Wood Flooring: An Excellent Option For Modern Bathrooms

Standard bathrooms feature ceramic tile, vinyl or stone flooring, but these are just the three most popular of a wide variety of available materials. For a more unique approach to bathroom design, consider investing in hardwood flooring.

Benefits Of Wood Flooring In Bathrooms

Most homeowners who opt for wood flooring do so because they believe that it is the best fit for the style of their houses. However, fashion is by no means the only reason to ditch the vinyl and opt for hardwood. In addition to raising a home's value when used in foyers and bedrooms, wood floors can also spur huge improvements in home value when included in one or more bathrooms. Hardwood is also very comfortable, especially when cool weather arrives.

Taking Precautions Against Moisture Damage

One of the greatest concerns among those considering the hardwood approach is that of moisture damage. Moisture is terrible for wooden floors and, while it is easy to control in the living room or the master bedroom, this becomes far more difficult in a room in which long showers are taken on a daily basis.

Homeowners adamant about having hardwood flooring in their bathrooms are in luck, for a variety of steps can be taken to prevent moisture damage. First and foremost, the installation process must be completed with great care. Gaps in the hardwood greatly increase the potential for damage. Further prevention is made possible through the application of a high-quality polyurethane sealer. This should lock out most moisture, thereby preventing unwanted warping or surface cracks.

Engineered Wood

Those hoping to achieve the hardwood look but minimize the risk for moisture damage may want to consider investing in engineered wood. This excellent alternative to bathroom remodeling Santa Fe features a plywood base, which holds up nicely to the inherent moisture found in bathroom settings. The top layer, however, is constructed from real hardwood, thereby providing all of the esthetic rewards of wood floors with none of the risk.

If standard hardwood is preferred over engineered wood, be sure to select a variety that is less vulnerable to the effects of moisture. Avoid softwoods and, instead, opt for cherry, oak, maple or hickory.

Wooden flooring in bathrooms may not be easy to maintain, but for homeowners intent on achieving the beautiful hardwood look, it remains a viable option. Choose a dense wood and invest in professional installation services; your bathroom will be the envy of the entire neighborhood!