Can I Install Cedar Wood in the Bathroom?

Uses

• Cedar lends itself well to different bathroom uses. The way you install the cedar is dependent on your personal style and the look you wish to achieve in the room. Options include cedar-paneled walls, a cedar counter and even cedar walls in your bathtub. Using cedar in your home is especially ideal in rustic decor styles, however, it wouldn't be suitable for an ultra-modern bathroom.

Hardware

• The hardware you use for installing cedar in a bathroom is vitally important. Whether you choose to use screws or nails to hold the cedar pieces in place, ensure they are stainless steel. Stainless steel screws and nails will not react with the cedar. Other kinds of hardware will eventually turn the cedar around them black, leading to several unsightly blemishes in your bathroom.

Sealing

• Because of the significant amount of moisture in the bathroom, it's important to seal the cedar you use. Just as it's desirable to seal the cedar you use on a deck to protect the wood from the elements, you should also do so indoors. Wood supply stores sell a vast number of sealants suitable for cedar. Select a water-based sealant that is clear to allow the reddish color of the cedar to show through.

Application

• When you apply sealant to cedar, it's common for the sealant to bubble and create a rough surface. As a result, apply three coats of sealant to the cedar and sand after the first and second coats are dry. Apply the first coat of sealant with a brush, allow it to fully dry and lightly sand the cedar smooth with 240-grit sandpaper. You can use either a random-orbit sander or do the work by hand. Repeat the process once more, and add a third and final coat, which will no longer create bubbles.