When you think of wood in a home, overlooking the bathroom is common. However, there are several unique ideas that you may consider replacing your go-to tile with a little bit of lumber.
Ceiling Planks
The ceiling may be an area of the bathroom least thought of to have wooden surfaces incorporated. However, by placing natural looking planks, you bring a warm rustic look to the room. In order to help with potential moisture issues, settle for pieces that have been treated with urethane or linseed oil. Linseed oil is a natural substance, which helps protect the boards from water damage. Polyurethane, which is also commonly called urethane, is often used on decks and docks to prevent warping and rotting. In order to protect the joists, put in a second layer between the planks and the joists. Sheeting the area with 15-pound tar paper will help keep the joists dry. The tar paper acts as a barrier between the planks and the joist to prevent moisture from rotting the joists; it remains unseen under the surface. As always, use a fan to help with evaporation.
Shower and Bathroom Floors
The shower is one place most people would not dream of having wooden surfaces. However, it works great for decks and docks where there is a constant shift from dry and wet. As with the ceiling planks, you want to ensure that all the pieces are sealed with linseed oil or urethane. After which, you can easily lay it over a standard shower with a poured and sealed shower pan. You can also breathe new life into an existing shower floor by placing it directly over the existing tile. There are many choices for lumber with this idea. Pine, cedar, and Douglas fir work well.
In addition to putting timber in the shower, you can extend this idea through the entire bathroom. If you have woodwork throughout your home, it can help tie your bathroom into this look. Using a tongue and groove plank is best in this instance to help keep moisture from seeping through. You should always line the floor before installing the planks just to keep any water from getting through to the foundation.
Walls and Cabinets
Placing decorative lumber pieces over your existing wall is a great way to add texture and depth to the area. Even if you only want to do it over a single wall, it is easy to install and is often cleaner and faster than sanding and repainting any drywall surfaces. Natural softwoods like white pine are just as durable as green board and cement boards. Sealing the pieces with urethane keeps the wood grain vibrant while protecting it from moisture.