Exotic wood in the bathroom - all you need to know
September 2022, author: Tomasz Kuc, customer advisor
Wood is timeless, elegant and creates a warm atmosphere in our home. However, if we’re dreaming of having wood in the bathroom, we need to be cautious as its durability may be an issue. Ordinary furniture and accessories may not be resistant to moisture, that’s why to the rescue comes exotic wood. Recommended by many interior designers, is it really worth considering?
It would seem that a humid bathroom microclimate and wood aren’t very likely to go together, but there are some species of wood that will work and look great even in such conditions.
Hoping to find something that could replace cold ceramic tiles, we can have a look at exotic wood. A fantastic option for the bathroom are also accessories and furniture made of this material. What are the characteristics of exotic wood and what wood is the right choice for the bathroom?
Contents
Moisture-resistant exotic wood?
The biggest issue with wood in the bathroom is that it’s susceptible to water. Moisture protection is therefore one of key matters that you should think about before purchasing your finishing materials. Tropical species are a bit different than those that grow in Europe.
Their characteristic feature is that they contain quite a lot of resins and natural oils. With these compounds wood becomes greasy, and thus becomes more resistant to damage and has lower shrinkage rate. At the same time it’s exceptionally hard and has an unusual appearance.
If you’d rather stay with domestic species, then oak wood can be a good choice, but here moisture protection is even more important than with exotic species.
What wood for the bathroom?
The most durable and hardest exotic wood for the bathroom is a guarantee that it will look as good as new for many years. All we need to do is choose the right species and later on remember about its proper care.
A good option would be teak wood. It’s characterized by high hardness, low shrinkage rate and resistance to moisture and temperature fluctuations. Its advantage is also waxy sheen, which encourages us to incorporate it into a glam style bathroom. Its color is similar to walnut.
Iroko is another interesting option. It shows equally good qualities as the previous suggestion, and what’s attractive about it is the clear texture of grain, which translates into visual qualities. The colors are quite diverse – you can find iroko in slightly olive, honey or dark brown shades.
Most often, investors considering exotic wood for the bathroom look at these two species. However, there are others that are worth attention as well. We can consider investing in such wood types as
jatoba, wenge, merbau or cedar. They will also work perfectly in the bathroom.
Use of exotic wood in the bathroom
The truth is that exotic wood will look great literally anywhere in the bathroom.
First of all, we can use it instead of tiles, which means that it can be placed on the wall. It will look good all over it, but it will also make an interesting complement to other finishing materials. Wood can also help to divide zones. Slat wood panels will prove phenomenal here: on one hand, they can separate the bathing zone, and on the other hand, they will be an original decoration.
And if exotic wood for the walls is a success, it might as well adorn the floor. If you’ve dreamed of having parquet floor in your bathroom, but gave up on the idea for practical reasons, then perhaps the hardest exotic wood will be the answer here and will make it possible.
Getting out of the shower or bathtub is much pleasant if we don’t have to step on the cold floor. A floor covered with exotic wood is pleasant and warm to the touch, which significantly increases the comfort of use of the bathroom.
Exotic wood furniture and accessories – the proven way to a trendy bathroom
Exotic wood can decorate not only such surfaces as floors and walls. There are also plenty of furniture and bathroom accessories in which it is used. This is an important aspect because exotic wood is usually highly priced, meaning that not everyone can afford to have it in the entire bathroom. With its original appearance, even a small touch of it is enough to give the interior a new look.
For example, exotic wood can be used to clad a bathtub. Likewise, when it comes to the countertop,
exotic wood is the ideal material to place around the washbasin. And those who aren’t planning a thorough and costly bathroom renovation can think about buying a wooden cabinet, some containers, an eye-catching ladder or a plant stand. For more ideas, check the article “
Bright bathroom with wooden accents: our ideas”.
What design style does exotic wood go well with?
No other finishing material is as versatile as wood.
No matter what the bathroom decor is, exotic wood can be incorporated into it without any worries. It’s a perfect complement to industrial and contemporary styles if you’re looking for something to warm up the interior. It’s also recommended for modern glam style, where chic and elegance count. Likewise, wood is desired in Scandinavian, rustic and boho styles, where the character of the interior depends on natural materials. Since exotic wood comes in many shades – from light to very dark ones – you can easily choose one that will complement your bathroom perfectly.
Exotic wood – should we varnish or oil it?
All wood looks beautiful as long as we take care of it. This also applies to exotic species. But how should we take care of it so that our bathroom pleases the eye for many years? Wood durability depends on the level of oils it contains. It’s because of the high levels of oils, tannins and waxes that exotic wood has better properties than domestic species. Nevertheless, after putting it in place, it’s still worth applying oil on it. This will additionally impregnate the surface. Oiling should be done regularly – on average every two months. This measure will strengthen the wood, refresh it and at the same time remove minor scratches.
Some people wonder if varnish would be better than oil. This is another recommended impregnation method. The varnish layer will look good provided that it doesn’t get damaged, allowing water to penetrate underneath. In such a case, since water would have nowhere to evaporate, it could cause the material to perish. However, if the surface of the exotic wood is well varnished, all we need to do is wipe it with a damp cloth with a bit of wood care product. Before varnishing, though, it is recommended to apply a primer, which will neutralize the essential oils. Choosing iroko, we should apply a sealant, which neutralizes substances that slow down the effect of curing agents contained in the varnish. What is strongly discouraged when it comes to exotic wood is waxing. This could result in unsightly white stains on the surface.
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