Last Updated on July 23, 2023
Are you considering using engineered hardwood in your bathroom but unsure if it’s a good idea? Engineered hardwood is a popular choice for flooring, due to its durability and beauty. However, when it comes to using it in a bathroom, there are a few things you need to consider.
First and foremost, you may be wondering whether engineered hardwood can withstand the moisture and humidity that come with a bathroom environment. It’s a valid concern, as any wood flooring can be susceptible to water damage.
Fortunately, with the right precautions and maintenance, you can use engineered hardwood in your bathroom without worrying about it warping or buckling.
Here, we’ll explore how you can use engineered hardwood in a bathroom, whether it’s a good choice for your needs, and how you can protect it from water damage.
How Can You Use Engineered Hardwood in a Bathroom?
If you’re considering using engineered hardwood in a bathroom, there are a few key steps you’ll need to take to ensure a successful installation.
- Step 01: Choose the Right Type of Engineered Hardwood
- Step 02: Prepare the Subfloor
- Step 03: Acclimate the Flooring
- Step 04: Install a Moisture Barrier
- Step 05: Follow Proper Installation Techniques
- Step 06: Seal the Seams
- Step 07: Maintain Humidity Levels
- Step 08: Promptly Clean up Spills
Step 01: Choose the Right Type of Engineered Hardwood
Choosing the proper type of engineered hardwood with advanced water-resistant qualities is crucial for installing it in a moisture-prone area like a bathroom. When selecting the right type of engineered hardwood, consider the materials used in its construction.
Look for flooring that has a moisture-resistant core, such as high-density fiberboard, as this will help prevent water damage. Additionally, the top layer of the engineered hardwood should also be water-resistant.
This is typically achieved by using a protective finish, such as aluminum oxide or ceramic, which can help repel water and prevent the wood from warping or swelling.
Step 02: Prepare the Subfloor
Get ready to tackle the second step of installing your new bathroom flooring by ensuring the subfloor is clean, dry, and level. Before laying down any engineered hardwood, it’s crucial to prepare the subfloor to ensure a level and sturdy foundation for your new flooring.
Follow these steps to get your subfloor ready for installation:
Remove any existing flooring: If you have tiles or vinyl, remove any existing flooring to expose the subfloor. This will allow you to inspect the surface for any damage or unevenness that needs to be addressed.
Clean the subfloor: Once the subfloor is exposed, clean it thoroughly to remove any debris, dirt, or moisture. A clean subfloor will ensure that the adhesive used to install the engineered hardwood sticks is properly.
Dry the subfloor: To prevent any moisture issues that could damage your new flooring, make sure the subfloor is completely dry before installation. If the subfloor is concrete, consider using a moisture barrier to prevent any potential moisture from seeping through.
Level the subfloor: If you notice any unevenness in the subfloor, use a leveling compound to smooth out any bumps or dips. This will ensure a level surface for your new flooring and prevent any potential damage or wear and tear over time.
Step 03: Acclimate the Flooring
Before installation, it’s important to allow the hardwood planks to acclimate to the bathroom’s humidity and temperature, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Acclimation is a crucial step in the installation process as it ensures that the flooring is ready to handle the bathroom’s conditions, preventing any potential damage or warping. The recommended acclimation time varies depending on the manufacturer and the type of engineered hardwood, but it typically ranges from 24 to 72 hours.
Step 04: Install a Moisture Barrier
Installing a moisture barrier or underlayment beneath the engineered hardwood in the bathroom is crucial. This protects against water vapor and helps keep the flooring bone dry, like a fish out of water.
Without this protective layer, moisture from the bathroom can seep into the flooring and cause it to expand, warp, or buckle. This can lead to costly repairs and replacements down the line.
There are different types of moisture barriers and underlayments available, such as plastic sheets or foam mats, that can be installed over the subfloor before laying the engineered hardwood.
Make sure to choose a product specifically designed for use in bathrooms with a high moisture resistance rating.
Step 05: Follow Proper Installation Techniques
Now that you’ve installed a moisture barrier in your bathroom, it’s time to move on to the next step: following proper installation techniques. Engineered hardwood can be installed using various methods such as gluing, nailing, or floating.
However, it’s crucial to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure a successful installation and avoid any potential issues.
If you’re planning to install engineered hardwood in your bathroom, it’s essential to choose a product that’s specifically designed for the area. You should also consider factors such as the level of foot traffic, exposure to water, and humidity levels.
Once you’ve selected the right product, read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. This will help you understand the installation process and avoid common mistakes, such as failing to acclimate the planks properly or not leaving enough room for expansion.
Step 06: Seal the Seams
To ensure that your newly installed engineered hardwood flooring in the bathroom stays water-resistant and looks its best, it’s crucial to seal the seams between the planks with a suitable waterproof sealant or adhesive. This is an essential step that shouldn’t be overlooked during the installation process.
The sealant or adhesive will provide an extra layer of protection against water damage by preventing water from seeping between the boards and causing warping, swelling, or other types of damage.
You should apply the sealant or adhesive according to the manufacturer’s instructions to seal the seams. It’s essential to ensure that the seams are completely filled with the sealant or adhesive and that no gaps or spaces are left.
Once the sealant or adhesive has dried, you can enjoy your new bathroom floor with peace of mind, knowing it will withstand moisture and water spills.
Step 07: Maintain Humidity Levels
Maintaining the proper humidity levels in your bathroom is crucial for preventing excessive moisture and ensuring the longevity of your new flooring.
One of the best ways to regulate humidity is by using ventilation fans or opening windows to promote air circulation and reduce condensation. This will help prevent moisture buildup, which can cause your engineered hardwood floors to warp or buckle over time.
In addition to ventilation, it’s important to monitor the humidity levels in your bathroom and keep them within the recommended range. The ideal range for relative humidity in a bathroom is between 30% and 60%.
To help you keep track of the humidity levels, you can use a hygrometer, which measures the amount of moisture in the air.
Step 08: Promptly Clean up Spills
If you don’t quickly clean up any spills or water splashes on the surface, it could cause damage to your new flooring. Even though engineered hardwood is more resistant to water than traditional hardwood, it’s still important to be diligent about cleaning up any moisture.
Using a dry cloth or mop to promptly remove any spills or splashes can help prevent any potential damage to your flooring.
Does engineered hardwood get water damage?
You may wonder if engineered hardwood is prone to water damage in a bathroom. While engineered hardwood is more water-resistant than solid hardwood, excessive moisture can still cause damage. And bathroom humidity levels can be relatively high, increasing the likelihood of water damage.
To minimize potential issues, you should ensure that any spills are cleaned up quickly and ventilate your bathroom with a fan when showering to reduce moisture in the air.
How do you protect engineered wood from water?
To safeguard your engineered wood flooring against water damage in the bathroom, it’s crucial to promptly wipe off any spills and limit the amount of water used during cleaning.
While engineered hardwood is more water-repellent than traditional hardwood, it’s still susceptible to water damage if exposed to prolonged moisture. Therefore, it’s essential to take preventive measures to protect your flooring.
One way to protect your engineered wood flooring is to place rugs or mats in high-traffic areas of the bathroom. These rugs can absorb any excess water and prevent it from seeping into the flooring.
Additionally, you can use a sealant or wax to create an extra layer of protection against moisture. This sealant will help to prevent warping or swelling caused by water damage.
Upgrade Your Bathroom with High-Quality Engineered Hardwood Flooring
Engineered hardwood is a viable option for bathroom flooring as long as proper measures are taken to protect it from water damage. By using a waterproof sealant, minimizing water exposure, and promptly wiping up spills, you can enjoy the beauty and warmth of hardwood flooring in your bathroom.
With this in mind, make sure to choose an engineered hardwood that is specifically designed for bathrooms. Also Follow all installation and maintenance guidelines of hardwood floors.
Your new bathroom flooring will add value and aesthetic appeal to your home and provide a relaxing and stylish space for you to unwind and rejuvenate.
So go ahead and transform your bathroom into a luxurious spa oasis with the addition of engineered hardwood flooring.
