Bathroom design has evolved dramatically over the years, and one trend that’s gaining momentum is the use of wood flooring in bathrooms. Once considered impractical, modern technologies and treatments have made wood flooring a viable and stylish option for these moisture-prone spaces. This article will explore 33 inspiring bathroom wood flooring ideas that can transform your bathroom into a warm, inviting retreat while maintaining functionality and durability.
Wood flooring in bathrooms offers a unique blend of natural beauty and comfort underfoot. It brings warmth to a space often dominated by cold, hard surfaces, creating a spa-like atmosphere in your own home. From classic hardwoods to innovative wood-look options, there’s a perfect wood flooring solution for every bathroom style and budget.
Why Choose Wood Flooring for Your Bathroom?
Before diving into specific ideas, let’s consider the advantages of wood flooring in bathrooms:
- Aesthetic appeal: Wood adds warmth and natural beauty to any space.
- Versatility: Available in various species, colours, and finishes to suit any style.
- Comfort: Provides a softer, warmer surface underfoot compared to tile or stone.
- Durability: When properly sealed and maintained, wood floors can last for decades.
Now, let’s explore 33 inspiring bathroom wood flooring ideas to help you create the perfect oasis in your home.
1. Classic Oak Planks
Oak is a timeless choice for bathroom flooring, offering durability and a classic look. Its natural grain patterns add visual interest, while its warm tones create a welcoming atmosphere. Consider using wide planks for a more contemporary feel.
Pro Tip: To enhance the natural beauty of oak, consider using a clear, water-resistant finish that allows the wood grain to show through.
Commercial Product: Armstrong Flooring offers a range of oak-engineered wood flooring options suitable for bathrooms, such as their American Scrape collection.
2. Weathered Barnwood
For a rustic, lived-in look, weathered barnwood flooring can add character to your bathroom. This style works particularly well in farmhouse or country-inspired designs, bringing a touch of history and charm to the space.
In-Depth Info: Authentic barn wood is reclaimed from old barns and structures, giving each plank a unique patina and history. However, many manufacturers now offer new wood that’s artificially distressed to mimic the look of barn wood, providing a more consistent and often more affordable option.
3. Sleek Bamboo
Bamboo flooring is an eco-friendly option that offers a unique look for your bathroom. It’s light colour and smooth texture can create a serene, spa-like atmosphere. Plus, bamboo is naturally water-resistant, making it a practical choice for bathrooms.
Pro Tip: Look for strand-woven bamboo flooring for maximum durability in high-moisture environments.
Commercial Product: Cali Bamboo offers a wide range of bamboo flooring options, including their GeoWood line which combines bamboo with a waterproof stone-plastic composite core.
4. Reclaimed Wood Mosaic
Create a truly unique bathroom floor by using reclaimed wood pieces in a mosaic pattern. This approach not only adds visual interest but also tells a story through the use of repurposed materials.
Example: Consider combining different wood types and finishes to create a patchwork effect, or arrange the pieces in a geometric pattern for a more modern look.
5. Chevron Pattern
A chevron pattern using wood planks can add a touch of sophistication to your bathroom. This classic design works well with both light and dark wood tones and can make a small bathroom appear larger.
In-Depth Info: The chevron pattern differs from herringbone in that the ends of the planks are cut at an angle to create a continuous zigzag pattern, whereas herringbone uses rectangular planks to create a broken zigzag.
6. Herringbone Layout
Similar to a chevron but with a distinct break at the centre of each zigzag, a herringbone pattern adds visual complexity and a sense of luxury to your bathroom floor.
Pro Tip: For a modern twist on the classic herringbone, consider using wider planks or mixing different wood tones.
7. Mixed-Width Planks
Combine planks of varying widths for a more dynamic and interesting floor. This approach works well with rustic or modern bathroom designs and can help create a custom look.
Example: You might use a combination of 3-inch, 5-inch, and 7-inch wide planks to create a varied yet harmonious floor pattern.
8. Whitewashed Wood
Whitewashed wood flooring can brighten up a bathroom while still maintaining the warmth and texture of wood. This treatment works particularly well in coastal or beach-inspired bathroom designs.
Commercial Product: Mannington offers a “Seascape” collection in their Restoration line of laminate flooring, which provides a whitewashed wood look with excellent water resistance.
9. Dark Walnut
For a more dramatic look, consider dark walnut flooring. Its rich, deep tones can create a luxurious atmosphere and provide a striking contrast to light-coloured bathroom fixtures.
Pro Tip: When using dark flooring in a small bathroom, balance it with light-coloured walls and plenty of lighting to prevent the space from feeling cramped.
10. Engineered Wood with Radiant Heating
Combine the beauty of wood with the comfort of underfloor heating by using engineered wood flooring. This option allows you to enjoy warm floors on chilly mornings without worrying about wood expansion and contraction.
In-Depth Info: Engineered wood consists of a layer of real wood veneer over multiple layers of plywood or high-density fiberboard. This construction makes it more stable in changing humidity levels compared to solid hardwood.
11. Wood-Look Porcelain Tiles
For the look of wood with enhanced water resistance, consider wood-look porcelain tiles. These offer the aesthetic appeal of wood with the durability and moisture resistance of ceramic tile.
Commercial Product: Daltile’s Season Wood collection offers porcelain tiles that mimic various wood species and finishes, complete with realistic grain patterns and textures.
12. Cork Flooring
Cork is a sustainable and comfortable flooring option that’s naturally water-resistant and mould-proof. Its unique texture and warm tones can add interest to your bathroom floor.
Pro Tip: Look for cork flooring with a durable, water-resistant finish for best performance in bathrooms.
13. Teak Shower Floor
While not suitable for the entire bathroom, a teak shower floor can add a spa-like touch to your shower area. Teak is naturally water-resistant and provides a warm, non-slip surface.
Example: Consider using teak tiles or a pre-made teak shower mat for easy installation and maintenance.
14. Diagonal Plank Layout
Installing wood planks diagonally can make a small bathroom appear larger and add visual interest. This layout works well with both light and dark wood tones.
In-Depth Info: Diagonal installation typically requires more material (up to 10-15% more) due to increased cuts and waste, so factor this into your budget.
15. Parquet Flooring
For a touch of old-world elegance, consider parquet flooring. This intricate pattern of wood pieces can add sophistication to your bathroom design.
Commercial Product: Armstrong Flooring offers several parquet patterns in their Performance Plus collection, which features a durable acrylic-infused top layer for enhanced moisture resistance.
16. Distressed Wood
Distressed wood flooring can add character and a sense of history to your bathroom. This style works particularly well in rustic or industrial-inspired bathroom designs.
Pro Tip: When using distressed wood in a bathroom, ensure it’s properly sealed to prevent moisture from penetrating the intentional imperfections in the surface.
17. Wood and Tile Combination
Combine wood flooring with tile for a unique look that maximizes the benefits of both materials. Use tile in wet areas and wood in drier zones for a practical yet stylish solution.
Example: You might use wood-look tile in the shower area and around the vanity, transitioning to real wood in the rest of the bathroom for a cohesive yet practical design.
18. Luxury Vinyl Planks
For a budget-friendly option that mimics the look of wood, consider luxury vinyl planks. These are highly water-resistant and come in a wide variety of wood-look styles.
Commercial Product: COREtec offers a range of luxury vinyl planks with realistic wood looks, including their Plus Enhanced collection which features attached cork underlayment for added comfort and sound insulation.
19. Painted Wood Floor
For a bold statement, consider painting your wood bathroom floor. This can be a great way to add colour and personality to your space while protecting the wood from moisture.
Pro Tip: Use a high-quality, moisture-resistant floor paint and seal it with a clear, waterproof topcoat for best results.
20. Eucalyptus Wood
Eucalyptus is a fast-growing, sustainable wood option that’s naturally resistant to moisture and insects. It’s light colour and subtle grain can create a fresh, modern look in your bathroom.
In-Depth Info: Eucalyptus flooring is often comparable in hardness to oak, making it a durable choice for high-traffic areas like bathrooms.
21. Maple Flooring
Maple’s light colour and subtle grain patterns can create a clean, contemporary look in your bathroom. Its hardness also makes it a durable choice for high-traffic areas.
Commercial Product: Somerset Hardwood Flooring offers a range of maple flooring options, including engineered varieties suitable for bathroom installations.
22. Reclaimed Pallet Wood
For an eco-friendly and budget-conscious option, consider using reclaimed pallet wood for your bathroom floor. This can create a unique, rustic look while giving new life to discarded materials.
Pro Tip: Ensure that any pallet wood used is thoroughly cleaned, sanded, and sealed to make it suitable for bathroom use.
23. Wood-Look Luxury Laminate
High-quality laminate flooring can provide the look of wood with excellent water resistance and durability. Modern laminates come in a wide range of realistic wood looks.
Commercial Product: Pergo’s WetProtect line offers waterproof laminate flooring in various wood styles, designed specifically for moisture-prone areas like bathrooms.
24. Ash Wood
Ashwood offers a light colour similar to oak but with a straighter grain pattern. Its light tone can help brighten up a bathroom and make it feel more spacious.
In-Depth Info: Ash is known for its excellent shock resistance, making it a good choice for areas where items might be dropped frequently, like in front of a vanity.
25. Wood Tile Borders
Use wood-look tiles as a border around a central tile or stone floor for an elegant, framed look. This approach combines the warmth of wood with the practicality of tile in wet areas.
Example: You might use a dark wood-look tile border to frame a light marble tile floor, creating a striking contrast and defined space.
26. Hickory Flooring
Hickory is one of the hardest domestic woods, making it an excellent choice for durable bathroom flooring. Its distinctive grain patterns and colour variations can add visual interest to your space.
Pro Tip: Due to its hardness, hickory can be challenging to install. Consider hiring a professional for best results.
27. Wood-Look Rubber Flooring
For maximum water resistance and comfort underfoot, consider wood-look rubber flooring. This option is particularly good for households with children or elderly residents due to its non-slip properties.
Commercial Product: Nora Rubber Flooring offers wood-look rubber options that combine the aesthetic of wood with the practical benefits of rubber.
28. Cherry Wood
Cherry wood’s rich, warm tones can add a touch of luxury to your bathroom. Over time, cherry develops a beautiful patina that adds depth and character to your floor.
In-Depth Info: Cherry wood darkens significantly over time when exposed to light, so consider this when planning your bathroom design.
29. Acacia Wood
Acacia wood offers striking grain patterns and colour variations that can make your bathroom floor a true focal point. It’s also naturally water-resistant, making it a practical choice for bathrooms.
Commercial Product: Mohawk Flooring offers acacia-engineered hardwood options in their TecWood line that are suitable for bathroom installations.
30. Wood-Look Concrete
For an industrial-chic look, consider concrete flooring stamped and stained to look like wood. This option offers the ultimate in durability and moisture resistance while maintaining a wood-like appearance.
Pro Tip: To soften the hard surface of concrete, consider adding plush bath mats or a wooden bath mat in front of key fixtures.
31. Pine Flooring
Pine’s knotty appearance and light colour can add a cozy, rustic charm to your bathroom. While softer than some hardwoods, proper sealing can make pine a viable option for bathroom flooring.
In-Depth Info: Eastern white pine is softer and more prone to dents than yellow pine, so consider yellow pine for higher-traffic bathrooms.
32. Wood-Look Epoxy Flooring
Epoxy flooring with a wood-grain pattern offers extreme durability and water resistance. This seamless flooring option can be customized to mimic various wood types and finishes.
Commercial Product: Everlast Epoxy offers wood-look epoxy flooring options that provide the warmth of wood with the durability and water resistance of epoxy.
33. Exotic Hardwoods
For a truly unique bathroom floor, consider exotic hardwoods like Brazilian Cherry, Tigerwood, or Wenge. These woods offer distinctive grain patterns and colours that can make your bathroom one-of-a-kind.
Pro Tip: When using exotic hardwoods, be sure to source from suppliers who practice sustainable harvesting to minimize environmental impact.
When considering wood flooring for your bathroom, it’s crucial to properly seal and maintain the floor to protect it from moisture. Regular cleaning and prompt attention to any water spills will help ensure your wood bathroom floor remains beautiful for years to come.
Here’s an expanded comparison table of some popular wood flooring options for bathrooms:
| Wood Type | Hardness (Janka Scale) | Water Resistance | Maintenance | Cost | Eco-Friendliness |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oak | 1290 (Red), 1360 (White) | Moderate | Moderate | $$$ | Good |
| Bamboo | 1380-3000 | High | Low | $$ | Excellent |
| Teak | 1070 | High | Low | $$$$ | Moderate |
| Engineered Wood | Varies | Moderate to High | Moderate | $$$ | Good |
| Luxury Vinyl Planks | N/A | Very High | Low | $ | Moderate |
| Maple | 1450 | Moderate | Moderate | $$$ | Good |
| Cork | 200-400 | High | Low | $$ | Excellent |
| Hickory | 1820 | Moderate | High | $$$$ | Good |
| Pine | 380-870 | Low | High | $ | Good |
| Acacia | 2300 | High | Moderate | $$$ | Good |
To further protect your wood bathroom floor, consider these additional tips:
- Install a bathroom fan to control humidity levels
- Use a squeegee to remove excess water from the floor after showers
- Consider applying a water-resistant penetrating sealer annually
- Use felt pads under bathroom furniture legs to prevent scratches
- Avoid using harsh chemical cleaners that can damage the wood’s finish
“Wood flooring in bathrooms brings a sense of warmth and nature into a space often dominated by cold, hard surfaces. It’s about creating a harmonious balance between style, comfort, and functionality. The key is in choosing the right type of wood and ensuring proper installation and maintenance.” – Interior Designer Jane Smith
Conclusion
In conclusion, wood flooring in bathrooms offers a unique opportunity to create a warm, inviting space that stands out from traditional bathroom designs. Whether you opt for natural hardwood, engineered options, or wood-look alternatives, there’s a wood flooring solution to suit every style, budget, and level of moisture resistance. By carefully considering your options, properly installing and sealing your chosen flooring, and maintaining it regularly, you can enjoy the beauty of wood in your bathroom for years to come. The combination of natural warmth, visual interest, and modern technology makes wood flooring a compelling choice for creating a bathroom that’s both functional and aesthetically pleasing.