Wood in the bathroom is one of the most requested finishes in high-end renovations. It appears in every interior design magazine, in design hotels, on Pinterest boards. And when clients come to us asking for it, sometimes we have to gently pump the brakes.
Not because it’s impossible. But because there are ways of doing it that work and ways that will be a disaster within two years.
Why conventional solid wood doesn’t work in the bathroom
Standard solid wood parquet, conventional floating flooring, the wood floor you have in your living room — none of these are suitable for a bathroom. The reason is simple: conventional solid wood continuously absorbs and releases moisture.
In a bathroom, humidity varies dramatically within minutes: from 50% relative humidity before a shower to 90-95% during and after. This constant cycle of expansion and contraction causes:
- Warping of the planks (bowing, creaking, gaps opening)
- Deterioration of the protective varnish or oil within 1-2 years
- Rot on the underside, especially in splash zones
The problem isn’t that wood gets wet occasionally, but the daily humidity cycle.
The 4 options that do work
1. Wood-effect porcelain tile
The best option in terms of quality-price-maintenance. Without question.
Current wood-effect porcelain is so realistic that at less than a metre’s distance it’s difficult to distinguish from natural wood. Collections like Wonderland by Pamesa, Aspen by Vives or Artwood by Porcelanosa achieve a result that would have been impossible in ceramics ten years ago.
Advantages: completely waterproof, easy maintenance, lasts decades without degradation, available in large format with minimal joints, reasonable price (€20-50/m² depending on quality).
Disadvantage: it’s not wood. The feel underfoot is different. In winter it’s cold like any porcelain (though underfloor heating eliminates this).
Most popular formats: 20x120cm (imitates classic plank), 30x180cm (premium long plank), 15x90cm (narrow plank).
2. Treated marine teak
Teak is a dense tropical hardwood that has been used for centuries on boats and maritime environments. It’s one of the few natural woods with enough natural oil to resist humidity sustainably.
Bathroom teak floors are typically made in grilles or assembled planks, not as floating flooring. They’re placed on the existing floor or over the shower tray, with gaps between planks for water to drain through.
Advantages: it’s real wood, with all the feel and warmth of natural wood. Spectacular appearance. Lasts many years with basic maintenance (teak oil every year or two).
Disadvantage: expensive (€80-200/m² installed), requires active maintenance, and if neglected the colour turns silvery grey. Also, verify FSC certification for sustainability.
3. Humidity-treated bamboo
Bamboo isn’t technically a wood but a grass, though its hardness and appearance are similar. Carbonised (dark) or high-density pressed bamboo has more moisture resistance than most tropical woods.
There are bamboo collections specifically treated for bathrooms with deep impregnation and marine varnish. Brands like MOSO or BambooFloor have these collections.
Advantages: more sustainable than teak, contemporary appearance, mid-range price (€40-80/m²).
Disadvantage: more sensitive to humidity than teak if the treatment isn’t specifically for wet use.
4. SPC (Stone Polymer Composite) vinyl
SPC vinyl flooring is the material that has evolved most over the last five years. It has a rigid polymer core with stone (powdered limestone) that makes it 100% waterproof. Wood-effect collections are visually indistinguishable from real wood at normal viewing distance.
Advantages: totally waterproof, no maintenance required, comfortable underfoot (not as cold as porcelain), economical (€15-35/m²), easy to install (click system), can be installed over existing flooring.
Disadvantage: not recommended in the direct shower zone (joints between planks are not 100% watertight long-term). Ideal for the rest of the bathroom.
Comparison
| Option | €/m² | Maintenance | Durability | Authenticity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wood-effect porcelain | €20-50 | Minimal | 25+ years | Medium-high |
| Marine teak | €80-200 | Medium (annual oil) | 15-20 years | Maximum |
| Treated bamboo | €40-80 | Medium | 10-15 years | High |
| SPC vinyl | €15-35 | Minimal | 10-20 years | Medium |
Our recommendation for most bathrooms
For 80% of our clients, the answer is wood-effect porcelain. The current visual quality is excellent, maintenance is virtually zero, there’s no risk of humidity problems ever, and formats like 20x120cm give a very convincing plank appearance, especially in natural or toasted tones.
Frequently asked questions
Can I put floating parquet in the bathroom with lots of varnish? We don’t recommend it. Varnish protects the surface but not the underside or edges. The humidity will penetrate eventually.
Does wood-effect porcelain combine well with real wood furniture? Yes, very well. Wood-effect porcelain flooring with a natural wood vanity (oak, walnut) is one of the most solid styles in current bathrooms.
Is SPC vinyl good for rental flats? Ideal. Economical, easy to install without adhesive (click), easy to replace if damaged, and looks great visually.
If you’re thinking about the floor for your renovation, also consult our guide to bathroom materials. And to budget the complete renovation, use our bathroom renovation calculator.
