Which wood is best suited for the bathroom?
Furniture and decorative elements made of wood are very much on trend, as this natural material creates a particularly cosy atmosphere. And there is more: wood is a poor conductor of heat, which means that floors, walls and even windows made from this natural material always feel warm. Wood also contributes positively to a healthy indoor climate. It creates a cosy yet elegant ambience that many people also want to enjoy in the bathroom, the feel-good oasis of their own home. But can wood really be used in the bathroom without problems and exposed to moisture? And which type of wood is best suited for this purpose?
Wood in the bathroom – which wood is suitable?
There are numerous different types of wood, offering a wide visual spectrum with their various colours and grains. One thing is clear: wood is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture. However, some types of wood cope better than others with the high and, above all, strongly fluctuating humidity in the bathroom. For example, some tropical woods (such as Kempas or Merbau) release their red dye. Not particularly appealing when this comes into contact with light-coloured textiles.
Woods that cope significantly better with moisture are also referred to as “stable woods”. Such “stable woods”, and therefore well suited to the bathroom, include maple, birch, beech, spruce, pine, mahogany and teak. The advantage of teak is that it is a very durable wood and hardly warps when exposed to moisture. However, pine should not be planned for use in areas where direct splashing water may occur, as it can develop mould more quickly in damp conditions. By contrast, bamboo seems almost ideal for use in the bathroom and is therefore extremely popular. This tropical wood is perfectly adapted to high humidity and is therefore ideal for wooden bathroom furniture or accessories. In addition, bamboo is robust and more affordable than many other tropical woods.
Alongside the woods mentioned above, so-called thermowood, which is specially treated with steam and heat, is also well suited to the bathroom because it not only absorbs very little water but is also highly resistant to mould. Ash, for example, becomes more resistant to moisture through heat treatment.
Oak and robinia wood also have naturally high water resistance. Oak in particular, however, should be pre-treated with special care products because its high tannic acid content can otherwise lead to staining or other marks when it comes into contact with cleaning agents. If you want to use furniture made of chipboard or fibreboard in the bathroom, it should be bonded with a waterproof adhesive that does not swell when exposed to moisture.
Caring for wood properly in the bathroom
Proper care of wooden bathroom furniture and accessories is therefore essential if you want to prevent mould and enjoy them for a long time. The good news is that maintenance is simple and straightforward. One good way to seal wood is to use special hard waxes or oils. This protective layer prevents moisture from penetrating and should be renewed two to three times a year. Boat varnish is also suitable, as it seals the wood completely watertight.
Other types of varnish are unfortunately not well suited for use in the bathroom, because cracks can form in the surface over time as the wood naturally warps, creating points where water can penetrate. For this reason, any damage such as cracks or holes should be repaired immediately and the surface sanded down. For cleaning, it is sufficient simply to wipe wooden furniture with a damp cloth or use a nourishing wood soap.
Wooden bathroom furniture and accessories: useful tips
In addition to cleaning, there are a few everyday tips to keep in mind so that you can enjoy your wooden bathroom furniture and accessories for as long as possible. For example, you should make sure that puddles of water are not left standing in the bathroom for long periods or allowed to come into contact with the wooden furniture. Instead, they should be wiped up as soon as possible after showering or bathing.
The bathroom should also be ventilated sufficiently immediately after showering. Airing the room thoroughly for a short time is more effective at removing moisture than leaving the window permanently tilted open. In a bathroom without a window, it may be enough to open the windows in neighbouring rooms to create a through-draught. Alternatively, a dehumidifier may also be useful.
If you follow these tips, mould will not stand a chance in the bathroom, and you will be able to enjoy your wooden bathroom furniture for a long time.