More homeowners are turning bathrooms into a peaceful retreat to relax and rejuvenate. Unfortunately, when the house has one bathroom, it tends to be a catchall with clutter over every available surface.
When considering solutions to the chaos, wooden bathroom shelves come to mind. The problem in this space is the humidity and extreme temperatures, putting the natural material at risk for rot. Wood absorbs moisture, causing expansion and contraction and eventually warp if not adequately cared for.
While it can present a challenge, some species are remarkably strong and resistant to moisture, not to mention its popularity for the beauty it adds in even the smallest details.
We’ll look at the properties of varied types of wood, from plywood to teak, to learn how they withstand the limitations presented by a bathroom.
The Ideal Wood Shelving for the Bathroom
When considering wood for bathroom shelving, you must consider if the material should match other cupboards in the space and what type of wood is best. In making this determination, a primary factor is which can hold up under damp conditions.
Fortunately, some offer greater water resistance while others can be treated to be more so. Experts in the industry recommend the following as the best species for added storage in a bathroom.
- Plywood
- Teak
- Koa
- Mahogany
- Cherry
- Padauk
- Red oak
- Pine
None are fully waterproof since wood is a porous material and will absorb moisture, causing it to contract and expand to varying degrees.
Visit https://housing.com/news/bathroom-shelves/ for tips on choosing the best shelves for your space. Let’s look at wood species to learn more about their tolerance for humid, warm spaces and the best way to prepare them for your shelving needs.
Plywood
Plywood is a soft wood often used for its cost-efficiency and aesthetic, more so than its strength. The ¾” thickness makes it adequate for shelving as long as the items are lightweight. The material ranges in grades and smoothness, with distinct quality.
Furniture grade is recommended for a bathroom if it’s first treated with clear sealer to reduce the effects of moisture absorption. The sealers boast of preventing the plywood from delaminating in extreme temperatures or when exposed to high humidity.
Pine
Pine is also a softwood with a budget-friendly price point and an appealing aesthetic. Items situated on the shelving should be lightweight. Depending on the grade, the wood can show knots.
Pine will absorb moisture in a bathroom. The recommendation is to treat the material with PVA glue to protect it from extreme temperatures and high humidity.
Koa
Koa is among the most durable species of wood. Cupboards and shelving built with this wood are appreciated for the extraordinary shellac or varnish and its lightweight and long-lasting qualities.
This wood is an excellent choice for bathroom shelving based on a few properties, such as:
- Wear-resistance
- Odourless
- Degradation-resistance
- Damage-resistance
- Pressure-resistance
- Easy-to-handle
The wood is distinct in appearance, with either a reddish or medium gold tint that no other species can offer. It is, however, not resistant to moisture, and water can damage the shelving if it’s not adequately treated with a clear sealer or stain.
Cherry
Cherry wood offers a modern appearance and is favoured as a choice for bathroom shelving since it’s light and easy to handle. It is a hardwood with incredible strength, capable of holding heavy objects, including bath towels. The species produces a deep and warm ruby tint that grows deeper as it ages.
While it’s not fully waterproof, its strength makes it more durable than other species. The recommendation is to add a sealer coat for extra protection when using the wood for shelving in the bathrooms.
Red Oak
Red oak is a solid, easy wood to work with and can be painted or stained. It’s an excellent high-end wood for shelving; however, it’s limited in waterproofing and resistance. It’s recommended to topcoat the wood if used for shelving or switch to white oak, which is highly water resistant.
Padauk
Padauk offers a unique aesthetic for bathroom shelves with its reddish-orange tint. The hardwood is incredibly strong and resistant to abrasives. It can’t tolerate much abuse and can hold heavy loads for extended durations.
It’s recommended to sand and seal the wood before putting it in the bathroom due to its limited moisture resistance. While it means higher maintenance, you can keep Padauk looking new for an extended lifespan if you redo the process when the shelving shows signs of wear over the years.
Mahogany
Mahogany is sturdy and stable hardwood with a stunning presence, but the heavy wood is tough to work with. The unique burgundy colour brings a classic appearance, creating a stand-out element in the space. The high quality leads to a costly price point, but the aesthetic is one no other species can match.
Mahogany is extraordinarily water resistant and highly durable, making it ideal for shelves in the bathroom. The higher cost can detract homeowners with budget constraints.
Teak
Teak compares to mahogany with its qualities although the hardwood presents a golden-brown tint. It has extraordinary strength and stability, and offers degradation, shock, and acid resistance.
Because the wood is naturally insect-resistant, there’s less care and upkeep, and it has an extended longevity.
The wood is as expensive as mahogany due to its premium qualities, such as high-water resistance and resilience to rotting, cracking, warping, and deterioration.
Final Thought
Wooden shelving in the bathroom can be a warm and beautiful, albeit practical, solution. Some species will be more tolerant of the high humidity and extreme temperatures, but paying attention to the prices is essential, particularly if there are budgetary constraints. Go here for practical bathroom storage solutions.
The recommendation is to invest in the highest quality materials when upgrading your home to get the most outstanding value in the long term.
Even if you buy one shelf at a time, teak and mahogany will stand up to the most humid conditions – and you can steadily turn your space into the peaceful retreat you’ve been dreaming of.