Can You Use Prefinished Wood Flooring in the Bathroom?

Floor Finishes

• Prefinished wood flooring has a protective coating applied to it by the manufacturer. Polyurethane applied to the top layer protects the wood from scratches and stains. However, some manufacturers apply an aluminum-oxide finish, which tends to be more durable than polyurethane alone. Aluminum-oxide particles added to polyurethane increase the flooring's resistance to abrasions. Nonetheless, wood flooring is susceptible to moisture damage, no matter what type of finish protects it.

Solid Wood Flooring

• Solid wood flooring consists of the same type of wood from top to bottom, and it’s usually nailed in place during installation. Solid wood will likely absorb the moisture that accumulates in the bathroom from hot showers and wet feet, partly because it isn't finished with a protective coating on all sides. The moisture absorption will eventually cause the wood to expand and warp, and the nails holding it in place will come loose as a result.

Engineered Flooring

• Manufacturers make prefinished engineered wood flooring in several layers. The top layer may be oak or another wood type, and the bottom portion usually consists of several plywood layers that crisscross one another to increase the floor's strength. "This Old House" indicates that engineered wood flooring handles moisture better than solid wood flooring. However, wet conditions that exist in bathrooms put engineered flooring at risk of damage from moisture.

Warranties

• You may choose to assume the risks involved with installing a prefinished wood floor in your bathroom, but you may not have any recourse with the manufacturer if the floor is damaged. BuildDirect manufactures and sells building materials. The company's website indicates that hardwood floors installed in bathrooms aren't protected under warranties due to the high potential for moisture damage.