Wood in the bathroom – is it a good idea?
It calms, adds energy, brings back positive memories - that's what wood is like. An incredibly versatile decorative material. It feels great in the kitchen, dining room, living room.
But how does it fare in the bathroom? One of the most demanding rooms in the house? Is wood in the bathroom really a good idea? Wooden bathroom - hit or miss? Let's check!
Wood in the bathroom? What once seemed impossible is now within reach. It leads the way in interior design trends! However, a lot of water had to flow under the bridges of the world for this idea to not raise major controversy. Water? Yes, water! Because it was water that for years was considered one of wood's biggest enemies!
Log houses, windows, doors, fences, and sailboats drifting across seas and lakes effectively debunk this myth! They are exposed to significantly greater stresses than a long hot shower. Another example supporting this theory is a sauna. A room with truly deadly humidity! Not to mention temperatures reaching 110 °C!
How to choose wood for the bathroom?
It's undeniable that the choice of wood species plays a crucial role here. To hit the bullseye, it's worth doing thorough research or seeking help from a trusted architect or carpenter. Several risk categories can be distinguished that require attention!
- Durability – the bathroom is a room with specific conditions. High humidity and fluctuating temperatures mean that wood should be particularly resistant and durable to all kinds of anomalies. Popular MDF board will certainly not be a good solution!
- Functionality – cabinets, wall panels, floors, countertops. Wood is an incredibly functional material, that's a fact. Nevertheless, it requires special treatment - impregnation. Otherwise, it will repay in kind. It will deform, get ugly stains, or worse, mildew.
- Aesthetics – although wood is an extremely versatile material, its quantity should not be exaggerated. The proportions should be balanced! Otherwise, the bathroom will become unpleasant to the eye.
How to choose wood for the bathroom? List of recommended species!
Currently, there are about 40,000 species of woody plants! The choice will certainly not be the easiest! Exotic wood is most often recommended, as, unlike our native pine or alder, it is significantly more resistant to moisture. The most popular varieties include: teak, iroko, merbau, cedar, doussie. Let's take a closer look at them!
- Teak – originates from Thailand, is characterized by exceptional resistance to fungi and insects. It handles moisture well. It has a smooth and glossy surface, which means it doesn't require any special maintenance.
- Iroko – its golden color is its distinguishing feature. A species incredibly easy to work with - easy to process and install. It feels perfectly at home in warm and humid places.
- Merbau – is exceptionally resistant to water! It has a truly low shrinkage coefficient, and that's just the beginning of its advantages! Merbau also offers attractive coloration! From browns through gold to reds!
- Cedar — grows in Western Canada and reaches a height of 40m. It is characterized by a high oil content, which provides a natural and extremely effective protective barrier preventing water and mildew penetration.
- Doussie — a species obtained from the African afzelia tree with a beautiful mahogany color. It grows in humid rainforests, so hot baths are not a problem for it!
Origin matters, that's a fact. However, it doesn't mean Poland should be immediately ruled out! By adhering to certain rules, you can easily opt for species such as: oak, alder, Douglas fir, walnut, beech, or even birch. The key will be proper care and systematic impregnation!
How to care for wood in the bathroom?
A bathroom and wood are a great pairing, provided certain standards are followed. Polish species require a bit more attention than exotic ones. Fortunately, these are not complicated procedures; a few simple tricks suffice.
- Any water splashes should be removed immediately.
- To extend the lifespan of wooden elements, they need to be regularly oiled. Optimally two to three times a year.
- It is worth getting detergents specifically designed for a particular type of wood!
- A ventilation grate in a wooden bathroom is a necessity! It allows for free airflow, protecting against excessive moisture buildup.
- Under no circumstances should the floor be washed with a dripping wet mop! It is best to use dry or only slightly dampened microfiber cloths. The same applies to furniture and wooden accessories.
Wood for the bathroom - inspirations
In recent years, wood has significantly influenced the architectural industry. And it's no wonder - it's a sure bet! Having it in your interior evokes prestige, elegance, and modernity simultaneously! It's undoubtedly the best and simplest way to warm up a bathroom! It beautifully combines textures, colors, and styles – Scandinavian, modern, classic.
Wood for the bathroom wall, countertop, or maybe the floor? Furniture made from solid, fully natural species? There's a myriad of inspirations! However, there's no doubt that implementing any of these ideas involves a certain financial outlay, and sometimes even a major renovation! If we want to change the bathing area as cheaply as possible, it's worth opting for various accessories.
A good idea would be all kinds of accessories – wooden stands, soap dishes, boxes, lampshades, pictures, or hangers, which will not only give this space a new character but also significantly increase the comfort of relaxation! They will make an evening soak in the tub take on a completely different dimension!
Wood for the bathroom - arrangements
When looking for ready-made solutions, it's worth checking online. Just type "**bathroom wood**" or "**wooden bathroom**" into the search bar, and you'll find a plethora of ready-made arrangements that, with a little cleverness and creativity, can be successfully replicated in your own home. Below, we present three proven ideas!
- Wood and hexagons – this is what a bathroom looks like when its owners are not afraid of bold solutions! Playing with geometric patterns and wood will transform even the most minimalist interior without overwhelming it. Tile Hexagon XL Queen Bee Gold will perfectly highlight native species like oak or walnut. On the other hand, Tile Hexagon Small Green Mix Matte will further emphasize the natural ambiance of the arrangement.
- Herringbone-patterned tiles – a suggestion for those who find it hard to commit to „real wood flooring”. You can choose wood-effect tiles or go bold and opt for ceramic herringbone, such as Tile Herringbone XL Pink Matte in a fashionable dusty pink color. This motif beautifully harmonizes the space and adds stylish dynamism, without causing any maintenance issues!
- Wood for the bathroom wall – if you want to introduce a wooden accent to your bathroom, you don't have to commit to major renovations. Simply cover one of the walls with panels. A surface finished in this way will warm up and slightly enliven the interior. It will perfectly highlight the fixtures! The rest of the room can be decorated with tiles. Tile Arabesque Medium Adriatic Gloss will be perfect here!
Wood in the bathroom - is it a good idea? Summary
The bathroom is a room whose arrangement is not changed very often, so every step of the project should be carefully thought out! The good news is that wood will certainly not disappoint our expectations. Properly maintained and impregnated, it will serve us for many years!
It can be used to design furniture, accessories, and cover floors and walls. However, it is important to remember that wood patterns used without moderation can be overwhelming! To avoid this, it's worth combining it with Raw Decor tiles and ceramics. To get inspired, just browse our catalog! We guarantee that ideas will come to you naturally!
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