Reclaimed wood definitely has charm, but how's it holding up moisture-wise? I've considered it for a bathroom remodel but always worried about warping or mold down the line... any special sealing tips you'd recommend?
"Reclaimed wood definitely has charm, but how's it holding up moisture-wise?"
Honestly, even with sealing, reclaimed wood in bathrooms can be tricky. I've flipped a couple of houses where previous owners tried it, and moisture always found a way in eventually—especially around showers or sinks. If you're set on the look, maybe consider porcelain tiles that mimic reclaimed wood? They're surprisingly realistic these days, and you won't have to stress about warping or mold down the road...
I second the porcelain tile suggestion. Did a remodel last year and went with reclaimed wood-look tiles instead of actual wood. Honestly, best decision ever. Installation was straightforward—just make sure your subfloor is level first, or you'll end up with uneven tiles (learned that one the hard way...). Maintenance-wise, it's been a breeze; no warping or mold issues at all, even with kids splashing water everywhere.
One thing I'd add though: grout color matters more than you'd think. We initially went with a lighter grout thinking it'd look more authentic, but it stained pretty quickly. Ended up redoing it darker, and now it's perfect.
Curious though, did anyone here actually manage to keep real reclaimed wood looking good long-term in a bathroom? Would love to hear how you pulled it off without constant upkeep.
I've seen reclaimed wood done successfully in bathrooms, but honestly, it's pretty rare to see it hold up long-term without a lot of TLC. A few pointers I've learned from past projects:
- The wood needs to be properly sealed—multiple coats of a marine-grade varnish or polyurethane. And even then, expect to reseal every couple years (at least).
- Good ventilation is key. If your bathroom doesn't have excellent airflow, you're basically asking for mold or warping issues.
- Placement matters. Keep the wood away from direct splash zones like showers or tubs. I've seen reclaimed wood used beautifully as accent walls or vanity fronts where there's less direct water contact.
- Consider mixing materials—maybe tile for the floor and reclaimed wood as accents or shelves? You still get that warm look without the constant worry.
Honestly though, if low-maintenance is your priority (and with kids around, I totally get it), porcelain tiles are probably still your best bet. Sounds like you made a smart choice already.
"Placement matters. Keep the wood away from direct splash zones like showers or tubs."
Couldn't agree more with this. Did a remodel a few years back where the homeowner insisted on reclaimed barn wood near the tub area... looked fantastic at first, but within a year we had warping and mold issues creeping in. Lesson learned the hard way!
