Adding accents to your bathroom with wood
For a long time, wood was dismissed as being unsuitable for the bathroom. The general opinion was that mould would quickly pose a problem. This is surprising, given that wood has long been prized as a building material and has been put to use in shipbuilding and window construction – areas in which contact with water is unavoidable. Solid wood furniture has also historically been commonplace in kitchens, where there is a great deal of steam and splatters.
Gradually, we are seeing a paradigm shift when it comes to wood in bathrooms. You can find real wood on the floor, as wall panels, and in bathroom furniture, while lay-on washbasins are increasingly being mounted on fine pieces of solid wood. You can now even get wooden bathtubs and washbasins.
It’s a fact: wood is good for the climate of a room
Wood is alive – which means that it is a characteristic of wood to absorb moisture and release it again. This has a positive and health-enhancing effect on the climate of a room. In addition, some types of wood are known for their antibacterial properties which result from their high acid content. In the bathroom, where hygiene is important, this is a pretty good quality to have.
What to bear in mind if you want to use wood in your bathroom
- Untreated wood has no place in the bathroom. All woods should be treated with oils, varnishes or paints to prevent moisture from penetrating them. That also applies to grooves and tongues in flooring elements and wooden profiles.
- The choice of wood is also important. Hard, heavy woods that are particularly resistant to moisture are the ones to use. It is best to get advice on this from an expert before making a purchase. Some possible wood options include walnut, wenge, spruce and larch, among others.
- Floors must always be completely waterproofed. It is also important to seal the edge joints with jointing compound.
- Timber cladding on the walls should always be rear-ventilated.
Insider tips
- It is advisable to avoid using pine wood in areas exposed to splashes, since pine tends to develop blue stain fungi following extended contact with moisture.
- Oak is not always ideal either. Although this wood is very hard, it tends to stain quickly when cleaning agents are used on it.
- It’s better to steer clear of red woods such as merbau and jatoba in the bathroom, since these also develop unattractive tinges when exposed to moisture.
- By the way, there’s no need to protect your bathroom wood with antifungal or insecticide chemical agents, provided you follow the guidelines described here.
Simple guidelines for care
- Ideally, any splash water in the bathroom should be wiped up immediately so that the water drops cannot penetrate the wood to begin with.
- Be careful not to allow any corrosive cleaning agents to come into contact with the wood.
- Moisture should never be allowed to penetrate into the wood. If you use oiled wood, apply a wood care oil regularly. This will ensure that the wood does not swell and remains sealed. It will also be dirt-repellent.
- Another rule of thumb for the bathroom is that ventilation is essential.
- Wiping wood surfaces with a damp cloth is usually sufficient to clean them.
Why is wooden bathroom furniture so popular?
Wood is a popular material in the bathroom as it has a positive effect on the atmosphere. Wood is a living thing, which means it can absorb moisture and also emit it. This has a positive, healthy impact on the climate in the room.
Less well known, but just as important: some wood types also have antibacterial properties thanks to their high acidity. This is particularly advantageous in the bathroom – a place where hygiene is taken very seriously.
Tips: Things to look out for when using wooden bathroom furniture
Wood in the bathroom is a good thing. But watch out – certain aspects have to be taken into account when choosing the wood for bathroom furniture. This is because a lot of moisture is created in the bathroom, particularly when taking a shower or bath.
Select the right wood for direct contact with water
Many wood types are ideal. However, caution should be exercised with some – particularly if they come in direct contact with water.
- Pine: Susceptible to blue-stain fungi in the event of prolonged exposure to moisture.
- Walnut: Can become discoloured due to water absorption.
- Maple: A very hard wood, but susceptible to stains when cleaning agents are used.
- Redwood (such as merbau or jatoba): Quickly develops unsightly shadows when coming in contact with moisture.
Correct handling and care for bathroom furniture made of solid wood
Once the right wood has been chosen for the bathroom furniture, floor or wall panels, the next issue is looking after it. Here are some tips:
- Ideally, water splashes should be wiped off immediately so the water cannot penetrate the wood.
- Aggressive cleaning agents should not be used on solid wood.
- Anyone using oiled wood should apply care oil on a regular basis. This prevents the wood from swelling and ensures it remains sealed and repellent to dirt.
- Good ventilation is essential.
- Wood surfaces can usually be wiped off with a damp cloth – nothing else is needed.
- Wood protector with chemical agents against fungi and insects can be dispensed with in the bathroom if these rules of thumb are followed.
For anyone requiring even easier handling and care, furniture made of plywood with melamine coating in wood design is also a good choice. This furniture is less susceptible to moisture and is easy to clean.
Ensure back ventilation of wood cladding
Back ventilation of wood cladding means leaving an air gap between the cladding and the wall. This air gap enables natural ventilation and helps to regulate moisture levels. The space between the wall and cladding is called a back-ventilation gap.
Back ventilation has the following benefits:
- Moisture regulation: Air circulates through the back-ventilation gap between the wall and wood cladding. Moisture is then automatically reduced. This is particularly important in bathrooms due to the high levels of humidity.
- Preventing mould: Thanks to ventilation, the moisture that can collect behind the cladding evaporates. This reduces the risk of mould formation.
- Thermal insulation: The back-ventilation gap also has an insulating effect, which results in improved thermal performance.
- Extension of service life: The back-ventilation gap prevents the cladding from coming in direct contact with the wall. This can extend the service life of the wood as it is better protected against potentially damaging influences.
