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Wood paneling in bathrooms


Wall paneling ideas for bathrooms using wood!

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January 27, 2021 Sam Ball

Resistant to moisture, wooden wall paneling is a great wallcovering choice in a bathroom, en-suite or cloakroom. Whilst it can’t be used on walls that are in direct contact with water, such as in a shower enclosure, it can create a perfect feature or focal point, attractively breaking up the monotony of a fully tiled room. 

A bathroom or en-suite can sometimes feel damp due to condensation, and cold because there is inherently a lot of white products in it, making your chosen surface wallcovering all the more important. Not only does the grain of the woods’ surface add texture and colour, it will keep the room feeling warmer too, due to the thickness of each plank.

As well as its fabulous looks, Slatpanel offers significant soundproofing properties, making it an ideal addition to the walls in an en-suite situated adjacent to a bedroom, or where a showering area is in a dedicated space within an open plan bedroom.

A partition wall will provide some privacy, but doesn’t stop the sound travelling. By cladding it in Slatpanel, noises such as the shower running or the toilet flushing will be reduced. 

The acoustic insulation is in the main due to the unique backing material, which is surprisingly made from recycled plastic bottles! Not only does it offer the benefit of acoustic noise reduction, but it’s kind to the environment too, making good use of an otherwise potential landfill product. 

Freestanding baths deserve a certain amount of opulence… The dramatic backdrop of black Slatpanel is visually very striking when offset against the sleek contours of a freestanding bath, creating both drama and grandeur in this monochromatic bathroom, with feature soft wood accents to add warmth.

Equally stunning in appearance and dramatic but on a much smaller scale, a floor to ceiling feature in Slatpanel behind the basin echoes the design of the tiling behind the bath, leading the eye around the room.

Whilst the darker colours and wood finishes in the Slatpanel range are sure to create a dramatic interior scheme, the mid toned woods have a zen like feel, creating a tranquil bathroom, which is perfect for relaxing in. 

Obviously the wall doesn’t have to be entirely clad in wooden wall paneling, and looks very effective as a half height wall, clad in our rustic Reclaimed range with contrasting glossy tiles.

Primarily available in more conventional wooden shades, our Reclaimed range is also offered in ijou Creek Blue, a perfect wallcovering for any nautical or seaside themed bathroom.

One of our latest portfolio additions is Muratto®, and Primecork is just one of the fabulous product ranges offered in it.

Featuring a more conventional, oversized tile, it is primarily made from two layers of cork, which is then finished with a protective coating that has both natural colour pigment and water repellent properties, making it a stunning addition in any bathroom.

Often overlooked as simply being the smallest room in the house, the cloakroom is one place that many of our family and friends are sure to use when we can finally welcome visitors into our homes! 

Whatever room you’re looking to update, you’re sure to be inspired by the many wall paneling ranges that we offer at The Wood Veneer Hub, perfect for almost every room in your home!

Filed in: 2021, Acoustic, Acoustic Insulation, Acupanel, Acupanel®, Bathroom Ideas, Bathrooms, Black, Black Acupanel, Cloakrooms, Concrete Acupanel, Cork, En-suites, Environmentally Friendly, FSC©, FSC© Accreditation, FSC© Certification, Interior Designer, Muratto®, Muratto® Primecork, Sound Absorption, Soundproof, Soundproofing, Timber veneer, Unique Appearance, Wall Panelling, Wood Veneer, Wood Veneer Detailing, Wood Wall Panelling, Wooden Wall Panelling, Wooden Wall Panels

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10 creative ways to dress you walls |

(Image credit: Catchpole & Rye/Drummonds/BC Designs)

Bringing with it centuries of history, bathroom paneling ideas offer a straightforward way to instantly elevate your bathroom's design. Whether laid in tongue and groove, square panels or shiplap, bathroom paneling can work to exaggerate the size of your home's smallest room, as well as adding interest and warmth.

Bathroom paneling is the perfect partner for a whole host of bathroom ideas, from traditional and high-end, to rustic, vintage or even beach themed decor. Go full height and embrace period charm, or opt for the paneling at wainscotting height –up to the dado rail – and pair with patterned wallpaper for a more contemporary edge. 

‘Adding wood paneling to a bathroom is a great way of adding texture and color, which in turn can add a warmth to what otherwise can be quite a clinical and cold room,’ explains Barrie Cutchie, designer at BC Designs .

Bathroom paneling ideas

Historically, paneling ideas for walls were a functional addition to the home, a way to help insulate wattle-and-daub or brick walls against the chill. However, as with all functional additions to the home, it quickly became a decorative feature too, with carving and patterned layering coming to the fore. These earlier additions were often made of dark wood, typically oak, and impose the grandeur you would expect from a stately home. For the majority of us, this look does not suit our more humble properties, and if it does, it is unlikely to suit our bathrooms.

Modern bathroom wall paneling is usually less ornate than historic examples, typically made from MDF or other affordable woods. 'MDF is ideal for bathroom paneling as it does not expand and contract anything like as much as softwood does so none of the endless redecoration every time the heating is switched on in the fall,' advises Jon Madeley, founder of The English Paneling Company. 'It is crucial, however, that a high quality board is used and it must be moisture resistant.' 

While modern homeowners typically plump for bathroom wall paneling ideas for their aesthetic look, the bathroom paneling also still bring with it insulating properties . 'Bathroom paneling can be fixed to battens and the space between insulated (always incorporate a vapour barrier on the warm side). This may be particularly useful in an older house with solid walls as even 25mm of insulation can make a dramatic difference to the warmth of a room,' continues Jon.

1. Opt for classic tongue and grove for an elegant look

(Image credit: Bc Designs)

Tongue and groove paneling is the classic choice when considering bathroom paneling ideas. Installed as individual panels, they get their name from the fact that each plank features a the small tongue that fits into a corresponding groove on the next plank. Whether installed to full-height or to wainscotting height and paired with paint, wallpaper or tiles, bathroom paneling offers an affordable way to decorate your space while also adding warmth and character to your bathroom. Laid in vertical panels it elongates a room, emphasising its height, yet if laid horizontally it lengths the space, ideal for pairing with other small bathroom ideas or powder rooms ideas.

2. Create a geometric feature with square paneling

(Image credit: Future/Polly Eltes)

Square panels are another popular choice of bathroom paneling ideas, creating an elegant focal point. Unlike tongue and groove, they are best kept to one or two feature walls or used exclusively below the dado rail as, if used on all four walls can feel overwhelming and create a claustrophobic atmosphere in smaller rooms. Traditionally, square paneling was created as wooden panels that would be attached to the wall, however, the look can equally be achieve by laying strips of timber in a square pattern. 

'It is also important to consider your paneling color and style, and how you will contrast it. For example, if you are going with a darker or busier wallpaper or paint , contrast it with simple and clean white tongue and groove. Alternatively, if you are keeping the walls bare and white, you can have a bit more fun with intricate paneling, such as square paneling designs – you could even paint the trim a contrasting color,' says Jennifer Markowitz, founder at JNR Designs .

3. Pair with wallpaper for photo frame look

(Image credit: Future)

Combining bathroom paneling ideas with wallpaper is a great way to add sophistication to a bathroom – and there are so many different wallpaper ideas to choose from. Here, the gaps in the paneling have been infilled with wallpaper to create integrated works of art. 

For a more minimalist bathroom look while still embracing the elegance of paneling, mouldings are also a great option that can also be paired with wallpaper for the same framed effect.

4. Use white paneling for a serene space

(Image credit: Catchpole & Rye)

White bathroom ideas instantly create a space of serenity and paneling is a great way to achieve this look. Pairing rustic shiplap panels on walls and ceiling with sophisticated square paneling below the dado rail creates an elegant yet laid-back look that is perfect for relaxing. Opting for white bathroom paneling ideas also provide a great way to increase natural light in the bathroom too.

5. Use bathroom paneling ideas to maximize small spaces

(Image credit: Farrow & Ball)

Bathroom paneling ideas are perfect for small bathrooms as they can work to emphasise the room's proportions. To do this, try pairing different types of paneling on different walls. Use square paneling on the room's shortest walls to exaggerate their length, then opt for vertical tongue and groove paneling on the room's longer wall's to emphasize the room's height. 

The illusion continues with paint. Dark colors are usually a no-no for small spaces, however, when used correctly they can create a cozy atmosphere that's perfect for luxuriating.

Paint paneling a warm aubergine shade, such as Farrow & Ball 's Brinjal to create an intimate environment within a cottage space, then balance with a lighter shade above the picture rail which will brighten the room and draw the eye upwards, exaggerating the room's height. 

6. Divide a bold print with bathroom paneling

(Image credit: Drummonds)

Wainscoting is a favorite technique to pair with other bathroom paneling ideas. Installed below the dado rail, it provides texture and character that can be complemented with patterned tiles or wallpaper. Paneling is the perfect partner for decorative wallpapers enabling you to enjoy a bold print without it overwhelming the room. 

'Wall paneling is a hot trend at the moment and it’s easy to see why – it’s a modern, easy to care for stylish wall covering with a wide choice of different styles and periods,' says James Lentaigne, creative director at Drummonds . 'Paneling is a simple and relatively inexpensive way to create a statement look in a bathroom and can be re-painted at regular intervals to create a different feel. From a practical point of view, it also has the benefit of hiding a multitude of sins – like uneven walls and unsightly pipework. It's also much easier to install than bathroom tiles.'

7. Plan a place to perch with paneling and a window seat

(Image credit: Warner House)

You wouldn’t think twice about wallpapering a bedroom or living room, so why not the bathroom? The injection of pattern can completely reinvent a tired space. For classic elegance, try embracing the chinoiserie trend – with a sinuous design in blue and white, it oozes historic charm. Pair with traditional square bathroom paneling ideas in a warm, yet neutral color palette to prevent the print from overwhelming the space. 

'Typically, paneling is painted or stained the same color as the other architectural trim in the space such as the crown, base mold, chair rail, door and window casings. This provides design continuity in the room and provides a nice backdrop to do something creative “above the chair rail” like installing a beautiful wallcovering or painting an interesting color,' advises Gail Jamentz, principal at Soul Interiors Design .

8. Embrace the rustic bathroom-look with reclaimed weatherboard paneling

(Image credit: Future/Brent Darby)

While not a traditional choice for paneling, bathroom paneling made from reclaimed wood is perfect for country bathroom ideas, it is also a great way to increase the sustainability credentials of your bathroom design. It is also perfect if you're trying to incorporate beach bathroom decor into your scheme.

When adding bathroom paneling ideas to your space, it is important to remember that the wood needs to be treated with a primer, sealant and suitable glue in order to prevent the paneling warping or rotting due to the moisture levels in the room. 'While these panels are water resistant enough to be used in bathrooms, they are not totally waterproof and so should not be used in shower enclosures,' says Period Living editor Melanie Griffiths. If you're looking for wall-coverings for shower enclosures. 

For a more waterproof wall-covering for your shower enclosure, shower tiles ideas are a much better option. 

9. Add full length panels for a space inspired by history

(Image credit: Heidi Caillier)

Bathroom paneling ideas are a quick and affordable way to get a high-end look in your bathroom. Saving on wall coverings can give you the opportunity to splash-out on the details that will really make the space sing, like this marble washstand in a bathroom designed by Heidi Caillier . Marble bathroom ideas are a great way to give your bathroom the luxury-look.

'I love paneling for powder rooms and smaller bathrooms, it can add so much design interest with such little budget and time,' says Georgia Zikas, Founder at Georgia Zikas Design . 'Consider paneling that is going to complement the size and height of your room, and don't be afraid to have fun with colors and styles. It doesn't always have to be white or cream. This is a great opportunity to have fun with a contrasting color in your overall design scheme that you can use in a bigger way, which will feel less of a commitment than say, painting your entire kitchen that color!'

10. Invest in exposed wood panels for spa-like atmosphere

(Image credit: Neptune)

Evoke the serenity of the natural world by incorporating raw materials into your design. Unpainted wooden bathroom paneling ideas brings natural beauty to the space, evoking a spa-like ambience that is perfect for pairing with the rustic edge created by farmhouse bathroom ideas.  

'Many of our clients seek to introduce natural elements into their homes from living plants and natural lighting, to wood paneling or stone flooring. This "biophilic" approach to design is more than just an aesthetic choice; connecting with natural materials supports our mental and physical well-being,' recommends Patrick Planeta of Planeta Design Group 'If you prefer a more natural look for the paneling, stain and seal with a marine sealant for a watertight finish.'

Can I waterproof paneling?

Yes, you can waterproof paneling so that it can be used to achieve your bathroom paneling ideas. However this needs to be considered from the outset rather than just applying a sealant at the end.

'Adding wood paneling to a bathroom is a great way of adding texture and color, which in turn can add a warmth to what otherwise can be quite a clinical and cold room. Wood paneling works well as a wallcovering on any walls that do not come into direct contact with water, so the shower area is out. It is also important to invest in the right glue; one that is suitable for both interior and exterior use and is capable of dealing with the moisture and humidity changes that occur in the bathroom,' advises BC Design's Barry Cutchie. 

What can I put on my bathroom walls instead of tiles?

You can put wall paneling on your bathroom walls instead of tiles, plus the finished look will be a lot more high-end for a fraction of the cost. 

'Tiles are often very expensive to purchase and once installed cannot really be altered if fashion changes or if you simply fancy a change – after spending all that money you feel obliged to live with them come what may! A bathroom with paneling on the other hand can be radically transformed with a lick of paint. It is also usually much cheaper per square metre than tiles - especially the designer brands,' says Jon Madeley, founder at The English Paneling Company.

Having graduated with a first class degree in English Literature, Holly started her career as a features writer and sub-editor at Period Living magazine, Homes & Gardens' sister title. Working on Period Living brought with it insight into the complexities of owning and caring for period homes, from interior decorating through to choosing the right windows and the challenges of extending. This has led to a passion for traditional interiors, particularly the country-look. Writing for the Homes & Gardens website as a content editor, alongside regular features for Period Living and Country Homes & Interiors magazines, has enabled her to broaden her writing to incorporate her interests in gardening, wildlife and nature. 

Moisture resistant MDF wall panels - for bathroom

The first question that arises before starting a bathroom renovation is what material is better to choose for finishing. Due to the constant fluctuations in temperature and humidity in the bathroom, it must be resistant to moisture, mold and microorganisms. One of the possible finishing options are MDF panels for the bathroom.

Finishing material selection

Choosing MDF panels for bathroom decoration

MDF is a finishing material that you can see in the next photo. It has a number of significant advantages:

In addition, this finishing material has a relatively low cost, and a variety of colors and textures makes it possible to choose panels for any interior.

Important! The only weak point of MDF is the top layer, which performs a protective and decorative function. It should be remembered that each damage to the protective film reduces the water resistance of the material. nine0003

How to choose MDF for the bathroom?

Tips for choosing quality material

MDF is a relatively new finishing material made by dry pressing fine sawdust under pressure and high temperature. Despite the fact that the material is made of wood, it is resistant to moisture.

Waterproof MDF panels for the bathroom may vary in shape, sheet thickness and dimensions. According to the form, MDF is divided into rack, tile and sheet. The width of the type-setting rack panels does not exceed 28 cm. These are rather long slats (up to 3.8 m) with a thickness of 8 to 14 mm. This type of panel is quite easy to install. Tiled MDF wall panels for the bathroom are available in the form of squares with a side length of 30 to 98 cm.

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Using tiles of various shades and textures, you can create an original bathroom design. With the help of tiles, you can lay out a variety of patterns and drawings, zone the space. MDF sheet panels for the bathroom are rather large elements with dimensions of 1.25 * 2.5 m. MDF sheet panels are best suited for a bathroom with a large square. Installing sheet MDF takes a little time, and the number of joints is minimal.

Moisture resistant wood panels

Note: The thicker the material, the greater the load it can withstand. Shelves, cabinets and other furniture can be easily attached to the panels.

Depending on the finish, MDF panels can be laminated, painted or veneered. Most of all, panels of the first two types are suitable for the bathroom and toilet. Veneered panels are rarely used, as they require preliminary expensive processing.

When choosing MDF panels for bathroom walls, you will also need to purchase the necessary additional accessories for sealing and decorating joints and corners - moldings. Depending on the layout of the room and the material used, various types of moldings may be needed: connecting, ceiling, end, start, etc. nine0003

Bathroom finishing steps

Installation of MDF panels on the frame using a stapler

Finishing the bathroom with MDF panels can be done in several ways. The choice of method depends on many factors, primarily the shape of the material, the presence of irregularities on the walls, the area of ​​​​the room.

If the surface of the walls is relatively flat, and the area of ​​the bathroom is such that it is not desirable to reduce it by building a wooden frame, it is worth stopping at the method of installation using glue. nine0003

Before pasting the bath with MDF boards, it is necessary to eliminate small irregularities with putty. Next, a starting molding is installed, from which the panels will be mounted. It is most convenient to use this finishing method when choosing MDF tile or sheet panels. To ensure the reliability of fastening the panels, the adhesive should be applied in thin zigzag strips over the entire surface at a distance of 5-10 cm from each other. After finishing the room, it is necessary to decorate the joints and corners. nine0003

If the walls have a lot of irregularities, and the finish will be done with MDF slatted panels for the bathroom and toilet, at the preliminary stage, the arrangement of the crate will be required. It is made of wooden bars 10 * 30 mm or a metal profile and is attached to the wall with dowels. Planks for additional fixation of MDF are mounted perpendicular to the direction of fastening of the panels at a distance of 40-60 cm from each other. First, the starting molding is installed and fixed. Moisture-resistant MDF bathroom panels can be attached to the frame with screws or nails. For this purpose, you can also use a construction stapler. The final stage is the sealing of joints and corners. nine0003

Conclusion

You can also use the method of fastening panels with clips. To do this, you need to purchase the necessary accessories for the lining. During the finishing process, the clip is placed in the groove of the panel attached to the wall. The bar following it after installation hides the fastener.

Tip: After installing MDF panels in your bathroom, it is recommended to apply silicone to the panel joints to improve the water resistance of the material.

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Wooden bathroom: 9 features of finishing :: Design :: RBC Real Estate

Natural wood can transform the interior, making it stylish and unique. RBC Real Estate talks about the features of such a finish

Despite the beauty of natural materials, many do not risk choosing them for the bathroom, fearing moisture and surface swelling. Wood is indeed unstable to water, but proper processing can solve this problem while maintaining a practical design. Be sure to check with the seller whether the selected material is suitable for the bathroom. In most cases, it is impregnated with special compounds during the production process. Some types of wood, when properly processed, can resist water, even if they are made into the bath itself. Producers especially appreciate oak, elm, beech, Brazil walnut and ash. nine0003

Wooden bathroom (Photo: homedesignlover.com)

adv.rbc.ru

Right next to a sink or shower, water inevitably hits the walls, but even areas outside the "wet zone" are exposed to high humidity. There are quite a lot of wood species that do not collapse for a long time from exposure to steam. Bamboo, cedar, teak, merbau, bakuri, larch, mahogany and cork wood are often used for decoration. They are slightly less resistant to moisture than oak or ash, so you should not place the material in close proximity to water. nine0003

Wooden bathroom wall (Photo: uipkeswoodflooring)

Solid wood is best. But this option is expensive and is often replaced with products made from moisture-resistant chipboard and MDF. Keep in mind that these materials are less resistant to water and steam, so they should be located further from the wet area. Furniture and panels made of inexpensive materials are usually covered with veneer, which cracks in high humidity. Manufacturers treat surfaces intended for the bathroom with special impregnation and moisture-resistant varnishes. nine0003

Wooden bathtub (Photo: maisonvalentina)

Wood is not only sheathed on the walls, but also laid out in the bathroom floors. The material must be treated with antifungal and water-repellent solutions before installation, and then with varnish, paint or wax. Designers prefer to use a three-layer parquet board, which is quite expensive. The budget option is lining, but it lasts much less and also requires careful preliminary processing. nine0003

Bathroom accessories made of wood (Photo: lda.lowes.com)

If you don't plan to make repairs, you can diversify the standard bathroom interior with wooden furniture. Chests of drawers, pencil cases and hanging cabinets are available in stores especially for rooms with high humidity. To update the room, a couple of accessories are enough: tables, baskets and shelves will transform the space without serious expenses. nine0003

Wooden bathroom furniture (Photo: ofdesign. net)

Even the best workmanship does not guarantee that wood finishes will last. If the product is varnished without impregnation, then the smallest damage will allow moisture to get inside and destruction will begin. Much depends on careful maintenance: the bathroom must be well ventilated, and the wooden surfaces must be wiped with a dry cloth. Manufacturers recommend updating the impregnation and coating every four to five years; you can do it yourself or entrust the care of a professional. nine0003

Woodwork in the bathroom (Photo: culturesouthwest.org.uk)

If you want to bring the ideas of wood in the interior, but you need to save money, look at materials that imitate natural ones. On the market there are options for tiles and plastic panels, the pattern of which repeats the surface of the tree. Most often it is MDF, which is covered with a painted PVC film. nine0003

Wood look panels in the bathroom (Photo: ksassets.timeincuk.net)

Wood decoration looks luxurious in country, modern, ethnic and classic styles. Natural elements are appropriate in most interiors, but a lot depends on their quantity. A fully wood-lined bathroom is not suitable for industrial and high-tech apartments. But a good addition would be wooden floors, especially with the effect of aging of the surface. Try experimenting with accents: creative furniture, part of a wall, a bathtub or a toilet with wood trim. The rest of the details in the room should not conflict with the wood; even better if they are identical in color. nine0003

Wooden bathroom (Photo: ofdesign.net)

If you're planning to install electrical outlets in your bathroom, be sure to keep safety in mind.

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