Can You Use Engineered Hardwood in Your Bathroom?

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If you’re planning on renovating your bathroom or adding a whole new one onto your house, one of your first considerations will be what kind of flooring you will choose. From the texture and maintenance to appearance and cost, there are many factors that go into such a decision. You may be considering adding engineered hardwood flooring to your bathroom, especially if the rest of your house features this kind of flooring.

Is this a good choice for your bathroom? There are pros and cons to it. Many people choose not to put wood floors in their bathrooms due to the potential moisture problems that can cause warping. Because the bathroom is easily the most humid room in the house, it may not be wise to add traditional hardwood floors here. But engineered hardwood may be another story.

The Engineered Hardwood Flooring Alternative

You may love the idea of installing a luxurious wood floor in your bathroom, but solid hardwood flooring is not conducive to this environment. This is why you may want to consider engineered hardwood instead. It can stand up to the rigors of a bathroom and the moisture issues that can be present, says Home Advisor.

You have a wide variety of species at your disposal, but white oak, redwood and red cedar are the best choices for bathroom floors.

So what exactly is engineered hardwood? This is made by layering wood, one on top of the another, capped off by a solid wood veneer. This layer can vary in thickness, usually about 5mm but can get up to 10mm and more depending on product quality. Each layer is carefully secured with wood glue for a cross-grain construction. This gives the floor a more robust look and feel that can stand up well to water and dampness. This durability prevents the wood from bending and warping over the years.

Dimensionally stable at its core, engineered hardwood flooring doesn’t expand and contract with humidity levels. While liquid and water vapor moisture can pose problems in engineered wood floors, if there is a significant enough amount of water present, this is a sign of more serious problems that would pose a threat to any type of floor.

A leak around your toilet or excessive condensation that drips from the tank will make its way into the subfloor, regardless of what kind of floor covering you have.

Engineered Wood Floors: Advantages

Because engineered wood floors are only three-eighths to five-eighths of an inch thick, it’s possible to fit them on top of your existing floor surface, including concrete.

It’s also more flexible and easy to install than other flooring options. Whether you choose longer panels for a “floating” floor, or you go with the traditional tongue and groove construction, it’s easier to DIY this type of floor. However, it’s always best to hire a professional for the best results.

You can choose from prefinished or finished engineered hardwood, which means you don’t have to wax or oil the wood prior to installation. This cuts down on time and labor costs.

Engineered wood flooring is also very durable. With the right maintenance and care, such as cleaning it regularly and applying a laminate, you can extend its lifespan and ensure a more beautiful product.

Engineered hardwood flooring also:

  • Is less expensive than solid hardwood flooring
  • Is difficult to distinguish from solid wood flooring after installation
  • Includes a layer of wood on the top
  • Is resistant to temperature and humidity fluctuations compared with solid wood flooring
  • Is a more stable product with a variety of installation variations to suit your unique property
  • Is compatible with underfloor heating
  • Makes for a quick and easy installation
  • Comes in different wood species, styles, colors, plank widths and finishes

 

In addition, the top layer (or wear layer) may be sanded and re-finished if necessary.

In the end…

The choice is yours. There’s no rule that says you can’t put hardwood floors in the bathroom, whether engineered or solid. Just be sure to run the exhaust when taking a shower, open the windows for ventilation, and mop up any spills immediately.

With engineered wood floors, you get the look of classic wood without all the maintenance and care issues. Why compromise on the look you desire? You can have the bathroom of your dreams by using engineered hardwood for an affordable price.

Contact Designer Wood Flooring

Get more info on our engineered hardwood floor options when you contact us for a free quote today!