Durable, aesthetic, warm, and hygienic, wood floors offer so many advantages that one might be tempted to install them in every room of the house. However, when considering installing wood flooring in a damp room such as the kitchen, bathroom, or toilet, it is important to ask: is it advisable?
In damp rooms, it is necessary to install a floor that can withstand high humidity and water splashes that can seep between the planks (quasi-permanent wet areas). Two main categories of wood can be used for installing a wood floor in damp rooms:
– species that have undergone special treatment, such as oak, ash, beech, or maple. The wood is torrefied, which alters its ability to absorb water and thus to rot.
– exotic woods that are naturally very resistant and rot-resistant, such as teak, kempas, wenge, ipé bamboo, or merbau. These species, which do not warp upon contact with water splashes, come in a wide variety of shades and add significant charm to the room.
Whether installing wood flooring in damp rooms like the bathroom or a closed kitchen, floating floor installation is to be avoided to prevent the risk of water seeping between the planks. Glue-down installation is preferred, as it offers extreme resistance to humidity and temperature variations characteristic of these spaces.
Since varnish prevents the wood from breathing, leads to water stagnation, and deteriorates the protective layer of the floor, a varnished finish is not ideal for water-prone areas. An oiled finish is indeed more suitable as it helps protect the wood without suffocating it and allows the wood to age naturally when in contact with water without flaking. It is also more practical in case of damage, as it allows sanding and re-oiling only the affected area. For regular maintenance, a floor with an oiled finish can be washed with a specific soap, and a new layer of oil should be applied every six months to a year to maintain the flooring and prolong its lifespan.
In damp rooms, the waterproofing of the wood floor must be reinforced more than anywhere else. This specifically involves using epoxy glue for glue-down installation to prevent moisture rising.
As is the case for any damp room, emphasis should be placed on mechanical ventilation, as it is crucial for ensuring a constant air exchange.
As long as a wood species that resists moisture is chosen and installation and ventilation recommendations are followed, nothing prevents the installation of a wood floor in damp rooms.