Real hardwood flooring has been making somewhat of a resurgence in recent years. Used as a wonderful flooring option all across the world for centuries, it only makes sense that hardwood’s charm and beauty would not be lost on current generations. While you may be tempted to put hardwoods throughout your house (including in your home’s bathrooms) it is generally recommended to limit real hardwood flooring to rooms and spaces that are not expected to endure continual temperature changes and excess moisture exposure.
In this article, we will provide a brief list of the downsides of using hardwood flooring in your bathroom and we will also offer a couple of alternative flooring options that may be better suited for your home.
- Hardwood flooring is susceptible to moisture – Traditional hardwood floorings are susceptible to issues like warping, cracking, and rotting when exposed to constant high humidity conditions. When water is spilled on most hardwood floorings, it is important to mop it up as quickly as possible. We know that this is a major limitation when choosing flooring suitable for your bathroom, where spills and humidity are likely going to be a daily occurrence.
- Chances of flooding in a bathroom are high – With hardwood being as susceptible to moisture as it is, it would most certainly be a risky investment to install it in the most flood-prone room of your house. Many issues could cause your bathroom to flood: a leaky faucet, a busted pipe, a clogged drain, or a faucet malfunction. Even one flood event could cause irreparable harm to your hardwood floors.
- Risks of mold and mildew – Your hot and steamy shower may feel great to you, but your hardwood floors disagree. Molds and mildews require warm and humid environments, making them all too common in our homes’ bathrooms. While the finishing of hardwood floors can protect them for a time, mold and mildew will slowly but surely make its way between and under the hardwood floors of your bathroom. This will leave the room with a not-so-pleasant odor that just won’t go away until you have new flooring installed.
Alternatives to hardwood flooring for your home’s bathroom:
Ceramic or Porcelain Tile – Ceramic or porcelain tile is a great choice of flooring options for high moisture areas like your home’s bathroom due to its overall waterproofness and durability.
Natural Stone Tile – If you are looking for a natural or “earthy” feeling material to match the hardwood floors of your home, then the natural stone tile is a perfect option for you.
Waterproof Vinyl Flooring – Vinyl is a waterproof and cost-effective alternative to hardwood. It is widely available, inexpensive, and comes in a variety of wood tones and textures. If you’re looking for a flooring option similar to hardwoods in appearance, this is the option for you.
For more information about flooring options, or if you are interested in scheduling a consultation, contact us here at the Carpet Center today!