In This Post:
– Ways to Use Wood in Bathroom Design
– How to Waterproof Bathroom Wood
A house with elements of wood ingrained in its design reflects good aesthetic sense of the homeowner. The authenticity, tradition, classic style and warmth that wood brings into a room can’t be denied. Besides all the goodness of wood, people still think twice before integrating wood in the bathroom design because of the high moisture content present in such spaces. But with the recent advancement in technology, you no longer have to worry about wood being affected due to extra moisture in the bathroom. So, if you are wondering how to use wood in the bathroom, then you have landed onto the right page. We are about to unveil some amazing ideas to use wood in the bathroom.
Let’s check them out.
How to Incorporate Wood in Bathroom Design
There are plenty of ways to use wood in the bathroom. Would you like to incorporate wood design throughout the bathroom? Or would you prefer having touches of wooden elements just to spruce up the décor? For your convenience we have selected a few wood designs for your bathroom. Let’s check them out.
- Add wooden beams in the ceiling
- Hardwood flooring
- Use wood on the wall
- A wooden vanity stands out
- A wooden bathtub?
- Stylish wooden furniture
- Wooden toilet seat covers
- Wooden vases for plants
Let us discuss how to incorporate wood as a star element in the bathroom.
Add wooden beams in the ceiling
You don’t need to go over the top when integrating wood in the bathroom décor. If you don’t want to incorporate wood throughout the bathroom, on the floor or on the wall, then go for wooden beams in the ceiling. This slight use of wood gives a unique and sophisticated touch to your bathroom, creating a powerful impact with horizontal beams displayed across the bathroom ceiling.
Hardwood flooring
Wooden flooring in the bathroom can be great to give a spa-like effect. A polished neat and clean bathroom is easier to achieve and maintain if you go all wooden on the flooring of your bathroom.
However, beware of the consequences. If the wood flooring has not gone through the waterproofing process or if it is not carefully sealed, the moisture can seep through the floor, warping it. Use several layers of oil-based polyurethane and fill in the gaps in the flooring with wood putty. Do a small test: Spill some water on the bathroom floor, if it beads up the floor is waterproof but if it sinks in, this means you need to add more coats of the polyurethane layer. Using oil-based polyurethane is a simple and effective way to waterproof wood for bathroom.
Use wood on the wall
Run the hardwood flooring up the wall of the bathroom in order to create a wow factor. The flow created by this technique creates a spa-like environment and turns your boring bathroom into a relaxing retreat!
A wooden vanity stands out
The dynamic setting of a wooden vanity amidst metal fixtures, and marble sinks makes an amazing centerpiece in the bathroom. An ordinary looking bathroom can suddenly become a luxurious spa with the addition of a reclaimed wood vanity area. Here are some tips on how to use an old wooden dresser and convert it into a stylish vanity.
A wooden bathtub?
Want to add wood as the main design feature in the bathroom? How about placing a stylish wooden bathtub? If you are conscious of the extra moisture spoiling the wood, then you can even use wood in the surroundings of the bathtub or a Jacuzzi. Place show lights in the wooden base and on the small wooden staircase that leads to the Jacuzzi.
Stylish wooden furniture
If you live in a rented house or you have bought a pre-built house, then you can’t make any structural changes in the bathroom. In that case, for the love of wood, you can place an elegant reclining chair in the bathroom that fits your style needs.
Wooden toilet seat covers
Nobody thinks of adding style to the toilet seats? But incorporating a wooden element in the toilet can work wonders. To balance out the use of wood in the bathroom, you can use a wood vanity area and place wooden toilet seat covers.
Wooden vases for plants
Wooden planters or long wooden vases look stunning! Fresh green leaves and bright flowers inside wooden planters give a fresh look to the bathroom. You can choose from a variety of houseplants for the bathroom décor. Place them near the sink or separately on a shelf. If you don’t have enough space in the bathroom, then keep a decorative wooden ladder and place potted plants on the rungs of the ladder.
These were some of the best ways to use wood in the bathroom. When placing wood in a moist and damp place such as a bathroom, you are also concerned about its quality and maintenance. It is quite difficult to retain the beautiful finish on the hardwood floor and polished vanity since wood in bathroom is constantly being greeted with moisture and dampness. That is why it is important to either purchase water-resistant wood or follow these valuable tips on how to waterproof bathroom wood.
How to Waterproof Bathroom Wood
There are three kinds of oil used in waterproofing bathroom wood: linseed, walnut and tung oil. Whichever oil you choose, you will have to follow these steps to ensure the wood is properly sealed.
- Mix the oil with apple cider vinegar or some turpentine to increase its waterproofing ability.
- Sand the wood area just like you do it when polishing raw wood. This step is important as it evens out the surface
- Dip a soft-bristled brush and apply the first coat leaving no edges and surfaces untouched
- Let the wood soak up the oil. Wait for a while and identify areas that were left during the first coat
- Clean off any oil residue with a dry rag
- For a smooth polished surface, reapply the above procedure after a day or two, when the oil is dried completely
Another way of waterproofing bathroom wood is to use a sealant. Here are some key points when applying a sealant to waterproof bathroom wood.
- Apply the sealant at room temperature for best results
- There is no need to stir or shake the sealant. They are not like normal liquids
- They dry quicker than oils and you don’t need to give extra drying time
- Once applied and dried, give the wood around 3 days to completely dry out and good for usage
A simple and effective method of waterproofing bathroom wood is to use a stain-sealant combo. The stain when applied appears translucent and gives a natural look and feel. This is best suited for wet spaces like bathrooms.
To enhance the water-resistant character of the wood, it is important to coat them with proper finishes. From waxes, varnishes, lacquers, different oils and shellacs to water-based finishes, the finishing layer you choose depends upon the kind of protection, ease of application, durability and quick maintenance you are looking for.
So, these were some of the best ideas to use wood in the bathroom along with quick tips on waterproofing wood. If you are planning to buy wooden furniture, then take a look at the pros and cons of buying sheesham and teak wood furniture before you make the purchase.
Also check our useful guides on: How to Polish Raw Wood like a Pro, How to Polish Wooden Furniture, Types of Wooden Cabinets and Their Prices.
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