Wood flooring adds a warm, gorgeous touch to a bathroom. If you’re considering installing wood flooring in your bathroom, it may sound like a recipe for disaster. Yet, with the proper installation, it’s definitely possible to protect that wooden floor from water damage.
Children love to splash water. So, depending upon the ages of your children, you may opt to install tile that will protect splash-heavy areas near the tub and sink. If you’re an empty nester, this will be less of an issue. Still, It’s a good idea to apply a high-quality, watertight coating on your new floor. And, remember to quickly mop up any splashes or spills. Don’t allow standing water to remain on wood flooring, as it will discolor and even damage the wood.
If you do decide to install hardwood flooring in the bathroom, experts suggest a floating hardwood floor. This type of flooring is not nailed in place, but rather glued or locked together like puzzle pieces, without being attached to the subfloor. Employing this technique allows room for the normal expansion and contraction that occurs with variations in temperature and humidity. Your beautiful wood flooring will then be much less likely to warp or crack in those high-moisture areas.
For the extra cautious, consider installing high-quality tile that complements the style of wood you’ve chosen for the main area of the bathroom. Then, install a thick piece of wood to cover the transition between the two types of flooring. This will beautify your new floor. Also, consider choosing this finishing piece in a darker shade than the flooring, as it creates a striking accent. Then, enjoy your beautiful, new bathroom flooring!