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Wood panels for bathroom


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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Are Wooden Wall Panels Suitable for a Bathroom? (Tricks to Use)

If you’re looking for something to inject character into a room, wooden wall panels can be a great choice. But when it comes to installing them in a bathroom, you may have some worries.

After all, bathrooms are demanding environments. We’re far more used to seeing ceramic, porcelain, glass or stone tiles on the wall. So are wooden wall panels suitable for a bathroom?

That’s what we’re here to find out! We’re going to review the evidence and give you our verdict. So read on to find out more!

What makes a bathroom different?

There are key differences between the environment in a bathroom and the other rooms in your house.

One of them is the amount of water that’s splashing around. Even a kitchen isn’t likely to get as much water on the floor and walls. That goes double if you have a little one who enjoys bath-time!

The second difference is the humidity level. That goes hand in hand with all that moisture. There’s the shower or bath sending clouds of steam into the air. And then there are the damp towels left out to dry.

Humid air is great for the growth of microbes, mold and mildew. As well as being hazardous to health, those can play havoc with the integrity of decorating materials.

Wood, water and humidity

In its natural state, wood will absorb water. That means that if it gets very wet, it will swell and distort. And when it dries out, it will shrink back. The movement will weaken the wood, and may cause it to crack.

Moist wood is also an excellent place for mold and mildew to grow. And over time, the moisture can cause the wood to rot.

It’s the same story when it comes to humidity. This is simply moisture in the air, so wood will absorb that too. And you’ll be faced with the same problems of swelling, distortion, mold and rotting.

So does this mean that wooden wall panels are out of the question? No – but it does mean you’ll need to find a way to protect them from water and humidity.

Tips to Use Wooden Wall Panels In a Bathroom/Shower

1. Location, location, location

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One easy way to protect wood paneling in the bathroom is to keep it away from baths and showers. Combining it with tiles can look great. And by using the tiles in the shower and on walls behind baths, you’ll prevent your paneling getting excessively wet.

This technique does, however, have some disadvantages. After all, one of the main purposes of using wooden panels is often to create a focal point. And that usually means using it behind the bathtub.

So if you want more freedom about where to position your wood panels, is there anything you can do? The good news is that there is …

2. Reduce humidity

If you’re trying to manage humidity levels in your bathroom, a good starting point is to know what they are.

There are some easy visual clues to high humidity to look out for. Condensation on windows and damp patches on ceilings or floors are a giveaway. And you may also smell a musty odor.

But by the time those signs are there, the damage may already have been done. By far the better option is to invest in a hygrometer to measure the relative humidity accurately.

The Environmental Protection Agency recommends keeping relative humidity to between 30 and 50 percent. That will be good for your health, as well as your décor. But it can be challenging to achieve in the moist environment of a bathroom.

The good news is, there are gadgets that can help. A dehumidifier or simple extractor fan will help remove the moisture from the air. If your bathroom doesn’t have a window, an extractor fan is essential. Get it wired up so that it switches on automatically with the bathroom light.

Some fans have humidity sensors too. These switch the fan on automatically when the humidity in the bathroom reaches a pre-set level. Delta Electronics are amongst the brands that offer this feature.

And you can also help keep humidity levels under control by reducing the temperature of your bath and shower. Less steam means less humidity. Cutting the length of time you bathe for will help too.

And when you’ve dried off, remove damp towels from the bathroom. That will prevent their moisture entering the air.

3. Choose the right timber

As well as managing humidity, it’s important to choose the right timber for your wood paneling.

Hardwoods will generally cope better in a bathroom than softwoods. That’s because it’s more difficult for water to get into the closer packed grain.

Teak, white oak, cypress, black walnut, jarrah, mesquite, Ipe, eastern red cedar and chestnut are all good options. They’re tough enough to be used as benches in a shower area, so any paneling made from them will be fine.

Some of these woods are even hardy enough to cope with getting wet in their natural state. But you’ll get even better protection by adding sealant.

4. Sealants

Sealant adds a waterproof layer to the top of your wood paneling. There are a range of different types available, but they will need to be reapplied over time. And different options have their own pros and cons.

When it comes to creating a beautiful finish, oiling your wood is a winner. A mixture of Tung oil and linseed oil will both protect the timber and give it color and depth.

Danish oils are also a good option. These consist of oil blended with a thinner, so it’s quicker and easier to apply.

You’ll need plenty of ventilation when you’re oiling your wood. And it will take time to dry. It’s also best for wood that will only come into incidental contact with water – the occasional splash from a bath, say. That should be fine for most paneling in your bathroom.

But if you want a longer-lasting and heavier-duty sealant, synthetic options will suit you better. Oil-based varnishes with urethane are a good bet. These are made from man-made resins and drying oils, with thinner mixed in for easier use.

These types of varnish set quickly. When they do, they form long chains of molecules that act as a barrier between the water and the wood. But they can give off toxic chemicals. Look for low-VOC options for better air quality in your home.

5. Wood stains

Depending on the appearance you’re looking for, wood stains can be another option. You can find either water-based or oil-based products.

Oil-based stains require longer to dry. But they penetrate more deeply and need less maintenance. You may also find it easier to get an even finish.

Water-based products, on the other hand, are breathable. And unlike oil-based options, you won’t have to worry about toxic chemicals affecting the air quality in your home. They’re not flammable either, and they provide a richer color that will last longer.

Water-based stains are also great at resisting mildew and mold. And they’re easier to clean than oil-based stains, requiring nothing more than soap and water.

The kind of wood you’re planning to stain can also dictate the best choice of product. If your timber is naturally resistant to rot, water-based stains are the better choice.

So for the bathroom, a combination of a robust hardwood coated with a water-based stain will be very effective.

6. The case for wood paneling

All this means that if your heart is set on wood paneling in the bathroom, go ahead and install it. Just be prepared to take the necessary steps to keep it in good condition.

That’s important for both your décor and your own health. Moist wood that’s growing mold and mildew can cause respiratory and other problems. So choose your timber wisely, position it with care, and seal it well.

But if all that sounds like a lot of hard work, there are alternatives. Stone, glass, porcelain and ceramic tiles, or acrylic wall panels, can all provide a waterproof surface.

But if you want the look of wood without the hassle, consider vinyl. There are some very realistic wood-look vinyl panels out there. And while most are designed as flooring, they can work just as well on walls. Just be prepared to add extra adhesive to glue-down products.

As with wood paneling, you’ll need to take care to get the join between each plank as tight as possible. Even if you’re using the click-and-lock variety of vinyl planks, it’s a good idea to add glue at the edges. That will help provide a watertight seal.

For the most authentic look, search out vinyl planks that are “embossed in register”, also known as EIR. These have a textured surface that matches the printed wood grain. They’re hard to tell apart from the real thing.

And choose products that are FloorScore certified. That way you’ll know they’ll have low levels of VOC emissions and won’t impair the air quality in your home.

Ready to make your choice?

That brings us to the end of our look at the question of whether wooden panels are suitable for a bathroom. The short answer is yes – as long as you choose the right ones and seal them carefully. Taking steps to manage the humidity in your bathroom will help keep them in good condition.

But if that sounds like too much hassle, there are plenty of other options. Stone, glass and ceramic tiles look great, and don’t have a problem handling moisture and humidity. And vinyl can mimic real wood with less effort and expense.

Whichever option is right for you, enjoy your bathroom renovation!

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Wooden bathroom (Photo: homedesignlover. com)

www.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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Wooden bathroom (Photo: ofdesign.

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