Gentlemen, this is my first post. I have been reading the posts here for some months and have been impressed with the good advice and general good humor of the professionals who contribute to this forum. I am a homeowner and a pretty good DIY’er. I am remodeling my master bath and am considering putting hardwood on the floor. I have installed hardwood flooring before, but never in an area that gets wet. Is this a good idea? Are there any special considerations, e.g., type of finish, or waterproof underlayment. The hardwood will be installed on 3/4″ plywood subfloor. Any suggestion would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
Discussion Forum
Discussion Forum
Up Next
Video Shorts
Featured Story
There's a constant source of clean water for you to use, and all you have to do is collect it.
Featured Video
How to Install Cable Rail Around Wood-Post CornersHighlights
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Replies
Don't use shellac.
Not my first pick as any water will buckle the floor. But you can get tile that looks just like wood flooring. looks ok too.
ninehairs
I think what it comes down to is how much this bathroom gets used, you don't say if it is a main bath, guest bath, power room etc. If it is a high use bath shower in it, no go tile or some other surface. If the use is a half bath (toilet, sink) off a hall that is used by guests I see no problem with it.
What is more important is the coating go with a good poly urathane, a water base is fine, put down about one or two more coats then you would normal. I would caulk between the baseboard and the floor well to prevent water from rolling under and getting between the floor and sub floor. Other wise the rest as usual. Care wipe any standing water up right away.
Wallyo
From all thanks for the kind words
Seriously:
I had it done in my bath. We were thrilled with the results. Clear quartersawn gives the best look.
But the spillage is a threat unless you carefully keep it cleaned up. Rugs help. Placing your used towel on the floor as a bath mat helps. But no matter how nice you think your shower door is, there'll be some water that gets out somehow.
One can tell easily if the floor is getting dirty from the dustballs that grow in the corners. They grow faster on hardwood than carpets.
White oak , preferably 1/4 sawn would be a good choice, they built boat frames out of it Red oak , not so good.
I agree with wallyo (sp) depends on use. I think bathtub bathrooms are ok, but curb shower bathrooms you get a little more water spillage which could lead to premature failure.
Sure beats cleaning grout.
Are you only interested in men's opinions, or do you assume that everyone on the list is a man? Both would be wrong.
Please forgive the ill-advised greeting in my original post. I made a poor assumption. I will accept good advice from any direction.
Thanks for an unusually non-combative response. Best of luck.
I've had wood floors in many bathrooms and kitchens.
Aside from the the care to mop up spills promptly, wood species and finish matter. REd oak is a bad choice as water stains it black if the finish is at all compromised. White oak is great. I've got old wide-board (as wide as 18 inches) in my bathroom. Waterlox is my finish of choice for wet areas. It's a catalyzed tung-oil. Bullet proof.
Steve