” Slaughterbeck says. “Wood and water do not mix, so wood flooring cannot be 100% sealed –  it expands and contracts with heat, humidity and moisture.”As a general rule, she says, hardwood floors in the kitchen or bathroom only face problems from leaks. “If you live in a house with a wood frame, you would have a problem regardless of the damage to the floors in an situation like this,” Slaughterbeck says. “Quite often the water from one of these types of fixtures or appliances gets under the wood and is not caught until the flooring has bucked or swollen. ” By that time, she says, the leak would damage other types of flooring.

Cons of hardwood floors

Hardwood floors are susceptible to warping. Image: AdpePhoto/Getty Image

Shop These Products Now: Hardwood Flooring – Modern FaucetJohn Manning, manager broker at RE/MAX on Market in Seattle, WA, advises against hardwood, and even engineered wood flooring products. “They are prone to buckling and warping when exposed to moisture over time,” Manning says. He adds that drips and spills can penetrate even the best finished floors, especially around the dishwasher. “In addition, kitchens and bathrooms are high foot traffic areas and as the hardwoods wear and gets scratched, water can get under the finish, causing unsightly stains in the grain of the wood.”

Leaks are problematic. Image: Photographee.eu/Shutterstock

Shop These Products Now: Wooden Wallpaper – Floating ToiletTanya O’Coyne, owner at TSC Restoration, a water damage restoration company in San Diego, is totally against hardwood floors in the kitchen or bathroom. “If your dishwasher, toilet, refrigerator, sink or plumbing pipes leak, your flooring choice can have a huge impact on the extent of the damage,” she explains. “Wood floors can let water seep into their cracks, hide mold growth, and warp after even minimal exposure to water.”In fact, O’Coyne says vinyl, tile or linoleum floors would make a lot of the water damage her company sees in kitchens and bathrooms less severe. “We’ve also had to rip out several rooms of interlocking hardwood floors because of damage to just a small half bathroom, since it’s not always possible to replace just a few hardwood planks,” she explains.O’Coyne believes that hardwood floors are beautiful – but says she would never put one in her own kitchen or bathroom.

Hardwood floors may not be kid-friendly. Image: Imageflow/Shutterstock

Shop These Products Now: Wood Planks – Modern BathtubAlthough Serra and Davis recommend hardwood floors in the kitchen, they do not suggest them for bathrooms.  “Hardwood floors can be used in bathrooms, but with all the water that we use in this small area, it’s probably best to pass on using them,” says Serra. “Kids splashing, leaks in fixtures, steam and other water issues are at the ready to damage wood, especially if the flooring has gaps.” However, she recommends ceramic or porcelain tiles. They look – although they might not feel – exactly like wood and come in a variety of styles and sizes.

Weigh the pros and cons of hardwood floors before you install. Image: Caiaimage Charlie Dean/Getty Images

Shop These Products Now: Interlocking Wooden Flooring – BathtubDavis does not recommend wood flooring in bathrooms with tubs and showers. He says they’re fine in powder rooms, however. “Installing the same flooring in the powder bath as the kitchen is usually a designer’s first choice due to proximity of the two spaces,” Davis says.For homeowners who want a wood appearance without moisture issues, Slaughterbeck recommends waterproof flooring. “We have installed many from our hybrid fusion line, and there are also other notable brands that make waterproof floors,” she says.What are your thoughts on hardwood floors in the kitchen or bathroom? Let us know ine comments.

The Best Flooring Options for Bathrooms

When it comes to choosing flooring for a bathroom, most homeowners focus on finding an attractive, durable material that suits their style. But there’s one major difference between bathroom flooring and the flooring of other rooms—bathroom surfaces need to be waterproof. And picking a floor that meets that need should be priority number one.

Water can splash from the sink. The toilet can overflow. Steam from the shower typically mists the entire bathroom at least once a day. A wet bathroom is not the exception but the norm, and water will wreak havoc on the wrong type of flooring. So while designing a beautiful bathroom may be your goal, keeping it waterproof should be your biggest concern. Here are some flooring options and the pros and cons of each.

Porcelain and Ceramic Tile

There’s a reason why porcelain and ceramic are classic bathroom flooring choices. Not only are they waterproof, but they’re also relatively inexpensive and can mimic the look of pricier materials such as natural stone or wood. (And while the two materials are similar in composition, porcelain is different from ceramic in that it’s made from more refined clay and fired at a higher temperature, making it more durable and less porous.)

In terms of styles, porcelain and ceramic are offered in an endless array of sizes, shapes, textures, and colors, so your design choices are practically limitless.

VIDEO: How to Replace a Vinyl Floor with Ceramic Tile

Porcelain and ceramic are cold to the touch, but they’re also very receptive to radiant heating laid underneath. In fact, if your desire is to have a bathroom with heated flooring, porcelain and ceramic are the most popular options.

A con to these materials? They can be slippery. Choose a tile with a textured surface or smaller tiles that require more grout, which provides better traction.

Natural Stone

Durable and attractive natural stone always exudes an air of luxury, but it’s pricey and not completely waterproof. Softer materials like travertine and limestone need to be resealed every couple of years, while harder stones like marble and granite can last up to five years before having to reseal them. If you can afford natural stone and don’t mind refinishing the floor once in a while, it’s certainly one way to raise the resale value of your home.

Like porcelain and ceramic, stone feels cold to the touch, but this problem can be eliminated with underfloor heating. Also like ceramic and porcelain, it is a very slippery material; consider choosing a stone that’s been honed or tumbled instead of polished, or something that’s been textured with sandblasting. There are also naturally textured stones such as slate.

Vinyl

For the past decade, vinyl has surged in popularity as a bathroom flooring material due to its water-resistance, reasonable pricing, and ease of installation. This has resulted in a plethora of styles and designs flooding the market. The material comes as sheets, planks, or tiles, with sheets being the best option for bathrooms because the installation is virtually seamless, making it waterproof.

There are two types of vinyl composition: wood plastic composite (WPC) and stone plastic composite (SPC). Both are made with a waterproof core, but WPC is preferred for being thicker, more flexible, and more resilient.

While vinyl is extremely durable, it can develop bumps, gaps, or curls after a period of time. Vinyl can also be hard to fix if it is pierced by a sharp object. And because the material is so well-priced, it won’t do as much for your home’s resale value as more expensive materials might.

Laminate is often confused with vinyl, but the former has a wood-chip base that makes it an inferior bathroom flooring material. If the wood comes in contact with water, it will absorb it and bubble up, and eventually, the flooring will need to be replaced.

Concrete

Concrete bathroom floors are typically found in homes with slab foundations. You can also choose to have a concrete slab or overlay poured for a bathroom floor. The slab can be dyed, polished, stamped, or painted to create a sleek look that fits well with a modern aesthetic.

The advantages of concrete are that it’s completely impervious to water damage and will last a lifetime. Getting concrete stained or stamped isn’t expensive, and when you consider how long this type of flooring will last, it becomes, even more, cost-effective.

However, concrete can be cold and hard to the touch, as well as extremely slippery if it’s finished with a smooth surface. If you’re polishing a concrete slab to use as the bathroom floor, have the finishers leave a little bit of texture for traction.

Engineered Wood

While wood and water don’t typically mix, engineered wood features a plywood base that holds up well against moisture. If you must have a wood floor in your bathroom, this is your best bet.

Engineered wood looks like real wood because the top layer is made of hardwood veneer. This is a relatively expensive option, and there’s another downside: Engineered wood is prone to damage, and you can only sand it so often before you penetrate through the veneer layer. Still, it’s a viable option that can work if you’re careful.

Solid hardwood, on the other hand, is never a good idea for bathrooms. It’s extremely sensitive to moisture and will likely eventually rot, even with a topcoat of protection.

Cork Flooring

If sustainability is important to you, consider cork as a flooring material. Waterproof and comfortable underfoot, it’s an excellent choice for the bathroom. It’s also naturally textured, which makes it the perfect non-skid surface. Plus, cork can feature some beautiful and unique grain patterns. To protect your cork flooring from moisture, reseal it every couple of years.

Can Engineered Wood Flooring Be Used In Bathrooms?

Renovating or designing a bathroom is a lot of work. Since you would probably like to get every last detail just right, you are sure to take plenty of time in selecting flooring for it. Many things need to be taken into consideration when choosing the floor for your bathroom. You often go barefoot in the bathroom, for instance, so the feel of its floor is just as important as it looks. Also, since the bathroom is the most humid room in the house, you will want to go with a floor known for its water resistance and dimensional stability.

Is wood an ideal flooring option for your bathroom?

There are quite a few people who advise against installing a hardwood floor in a bathroom, citing primarily the potential problems that moisture can cause. Any kind of moisture is harmful to wood, and the bathroom is the most humid room in the house. So, can you put hardwood floors down in a bathroom with a clear conscience?

Want Wood? Try Engineered Hardwood Flooring Instead

The idea of a luxurious wood floor in the bathroom may sound great, but it is fraught with all sorts of issues. A wood floor must be impeccably installed to stand a chance in the bathroom, where moisture and standing water can destroy it in no time flat. Plus, the wood must be finished in a precise way to make a go of it. 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 engineered hardwood?

Engineered wood flooring is manufactured by layering wood on top of one another, capped by a veneer of solid wood, which often varies in thickness, averaging around 5mm, but often exceeding 10mm depending on the quality of the product. Each of the layers is very carefully secured with special wood glue to ensure that a cross-grain construction is made, which lends to its robustness and good threshold to water and dampness. In addition, this also helps prevent the wood from bending over time, which can be one of the big issues that homeowners face with traditional flooring methods.

Engineered hardwood flooring is dimensionally stable and therefore does not fluctuate too much in response to humidity, so it is generally best to go with engineered floors instead of solid wood. And though moisture – both in liquid form and as water vapor – can cause problems in engineered wood floors, the presence of enough water to damage an engineered hardwood floor indicates a more severe problem that will eventually cause problems with any type of floor. For example, suppose there is a leak around a toilet’s closet bend or excess condensation dripping from the tank. In that case, that water will eventually work its way into the subfloor anyway, regardless of the floor covering.

Other advantages of engineered wood floors

There are several advantages to be found when choosing engineered wood flooring over other flooring options. One of these is that it is often considered more universal by nature; since engineered wood floors are generally only about three-eighths to five-eighths of an inch thick, they can be fitted on top of existing floor surfaces, including often tricky concrete floors.

In addition, it is also considered more flexible and easier to install and maintain than many alternatives. This is largely due to being typically sold in easy-to-fit systems; you can choose between lengthier panels for installs which are ‘floating’ in style, or simply choose the straightforward tongue and groove pieces, which makes it more realistic to contemplate laying the flooring without the need of any professional assistance. Engineered wood also comes prefinished or finished in the pack – meaning no further preparation such as waxing or oiling of the wood needs to take place. This not only cuts down on extra costs for finishing products but also means that your flooring is ready to go, straight out of the box, saving you or your re-fitter costly additional labor time.

Is engineered wood flooring durable? The simple answer is yes, and the better you care for the floor, the longer it is likely to last. Maintenance of engineered wood flooring is simple to carry out and can be as easy as applying a quality laminate and wood cleaner ever so often. These specialist cleaners are neutral detergents that form a self-polishing film, highly resistant to wear and dirt that helps clean and protect the product. More intensive maintenance can also involve sanding down the surface or damaged parts of the wood. Bear in mind that there are only a limited number of times that manufacturers will recommend sanding down your engineered wood flooring. Typically, a professional sanding machine will remove anything from 0.25mm – 1mm off the top layer of the wood. For the varieties of engineered wood that feature thinner veneer layers, this must be done rarely and with caution.

Getting the Bathroom of Your Dreams

You don’t have to sell yourself short when it comes to choosing a floor for your bathroom. There are many modern choices – like engineered wood floors – that allow you to enjoy the look of classic materials without all of the issues. Take your time shopping for floors for your bathroom. Don’t make your final decision until you have investigated every option. Most importantly, don’t compromise on the look that you want. By checking out some of today’s best options, it is more than possible to get the style that you need at an amazing price.

Call us to discuss your flooring project today!

Nadine Floor Company should be your first choice for reliable engineered wood flooring solutions in Plano, Texas. Our team is equipped and capable of identifying your personal choice, needs, and budget. Our experts can easily gaze at the scope of the area to provide you the best-engineered wood flooring in Plano, Texas. Call us today for a free quote or to discuss your needs in detail. We will exceed your expectations at every step, from material selection to finish, and till the delivery.

 

Should You Lay Real Wood Flooring in a Bathroom?

Solid real wood flooring brings a touch of warmth and luxury to any room. It’s got a sophisticated look and feel that’s difficult to match, and can add value (as well as enjoyment) to your property.

Using wood flooring in a bathroom, therefore, would seem like an obvious choice to enhance the air of comfort and relaxation, and many homeowners are now trying to replicate the spa aesthetic in their homes. However, with the natural abundance of water in the room, real wood is probably not the best choice. Here, we explore all the considerations around wood flooring and the best alternatives for your bathroom.

@woodsintothewoods

Real wood flooring in your bathroom

If you’re looking to add an air of authenticity and sophistication to your bathroom, then using real wood flooring can seem like a highly attractive option. As well as its organic feel, natural flexibility and subtle tones and textures, real wood brings a sense of the traditional, especially in dark wood finishes or herringbone designs.

This can work extremely well when complemented by antique-style fittings and ironmongery, copper baths or Victorian-inspired decor. However, a real wood floor also carries many drawbacks, and it is not recommended for bathrooms.

The problems with real wood floors in bathrooms

The first and most obvious problem with a real wood floor in the bathroom is that it is not completely waterproof. While treatments such as lacquers or oils can help a great deal, real wood always tends to be much less water resistant than vinyl or LVT flooring, especially given the amount of exposure to water you can expect. Even if you are particularly careful with spillages, real wood does not tolerate humidity well, and you may have to contend with boards expanding, warping, coming loose or even rotting over time.

The efforts to protect a real wood floor in a bathroom – regular oiling, lacquering and cleaning – can make it a very high-maintenance feature. You should also bear in mind that good-quality real wood can be expensive to replace if damaged, causing further disruption to your sanctuary of calm cleanliness.

The good news is that there are a few highly workable alternatives to real wood in bathrooms that will maintain both the look and feel of traditional boards while offering the water-resistance and durability that you need.

Engineered wood bathroom flooring

Engineered wood flooring is similar to real wood – and we don’t recommend it for bathrooms either, for the same reasons.

Manufactured using alternating layers of plywood and real wood, it delivers the appearance and quality feel of real wood flooring, but without the same level of maintenance or hefty price tag. Engineered wood feels natural, luxurious and smooth underfoot, and can appear just as authentic as real wood, especially if using vintage tones and patterns.

Its design and composition makes engineered wood easier to install and maintain, but it’s worth noting that engineered wood floors can vary greatly in durability depending on the price. Also, while being more tolerant to dampness than 100% real wood, it is still subject to warping, expanding and other types of damage.

It’s always advisable to talk over your needs and aims with an expert to ensure you’re looking at the right flooring. In general, while it is more hard-wearing than solid wood, it would still require a great deal of maintenance and we don’t recommend engineered wood for bathrooms.

Is laminate flooring suitable for bathrooms?

Similarly to engineered wood, laminate flooring can seem like another attractive alternative to real wood, with its natural-looking grain textures, warm timber colours and smooth feel. Also composed of layers, it has a core of high density fibre (HDF), giving it more rigidity and resistance to warping.

However, even though laminate flooring is a great, cheaper alternative to real wood or engineered wood in just about any room in the home, we still wouldn’t recommend it for a bathroom, as HDF tends to expand in wet and high humidity environments.

Still pondering the various benefits or drawbacks of laminate, engineered or real wood flooring in the rooms around your home? Read through our guide comparing the differences between Engineered vs Laminate vs Solid Wood.

What are the best alternatives to real wood flooring in bathrooms?

When it comes to bathrooms, water-resistance and tolerance to damp and humidity are the key points to consider. This will inevitably mean using man-made materials, but the rich range of textures, tones, grains and patterns available bear a close relationship to their real wood cousins. Consequently, the overall effect you are able to achieve will still bring an air of luxury and sophistication to your bathroom, and your floor will maintain its good looks for many years to come.

LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile) or Click Vinyl

LVT is often the first choice for people looking to bring a sense of style to their bathroom. Composed of a highly-durable composite with a tough vinyl layer on its upper surface, LVT combines the luscious, mature, natural appearance of wood with the hard-wearing practicality of high density fibre. Because of the flexible nature of the materials, the choices of wood tones, textures and finishes mean there’s likely to be the perfect flooring to accompany any style of bathroom furniture and decor.

LVT flooring for bathrooms is usually highly water-resistant, and in some cases 100% waterproof, so you’ll never have to deal with expensive, time-consuming wood treatments or warping boards. Manufactured in click or glue-down format, it’s incredibly easy to lay and relatively inexpensive to buy, with costs ranging from mid to high depending on the quality.

Our own ‘Aqua Plank’ range is 100% waterproof, and therefore an ideal solution  for kitchens as well as bathrooms. The higher-quality luxury vinyl tiles, such as the Farmhouse Oak herringbone click vinyl, give a rich, authentic-looking result in a quick, practical and effective manner. LVT or Click Vinyl tiles usually range in price between £20.99 to £31.20 per square metre.

Vinyl

Vinyl is usually the go-to choice for bathrooms thanks to its complete water-resistance and very reasonable cost. With most options coming with a cushioned layer, it can feel fantastically soft and warm underfoot, while still maintaining the appearance of a sophisticated wooden floor.

Vinyl flooring, such as our Parquet Valley Antique Oak vinyl, offers excellent value for money while still providing an eminently comparable experience when it comes to your floor. The wide, rich variety of patterns, textures and tones available – from antique wood effect to a freshly-sanded look, in all kinds of colours and patterns, as well as an array of ceramic tile effect choices – mean your bathroom floor will look stunning. And as it’s easy to clean, stain resistant and waterproof, it’ll stay that way for a long time.

Usually working out as exceptional value for money, Standard Vinyl roll flooring or Cushioned Vinyl options typically range in price from £9.61 to £20.98 per square metre.

You can order free samples of any flooring from our website to test how the various vinyl styles will look with your decor, and we’ll post them to you first class delivery. And don’t forget our price promise – we’ll never be beaten by a competitor and will beat any quotes on like-for-like products.

Ready to choose your flooring?

Take a look through all the tones, styles, widths, thicknesses and other options in our luxury vinyl tiles and vinyl flooring for bathrooms, and look out for special offers on lines that could suit your home. With our room area calculator, you’ll be able to get an idea of how much it’ll cost, too.

29 Bathroom Wood Flooring Ideas With Pros And Cons

Wood is a perfect material for any kind of renovation, it’s always in trend, it gives a refined and chic touch to the space and matches all the styles existing. But still using it in wet and high-traffic areas is considered a taboo, though wood, for example, in a bathroom, looks delightful, adds a warm and inviting touch and interest to it. So, should we use wood in a bathroom? Here are some pros and cons to consider.

Pros Of Wood In Bathrooms

Some of the pros of having wooden flooring in your bathroom here are the same as having it in any other room of your house.  You’ll be barefoot a lot of the time in the bathroom, and a wood floor is usually warmer and more comforting than tile.  The color of a wood floor is also more inviting than the relative coldness of tile that is mostly used for bathroom floors.

The biggest advantage of hardwood is that it can be really beautiful. It lends a sense of natural wonder to spaces while also providing a unique appeal—every plank is a piece of natural artwork with its individual grain pattern. Properly maintained, wood is a very durable, long-lived material. Lifespans of 25 years or more are common, making wood second only to ceramic or stone tile for longevity.

a beautiful modern bathroom clad with wood all over, with a large skylight, lots of potted plants and mid-century modern furniture of wood

a catchy bathroom with a glazed wall, a reclaimed wood vanity and a pendant lamp, hardwood flooring and an oval bathtub

a contemporary bathroom clad with large scale white tiles and wooden slabs, with a hardwood floor, a chic tub and some lovely decor

a contemporary bathroom fully clad with wood, with a large mirror, a wooden vanity and a window for a cool view

a contemporary bathroom with concrete walls, a light-stained wooden floor, a shelf-like vanity with a round sink and a round mirror

a lovely contemporary bathroom with a wood clad shower space, a wooden vanity, mirrors in wooden frames, a hardwood floor, a niche clad with wood

a minimalist bathroom clad with light stained wood, with a mirror wall and white appliances is pure luxury and invites in

a minimalist bathroom done in neutrals, with a light-stained wood floor and matching shelves, white appliances and a window

a minimalist bathroom done with light stained wooden slabs and black skinny tiles, with pendant lamps and a large window for more light

a minimalist bathroom fully clad with wood, with a glass-enclosed shower space, a floating white vanity and a mirror

Cons Of Wood In Bathrooms

Spills and splashes are going to be the first concern of wood installed in a bathroom. While the finish will protect the material to some extent, you still need to wipe up any spills immediately so that the moisture doesn’t wear away at the material’s protective layer or seep down between seams. Many manufacturers stipulate this—the warranties are voided if spills and puddles aren’t wiped up immediately. Flooding will also destroy a hardwood flooring installation, even if it is properly sealed.

If your floor is not perfectly level, you’re going to have a problem with water sliding down towards the low areas and puddling. These puddles of moisture can be very damaging to the floor, and can even weaken its structural integrity—mostly because the water seeps through seams. While standing water caused by splashing gets the most attention in a bathroom, the humidity in this space can be just as damaging: it can result in floorboards twisting, warping, plumping and cracking.

There are many different types of soaps, cleansers, and body products that are used in bathrooms. Many of these are slightly acidic in nature, and if they spill and splatter on hardwood, they can eat away at the finish or cause permanent staining in the wood.

Because the bathroom is so moist, the growth of mold and mildew is always going to be a problem. These harmful organic substances love hot, wet environments, and they feed on natural organic materials such as hardwood. The finishing coating will protect the floor to some extent, but over time, mold and mildew can grow in between boards, and even beneath them. Despite all these disadvantages mentioned, there are some advantages, too, and the main one is that gorgeous and welcoming look of wood in a bathroom – so warming up! So, will you use wood in your bathing space? Share your ideas and opinion below!

a minimalist bathroom with concrete walls and a hardwood floor for more warmth, a skylight for natural light

a minimalist white bathroom with a light-stained wood floor, a shower space, an oval tub and some dark touches for more drama

a modern bathroom with white planked walls, a rich-stained wooden floor, a catchy tub and a black vanity, a potted plant for a fresh touch

a modern elegant bathroom in neutrals, with a hardwood floor, a large shower space clad with white tiles and a wooden side table

a neutral modern farmhouse bathroom with a light-stained wooden floor, a large double vanity, mirrors in reclaimed wood frames and vintage sconces

a neutral sophisticated bathroom with a dose of luxury – a white marble shower space, a parquet floor, an oval tub, a crystal chandelier and windows and a door to a terrace

a refined bathroom done with a light-stained parquet floor and white stone slabs, a chic tub and some windows is very welcoming

a rustic bathroom of wood, with a galvanized steel bathtub, a vanity with matching steel sinks, some windows

a small cabin bathroom clad with wood, with wooden beams, a wooden vanity, a clawfoot tub and bold textiles

a small modern bathroom with pastel walls and white planks, a hardwood floor, an oval tub and vintage fixtures for more chic

a stylish bathroom done with grey subway tiles and a rich-stained wooden floor, a large shower space enclosed in glass and vintage appliances

a vintage bathroom with mint green walls and a clawfoot tub, a parquet floor, vintage appliances and a lovely crystal sphere pendant lamp

a vintage bathroom with white planked walls, a wooden floor with a geo print, a navy tub, a free-standing sink and touches of brass

a vintage farmhouse bathroom with greige walls and a light-stained wooden floor, a reclaimed wood vanity, a catchy sink and black fixtures

a cozy rustic bathroom design

a white modern farmhouse bathroom with skylights, a large vanity, an oval tub, a wood floor and some black touches for drama

an all-white bathroom with white planked wlals, white furniture and a rich-stained hardwood floor plus vintage fixtures is pure chic

an exquisite contemporary bathroom with a light-stained parquet floor, a light-stained sleek vanity with a white marble countertop and black sconces

how to cover in a wooden house, parquet, linoleum, terrace board, larch, photo and video

Content:

Advantages of wood flooring
Disadvantages of wood flooring
A few tips
Arrangement of screed in the bathroom

In bathrooms, flooring is exposed to extreme loads associated with high humidity and frequent temperature changes. Therefore, the decision to create a wooden floor in the bathroom can be called a rather controversial choice. But due to the presence of special impregnations, the characteristics of wood can be changed for the better.

Wood is considered one of the best natural building materials. Wood is very often used to finish the floor surface. Rooms where wooden elements are used for surface decoration look aesthetically attractive and cozy, they have a comfortable atmosphere. After all, baths have always been built of wood.

Benefits of wood flooring

Now the latest technology allows you to make a wooden floor in the bathroom. The advantages of such coverage are obvious:

• wood belongs to natural materials and has natural warmth and absolute environmental safety;
• wooden floor is characterized by low thermal conductivity, so there is no need to make a heating system for it;
• wood gives the room aesthetics;
• wood flooring can be combined with other finishing materials to create an exclusive interior design.

Disadvantages of wood flooring

The tree begins to warp from excessive moisture, and puddles in the bathroom cannot be avoided. In addition, few apartment owners have not experienced emergency leaks, and when children splash in the bathroom, it seems that a flood has occurred.

Since the floor in this room is operated in intensive mode, sooner or later stains from brilliant green, iodine, and a crushed tube of cosmetics appear on it. Even if they are scraped off the surface of the wood, they cannot be completely removed.

Almost constant humidity in the bathroom and temperature fluctuations create a favorable environment for the reproduction of fungus and mold.

Parquet for the bathroom, the owner will need to scrape regularly. In addition, it will not be possible to avoid black spots in the corners and joints. Since the tree actively absorbs odors, the “aroma” of the bathroom will be constantly present.

A few tips

Those who have chosen a wooden floor for the bathroom can take advantage of the advice of professionals:

1. Choose the right material for the flooring in this room. According to experts, you need to make a larch floor in the bathroom. It is more moisture resistant compared to other wood species, and besides it is inexpensive (more details: “How to fix a larch decking board – installation instructions”).
2. From cheap wood, suitable for making a wooden floor for a bathroom, you can use ash, oak, elm. Floor products from other breeds during operation can be strongly warped.
3. When laying thermowood (a wood material that is treated with steam without access to oxygen, at a temperature of about 200 degrees), the process of the appearance of the fungus slows down. In addition, this coating is moisture resistant.
4. A fairly new material on the construction market – decking or decking. It combines the properties inherent in wood and polymers. Therefore, decking is resistant to mechanical stress and moisture. Thanks to these characteristics, the terrace board is laid in the bathroom (read: “How to cover the terrace board – processing options”). The floor covering from it has a rather attractive appearance, which is confirmed by the photo.

Bathroom screed installation

Laying a wooden floor in a bathroom differs from the installation of a natural wood surface in other rooms in that it must be carried out on an absolutely even base.

Such a draft base can be a concrete screed, to which standard requirements are imposed:

• no defects;
• the surface must be flat, allowable differences are not more than 1 millimeter per square meter;
• coating strength;
• uniform structure density.

An important point: if you need to use heaters, for example, to lay

floors in the bathroom in a wooden house or on the first floors of the building, then moisture-resistant materials are used, including extruded polystyrene foam, foam plastic and others with similar parameters.

Arrangement of waterproofing in the bathroom

Currently, in such premises, wooden floors are laid, provided that all required waterproofing work has been completed. Roll materials specially designed for this (for example, fiberglass, uniflex rubitex) are placed on the surface so that their edges extend onto the walls of the room by about 15 centimeters.

To prevent water from entering the floor slabs, you can create a kind of bowl on the floor with high walls. In this case, instead of rolled products, coating waterproofing is used.

For the manufacture of water-repellent solutions on the building materials market, special dry mixes are offered. It will not be difficult to prepare mastic from a different set of components.

Often, wooden floors in bathrooms are finished using a liquid and paste-like waterproofing composition. In the first case, they use a brush, and in the second – a spatula. In this case, the pasty mixture performs the function of waterproofing and screed. Before using waterproofing liquid materials, you must carefully read the instructions on the product packaging. See also: “Reliable waterproofing of the wooden floor in the bathroom – what and how to do.”

By the way, if the room is located on wooden floors, then it is necessary to reduce the weight of the waterproofing elements. You can use a method such as impregnation with penetrating insulation. According to the method of action, the impregnation differs from the coating version. Penetrating waterproofing in a humid environment is able to create a structure that is characterized by sufficient vapor permeability and at the same time has water-repellent properties.

Step-by-step laying of wooden floor

1. Installation of the joist is carried out in a floating way. They should be impregnated with an antiseptic or bituminous mastic.
2. Install the boardwalk. The best solution is to purchase wooden boards connected according to the “groove-comb” principle, since it allows you to securely join flooring fragments (for more details: “How to make a floor from boards in an apartment with your own hands”).
3. When attaching boards to the base, it is better to use nails and glue, which is applied to the groove of the previous plank and to the logs.
4. Perform sanding (in the case of laying material of an inexpensive price category).
5. At the end of the installation, a protective and decorative coating is applied. How to cover the wooden floor in the bathroom is decided depending on your own preferences. As a rule, many choose varnish.

In addition to wooden flooring, most often also lay tiles and linoleum in a bathroom in a wooden house or in a brick building. See also: “Laying linoleum in the bathroom – laying methods. ”

Wooden floor in the bathroom: do-it-yourself device and installation

Author: Sergey Urban

Contents:
Wooden floor in the bathroom: wood and its meaning
Installation of a wooden floor in the bathroom: technology features

Agree, the expression “wooden floor in the bathroom” sounds somehow contradictory. Well, we are not accustomed to combining the incongruous – water and material that easily breaks down under its influence. Why do a bad job that will have to be redone after a while? Not everyone thinks so. There is one golden rule in construction – if the finishing material is not suitable for work, then its characteristics can be improved. The tree is no exception, the properties of which can be changed with the help of special impregnations. In this article, together with the site vannaja.net, we will study the technology that allows you to lay a wooden floor in the bathroom. We will get acquainted with the features of this technology and learn how to implement it with our own hands.

Wooden bathroom floor photo

Wooden bathroom floor: wood and its meaning

It’s no secret that the bathroom is a room in which almost all building materials are exposed to extreme loads – they are affected by high humidity and sudden changes in temperature. In addition, if we talk specifically about the floor, then this part of the living space can be called one of the most visited places in a house or apartment, it is not without reason that even tiles are selected for a bathroom with increased wear resistance. It is these qualities that the wood for the floor in the bathroom should correspond to a greater or lesser extent. Do you think it will be difficult to pick it up? You are wrong. Expensive? This one yes. But in return you will get a beautiful, durable, and most importantly environmentally friendly flooring.

Wooden floor in the bathroom photo

So what kind of wood to choose for the floor in the bathroom? The best option is teak. The British noticed its waterproof qualities back in the 15th century and began to build sailing frigates and other ships from it. In addition to moisture resistance, this wood is resistant to abrasion and temperature extremes. And that’s not all – teak does not slip even when polished. As they say, the bathroom is better than you can imagine. There are also less expensive wood options that are suitable for use in rooms with high humidity – this is larch. Like teak, this tree is also not afraid of water, but unlike it, it is a little softer – when choosing this tree for making a bathroom floor, you should purchase boards with a larger section.

Bathroom floor made of wood photo

And a very budget-friendly version of the material that allows you to make a bathroom floor of wood, these are ash, elm and oak. In addition, you can pay attention to the creation of modern technologies – the so-called thermal wood in terms of its qualities is not inferior even to teak. In principle, any wood, even the most unsuitable for use in a humid environment, can be exposed to high temperatures without access to oxygen – as a result, a board is obtained that can resist rot, fungus and perfectly withstand contact with water or steam.

We have sorted out the material, now we can safely proceed to the solution of the question, how to make a wooden floor in the bathroom?

How to make a wooden floor in a bathroom

Installation of a wooden floor in a bathroom: technology features

Work on a wooden floor in a bathroom must begin with a thorough preparation of the base. Do not think that you can just install the lags and stuff the board on them. Everything is a little more complicated – at this stage of work, you need to take care of protecting the wood from below – if this is not done, then it is hardly worth counting on the long life of such a floor.

The floor must be completely cleaned of building deposits – knock down the old screed, scrape off the leaky waterproofing. In general, the floor must be cleaned up to the floor slabs, after which the dust must be thoroughly removed and the surface primed. After the primer dries, carefully repair all potholes and cracks – special attention should be paid to the fit of the floor to the walls, the seams between the floor slabs (if any) and the places where pipeline communications pass.

How to make a wooden floor photo

The next step is waterproofing the wooden floor in the bathroom, or rather the floor slabs located underneath. Here everything is as usual – the best option in terms of financial costs and the possibility of an independent device will be the technology for gluing rolled material “Aquaizol”. First, the floor slabs are covered with bituminous mastic – we pay special attention to the corners, pipeline communications and seams between the slabs. In these places, the mastic must be poured directly. In addition, mastic is applied to the lower part of the walls – about 5-10 cm in height above the level of the future wooden floor. You should get some semblance of a trough. When the mastic has cooled down, aquaizol strips are laid on top. The principle is the same – we overlap on the walls and between individual strips of waterproofing material. After it is laid, this whole cake is heated with a gas burner (or a hair dryer, if we are talking about small volumes of the room) and pressed down to the base with high quality. After drying, you can proceed to further work on the arrangement of the wooden floor in the bathroom.

This waterproofing of floor slabs will prevent the penetration of moisture from the concrete side and keep the underground dry.

How to make a wooden floor, see the video.

Now you can work on the wooden flooring itself – there are not many subtleties here.

1. The lags are installed in a floating way – they are not fixed rigidly to the base. They simply need to be laid on supports in accordance with the chosen horizon level. In addition, the logs should not rest against the walls – you need to provide a gap of at least 1 cm on both sides of the timber. And that’s not all – they must be impregnated with an antiseptic, and even better with bituminous mastic. In this case, you can not worry about lags for a hundred years.
2. Boardwalk. The best option would be to purchase a board connected according to the “groove-comb” principle. Such a connection will make it possible to more reliably join individual fragments of the floor. In addition, water accidentally spilled on the floor will be more difficult to penetrate the seam and do its dirty work.
3. Fastening the board to the logs is best done using two elements at once – nails and glue, which is applied both to the logs and to the groove of the previous board. You don’t need to feel sorry for the glue – the excess will always squeeze out and be removed, but its lack, especially in the seams, can adversely affect the life of the wooden floor in the bathroom. By the way, it is better to hammer self-tapping screws or nails into the groove of the board – in this way the fastening will not be visible.
4. Grinding. In principle, a high-quality and expensive board does not need this, but if we are talking about a budget version of the material, then it will have to be sanded, especially the seams.

   Wood floor sanding photo

5. Application of a protective and decorative coating. In most cases, varnish is used – it is also not worth saving on it. It is better to purchase a high-quality coating and directly fill the floor with a layer of 2 mm or more. With this method of applying varnish, he will need a little help to evenly distribute over the floor – the principle is the same as when pouring the level mass. First spread with a spatula, and then roll out with a spiked roller. Such a floor will dry for a long time (at least a week). If desired or necessary, after complete drying, it can be polished.

And finally, a few words about ventilation, without which such wood flooring will not last long. The underground should always be ventilated, due to which excess moisture will be removed from there. The approach to solving this issue as in ordinary premises will not be entirely correct. Agree, making holes in the floor and exposing the underground to water penetration into it in advance is the wrong decision. It is better to drill ventilation holes at the bottom of the walls, from the side of adjacent rooms. You don’t need to drill many holes – a couple on opposite sides of the floor is enough. Outside, they can be closed with decorative grilles, selected in accordance with the interior.

This is how the wooden floor in the bathroom is mounted, there are not many differences from similar flooring in other rooms, but they are significant. And their non-compliance will necessarily lead to a reduction in the life of the floor.

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How to make wooden floors in the bathroom and will it work well? Do-it-yourself installation – Step by step + Video

Wooden floors in the bathroom: advantages and disadvantages in the article!

Although there is an opinion that the wooden floor in the bathroom is a complete absurdity, it still has a right to exist. You can put wood flooring if you use waterproofing materials. Wood as a flooring material is a great option as it has a lot of merits. The main thing is that you choose the type of wood that is best suited for the bathroom, carefully prepare the surface, and then properly lay it.

How to do this, and will be discussed in this article.

Content:

• 1 Advantages of a wooden floor in the bathroom
• 2 The process of laying a wooden floor
  • 2.1 Select material
  • 2.2 Prepare the surface
  • 2.3 Waterproofing
  • 3 Results

    Naturally, when choosing finishing building materials, we want to choose only the best, and therefore we study for a long time and in detail, get acquainted with the positive qualities of one or another option.

    If you decide to finish your bathroom floor with wooden material, you should be aware of the advantages you can get.

    1. Wood is an environmentally friendly and natural material that is completely safe for human health, as well as warm, cozy and created by nature itself.
    2. In the interior of , wood helps to create a feeling of coziness, tranquility, and no other material can boast of this.
    3. Thermal conductivity of such material is quite low, which makes it possible not to bother with laying a warm floor or installing additional heating equipment.
    4. If you look from an aesthetic point of view, it is difficult (or maybe impossible) to find a material equal to wood.
    5. This floor design will be combined with any other finishing materials, which means you can easily create a unique bathroom design.

    The process of laying a wooden floor

    Choosing a material

    We all know very well that the trees themselves are different, as there are many varieties and varieties. It is difficult to list them all, but there are special breeds that will be ideal as a building or finishing material. Speaking specifically about the importance of ensuring the primary characteristic, namely moisture resistance, then teak is ideal for you. This type of wood is not in vain used in an industry such as shipbuilding. Due to the density of the fibers, teak is waterproof even when exposed to direct moisture and liquids.

    If teak boards are bonded together with marine sealant or other special substance, then in terms of reliability and efficiency, such a wooden floor in the bathroom will not be inferior in performance even to a ceramic floor.

    But the main condition for creating a reliable and durable floor covering, which is made on the basis of wood, is strict adherence to the instructions for laying the material. If you do everything right, such a floor will serve you for several decades, and at the same time will not lose its properties.

    But don’t assume that just one teak is good for a bathroom floor. In such “wet” conditions, elm, oak and ash managed to show themselves. These are excellent moisture-resistant breeds, which are also cheaper than the same teak.

    Please note, that there is a unique material that was created relatively recently with the help of modern technologies. It is called “thermal wood” since this material is wood that has been steam treated. The impact on wood is carried out by steam at a temperature of 240 degrees without access to oxygen.

    As a result, the material becomes much more resistant to various kinds of deformations, and even more resistant to water absorption. Plus, such a tree is not afraid of rotting, the formation of fungal diseases, mold, which is 3-4 times ahead of ordinary wood in terms of characteristics.

    Preparing the surface

    As you know, flooring material can be durable and reliable, but for this it must be laid on a certain basis. Yes, you understood correctly: the floor should be prepared in advance in order to get a solid, even and stable surface for operation. As a basis for laying a wooden floor in a bathroom, there may be a ceiling that rests on a foundation or logs made of wood. The most effective way to level the floor in the bathroom is with a screed.

    With all this, the screed must meet the following important requirements:

    1. Thanks to the screed, you should get a perfectly flat surface. Horizontal deviations greater than 0.2 cm per 2 m are not allowed ² .
    2. The screed is needed not for beauty, but to be a guarantee of the static and dynamic strength of the floor. The screed must withstand the compressive load, and the minimum allowable value is 10 MP.
    3. Distribute the load evenly on the layers by means of the screed.

    Although sand-cement screed is the most commonly used, it is by no means the only option for leveling a bathroom floor. As an alternative, moisture resistant plywood, magnesite boards, cement-bonded particle board, OSB and other materials can be used.

    Waterproofing

    Waterproofing a wooden floor in a bathroom is very important. It is thanks to her that water will not seep through the finishing material of the floor, and it will also protect against the harmful effects of dampness and moisture.

    For this, you can use both coated waterproofing materials and rolled ones. When choosing roll material, make sure it is made from modified bitumen and has non-woven polyester/strong fiberglass backing. Laying the wooden floor in the bathroom should be carried out with a slight overlap on the walls, slightly above the level at which the wooden floor will be installed.

    But quite often, coating waterproofings are used, which are made in the form of mastic. If we are talking about a wooden house, then the floors on which the wooden floor will be laid will also be made of the same material. But it will not necessarily be teak, which has an excellent indicator of water resistance and moisture resistance.

    For this reason, do not be too lazy to cover the base for the future floor here with waxed waterproofing paper or parchment. Separating layers should not overlap the walls. In addition to the fact that you will have a layer of waterproofing, do not forget about the vapor barrier, the layer of which must also be covered.

    The interesting thing about is that once the preparation is complete, you can proceed with the final laying of the wooden floor in the bathroom. If you purchased a ready-made material, it will not require additional processing, and only at the end it will be possible to apply a little varnish.

    Try to buy wood only from reliable and trusted suppliers, as not everyone who works in this area is well versed in wood and its varieties, and it is quite difficult to determine from finished boards what grade they are made of.

    Results

    In addition to this, such work requires skills, abilities and experience. Most of the problems usually arise with waterproofing and pre-screeding the floor. To solve this problem, it will be better if you contact a specialist who has extensive experience working with wood. If you prepare the foundation incorrectly, then even the most moisture-resistant rocks will not withstand the load from dampness and moisture.

    Bathroom floor in wooden house

    Home / Bathroom floor

    Published: 11/08/2016

    Repairing a bathroom in a wooden house can make even experienced professionals sweat a lot. After all, wood, due to its characteristics, extremely negatively tolerates high humidity. And if the dwelling is completely made of wood, then with a high degree of probability the floors will also be lined with this material. In this case, the device usually involves the use of wooden beams.

    In a humid climate without good waterproofing, they will rot and dry out, causing the floor to sag more and more over time. In such conditions, even the most resistant flooring will lose its attractive appearance. At the same time, the repair will not be limited to cosmetic corrections – the work on laying the floors will have to be carried out again.

    That is why it is extremely important at the planning stage to determine the scope of work for waterproofing a bathroom in a wooden house, the type of flooring that will be used, and also to find out all the nuances of the repair.

    Contents

    1. How to make the bathroom floor as waterproof as possible
    2. Floor screed in the room
    3. Which materials are suitable for finishing the bathroom floor

    How to make the bathroom floor as waterproof as possible

    The primary task at the first stage of renovation is to ensure complete waterproofing of the bathroom. In a wooden house, this is a very important issue, because moisture will significantly accelerate the wear of all supporting structures. And this applies not only to the floor, but also to walls and ceilings.

    The first stage here is a thorough cleaning of the premises. Dust, dirt, small particles and other debris can interfere with the correct waterproofing process. Therefore, the bathroom should be as clean as the situation allows.

    Cleanliness is also important for the next step, which is the priming process. For these purposes, a liquid composition or mixture is used, which must be dissolved in water in a ratio of 1: 1. Carrying out this procedure additionally degreases the surface, increasing the setting properties of waterproofing solutions. And this is a guarantee of the durability of the repair.

    And the last step is to directly apply the moisture resistant coating. Waterproofing in this case can be carried out by various methods, among which:

    • coating;
    • painting;
    • pasting.

    The most common of them, it is also the simplest, is coated waterproofing. To carry out work in the bathroom, you only need the mixture itself (usually a mastic or a special solution) and a roller. Two layers are applied to them sequentially, with a break of 5-7 hours. This is enough for the floor to be sufficiently isolated from the effects of water.

    Paint waterproofing in the bathroom is not a very rational solution. The fact is that the bitumen-polymer mastic used for applying to the floor will lose moisture resistance after 2-3 years. And this is not the longest period, because in a wooden house protection from moisture is constantly needed.

    Special tools will be required for waterproofing the adhesive, as the method involves the use of bitumen-polymer materials for flooring.

    The process will require the participation of high temperatures. Doing such waterproofing with your own hands is unlikely to succeed without relevant experience.

    In any case, even after applying the base waterproofing layer, it is recommended to additionally cover the floor with rubberized material – this will provide greater moisture resistance.

    Floor screed in room

    As mentioned earlier, in a wooden house, the bathroom floor arrangement involves massive wooden beams as a supporting structure. If the room is located on the lower floor, then you can easily replace them with more durable steel floors. In this case, the use of a cement screed is justified. It, in turn, will allow the use of ceramic tiles or porcelain stoneware as flooring. These materials cannot be mounted on a wooden surface, since the mixtures for their fastening are not designed for this and can only come into contact with concrete or drywall.

    If the bathroom is located on the upper floors, then replacing the beams and even more so making a cement screed is extremely risky. This significantly increases the load on the floors, which may, as a result, not withstand and collapse – and it’s good if the floor fails when there is no one in the house.

    You need to be extremely careful about safety measures when laying the floor in the bathroom. When using a screed in a wooden house, it is desirable in any case to reduce the distance between the ceilings. Such a device will increase the level of maximum load that the beams can withstand. You also need to take care of increasing their cross section. Also, do not forget that the level of overlap must be made 8-10 cm lower than in the rest of the house. Otherwise, there is simply not enough height under the subfloor.

    Unfortunately, there is no lighter alternative to cement screed. If safety standards prohibit creating an additional load on the floor in the bathroom, then there is a fairly wide range of materials that can be used for decoration.

    Bathroom floors require careful preparation before finishing. What is important to remember, read in our publication.

    How to optimally and ergonomically plan a bathroom, you can read in this article.

    What materials are suitable for finishing the bathroom floor

    Even at the stage of planning the floor of a bathroom in a wooden house, it is necessary to take care of the issue of choosing the type of flooring. In stores today, you can choose materials for every taste and wallet size. Both inexpensive solutions are available for those who seek to save money, as well as expensive ones, they are also the most durable. The choice is up to the buyer.

    Meanwhile, the most popular types of flooring include:

    • ceramic tiles;
    • wood;
    • laminate;
    • linoleum.

    The most common solution is ceramic or porcelain stoneware. This material resists moisture well, its service life can be 8 years or more, and the strength is much higher than that of analogues. However, its installation necessarily requires a cement screed, which increases the load on the floor, which in a wooden house is a separate problem and will require at least a change in the arrangement of floors. Therefore, such coverage is not suitable for everyone.

    Wood is the second most popular bathroom flooring material. In addition, it is completely environmentally friendly. This will undoubtedly be relevant for the owners of a wooden house. And even though wood is not naturally water friendly, modern water-repellent coatings can achieve a stunning effect. Thanks to it, the boards will acquire sufficient waterproofing properties to last indoors for many years and not deteriorate. Of course, this material is inferior in terms of durability to ceramics and wood needs to be further processed, which requires additional effort and costs. However, it serves as an excellent, and most importantly, affordable alternative.

    If there is no time to impregnate wooden boards, then a moisture-resistant laminate would be an interesting option. In a wooden house, it would be quite reasonable to use materials similar in structure. Laminate, thanks to the abundance of patterns imitating the structure of wood or parquet patterns, will organically fit into the interior of any room, including the bathroom. However, if installed incorrectly, moisture can get into the gaps between the slabs, causing the material to swell and the entire floor will need to be updated.

    To save big, you can simply lay linoleum in the room. This material tolerates moisture well, is easy to install and, thanks to a wide range of colors, can be matched exactly to the design of the room.

    However, as with laminate, careful sealing will be required. Leaking through the seams, water begins to accumulate under the linoleum and lead to its deterioration. This is especially true for those types that are made with a layer of insulation. It will cause the onset of rotting processes, the consequences of which will be an unpleasant smell and “floated” linoleum.

    The device of a wooden house suggests a responsible attitude to the decoration of the bathroom. Floor coverings must be chosen carefully and soberly assessing the condition of the room. If the bathroom is located on the second floor and above, then it is better to invite a specialist who will evaluate the possibility of using a cement screed, reinforced floors and heavy finishing materials. High-quality waterproofing is also required so that repair efforts are not in vain.

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    Read also:

    • Benefits of cable underfloor heating in the bathroom
    • Large selection of porcelain stoneware with different textures
    • bathroom: rational decision or adventure

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    How to make a wooden floor in the bathroom with your own hands: design and construction

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    Content:

    1. Designing the floor in the bathroom
    2. Building a waterproofed floor in the bathroom
    3. Video about the wooden floor in the bathroom

    20003

    A century ago, the inhabitants of wooden houses had to be content with “comfort” in the yard, and they had to wash only in the bathhouse, which was a separate building. Now it is possible to equip a full-fledged bathroom in a wooden building with a bath, shower and other plumbing fixtures, but before installing them, you need to take care of waterproofing the floor. How to make a wooden floor in the bathroom so that it is protected from moisture and temperature fluctuations?

    The floor in a bathroom in a wooden house is a multi-layer construction, which should prevent the penetration of moisture to the wooden floor. If desired, a bathroom can also be placed on the second floor, but it will be much easier to make it on the first floor. The floor in it is equipped with the following rules:

    • Waterproofing work for the floor must be carried out simultaneously with the waterproofing of the walls. This will effectively protect surfaces from moisture, which most often get drops when using any plumbing.
    • Wooden floors on joists are usually calculated only on wooden coverings, therefore, additional reinforcement is required for its waterproofing. In this area, the most durable logs made of rot-resistant materials should be installed. Larch or cedar wood is suitable for this: logs can serve without problems for decades.
    • After waterproofing works, you can choose different options for finishing the floor: ceramic tiles are most often used, but there are other options for coating that will be protected from moisture.
    • Logs and other wooden elements used in the arrangement of the floor must be completely dried, and they are additionally treated with antiseptics that protect the material from decay.

    When designing, it must be taken into account that the reinforced lag system implies their more frequent location, in addition, a thicker beam must be chosen for them. Then the overlap of the floor or the second floor will be able to withstand larger loads.

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    Construction of a waterproof floor in the bathroom

    The rough floor in the bathroom in a wooden house is located much lower than other rooms, the difference should be about 25 centimeters. The fact is that waterproofing layers take up a lot of space, and a special base will help to completely hide this difference outwardly. In addition, conditions must be created so that in case of utility emergencies, water does not rise above the floor level in the bathroom and does not pour into other parts of the house.

    Work on creating a waterproofing layer in the bathroom is carried out in several stages:

    1. If the bathroom is located on the ground floor, the construction of the equipped floor will be much easier: you need to prepare a recess in the ground and install the brick pillars of the foundation. Floor logs are installed on them, a gap of several centimeters should remain between them and the walls to compensate for thermal expansion. Logs and other elements of the subfloor must be treated with antiseptic compounds that will not allow them to rot for a very long time.
    2. A layer of thick moisture-resistant plywood is laid on the logs. You can also make a subfloor from boards impregnated with special compounds, but it will be less durable.
    3. Plywood is covered with a waterproofing layer: the film must completely protect the logs from water penetration. It overlaps, there should be no joints. All seams are glued with construction tape to obtain a single surface.
    4. A cement-sand screed is laid on the plywood, on which any finishing materials can be laid. The composition must be allowed to dry, and cracks should not form on it. When the screed is completely dry, you can proceed to the fine finish. This is usually a layer of waterproof tile adhesive and ceramic tiles. At the same time, there are many other finishing materials that have sufficient moisture resistance.
    5. After the tile adhesive has dried, the joints are grouted to give the tile a nice look. Grouting is carried out using a special composition, originally designed specifically for working with ceramic tiles. Waterproof grout will ensure the integrity of the tile carpet for a long time.

    The wooden floor in the bathroom can be finished with cork, you can also use inexpensive linoleum or moisture-resistant special laminate. Cement-sand screed allows you to use most types of coatings, the finished surface will be beautiful and even. The screed needs to dry completely, which can take more than a week.

    Equipping a wooden floor in the bathroom is not difficult, as modern materials allow you to completely protect the house from moisture penetration. To make it durable and reliable, the floor and walls are finished at the same time, this will reduce the cost of the work of specialists.

    The wooden floor in the bath must be equipped with waterproofing layers, otherwise the logs will quickly rot. This reduces the reliability of the entire building, and in this case it will be necessary to carry out a long and expensive overhaul.

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    Wooden floor in the bathroom – installation of wooden floors

    Contents

    • Wooden floors in the bathroom, is it possible
    • Characteristics of wood flooring
    • Which tie to pay attention to
    • Strengths and weaknesses of wooden flooring in the bathroom
    • Recommendations for the correct selection of tree species
    • Installation of wood floors
    • Practical advice for beginners

    Any person who plans to renovate a bathroom is puzzled by the question of how to make a bath on a wooden floor. The flooring in the bathroom must be durable, resistant to high humidity, that is, they will not only reduce their service life, but also lose their aesthetics. The wooden floor in the bathroom can hardly surprise anyone now, since the materials that are on sale are improved, first-class, endowed with greater resistance to moisture.

    Wooden floors in the bathroom – is it possible

    Wood is a natural, environmentally friendly material. People who choose it as a floor are guided by the fact that wood creates an amazing appearance and a cozy atmosphere. Wooden floors in the bathroom have many advantages over ceramics. Tiles are a cold material, so when installing them in hygienic areas, users insulate the flooring with different rugs or equip them with additional heating.

    Advice for those who like to see an unusual solution in their bathroom – you can combine wood with any other material. There are a large number of them.

    Characteristic properties of wood flooring

    In a house with several floors, it is recommended to place the bathroom on the ground floor. So it will be easier to carry out work to strengthen the floor. If you need to make a bathroom on each of the floors, then it is more expedient and more correct to install shower cabins on all the others. They are not pretentious to the reinforced floor construction. The reason for this is the small weight of the booth and all the equipment, the frequency of filling it with water. Design features of wooden flooring in the bathroom:

    • The distance between the lags (beams) is chosen to be smaller than any other.
    • To increase the strength, the cross-section of the beams must be larger than that laid down according to the standard in the living room.
    • The stability of wood flooring is achieved due to the increased thickness of the floor boards (by 20 percent).
    • The level of the rough flooring must also be increased in comparison with the living room. This is necessary so that after it it is possible to produce a concrete screed on it.

    Floors on joists must be laid firmly and evenly. To do this, you can use fiberboard, durable plywood.

    Tip! In order to get a high-quality and durable coating, the floor must first be well prepared and leveled if it has irregularities.

    Which screed to choose and why

    Leveling the floor with a screed is required before starting work. To choose it correctly and to carry it out correctly, one must obey the following principles:

    • The base must be filled with screed as evenly and evenly as possible. Any deviations are excluded. To do this, you can use a concrete mixture or ready-made self-leveling mixtures.
    • When screeding, it is necessary to provide the floor with maximum strength, both static and dynamic. Filling it with several layers, provided that the load does not exceed the permissible one – up to 10 MP.
    • The pouring layer of the mixture must be even, without cracks, chips or other roughness.

    The finished screed must distribute the total load from plumbing fixtures, appliances and the mass of a person as evenly as possible.

    Cement-sand screed – is considered the most common and frequently used. Several varieties of screed materials are on sale:

    • OSB;
    • magnesite composition;
    • cement chip mixture;
    • moisture resistant plywood;
    • GVLV.

    Before laying wooden floors (finish coat) it is essential to carry out thermal insulation. It can be carried out from any material having a low coefficient of thermal conductivity and water absorption. It is better to choose a closed cellular structure: polyethylene foam; expanded polystyrene; technical cork; water repellent pads.

    As a heater, professionals advise choosing foil materials made from polyethylene foam.

    Tip! In order for the coating to last for a long time, experienced craftsmen recommend organizing a drain ladder in a wooden floor. This is a kind of funnel, made under a slope, through which water flows into the sewer.

    Strengths and weaknesses of wooden flooring in the bathroom

    The following arguments serve as a rebuttal to the fact that wooden floors in the bathroom cannot be installed:

    • Heat. Since wood has low thermal conductivity, such a coating can be laid without installing an additional heating system such as underfloor heating.
    • Creative space. A bathroom with a wooden floor is a kind of step beyond the established stereotypes. The combination of wood with other materials, including decor, is a unique opportunity to make a room individual and unusual.
    • Environmentally friendly.

    Deficiencies, if any, can be explained:

    • Violation of the installation rules.
    • Wrong choice of materials.
    • No hydro and thermal insulation layer.

    If you do everything right, and most importantly choose good material, then these troubles can be easily avoided.

    Recommendations for choosing the right kind of wood

    Such floors can be made from several types of wood.

    Teak

    This wood has been used in shipbuilding for hundreds of years. The fiber structure of teak is very dense. This allows the material not only to be waterproof, but also to accumulate heat. Installing a bathtub on teak wooden floors is also justified by the fact that such a coating has a very high resistance to chemicals.

    The slight roughness of the front layer makes the coating slippery and therefore completely safe. The shade of teak is deep and dark, it makes the room luxurious, respectable, more beautiful. The only drawback is the too high cost of the material.

    Thermowood

    It is obtained by treating precious woods with very high temperature steam, in the complete absence of oxygen. This processing technology makes it resistant to high humidity, making it stronger at times. On such a coating, fungus and mold will not form. Thermal wood does not rot or warp.

    Economy wood

    There is a floor option that will be more accessible to the buyer. This wood: larch; elm; oak; ash.

    At a lower cost, high quality and performance properties, these breeds can be a worthy alternative to teak or thermowood. With their help, reliable floors are created that are resistant to high humidity and temperature extremes.

    Note to the reader! You might also be interested to know how good cork flooring is in the bathroom

    Installation of wood floors

    Starting repairs in the bathroom, it is important to know not only how and with what to cover the wooden floor, but also how to correctly perform the installation without making mistakes:

    1. Before laying the boards on the logs, they must be left for some time in the same room for acclimatization.
    2. It is recommended to start laying from the entrance door area.
    3. All elements are carefully adjusted first with a rubber mallet, only then they are fixed with fasteners.
    4. After laying the boards and the floor as a whole must be examined for errors.
    5. If there are roughnesses of 3 mm in size on the tree, they can be scraped off and sanded with a special machine.
    6. Minor flaws and holes (less than 3 mm) can be eliminated with mastic on wood, then carefully rubbed.
    7. The last process is coating protection.
    8. Wood floors must be cleared of debris before topcoating

    Practical advice for beginners

    Those who plan to make the flooring in the bathroom out of wood will benefit from the following information:

    • Elm, ash and oak should be chosen from cheap types of wood suitable for bathrooms. All others are highly susceptible to deformation.
    • There is another type of wood – decking or decking. It can also be used as flooring in the bathroom.
    • A special type of laminate has been created for bathroom floors.

    Modern wooden floors, watch the video – this is a worthy alternative to already boring ceramics. All you need to make them at home is quality materials, a little patience, accuracy and following the installation sequence.