Engineered Wooden Floor in Bathroom

Pont

I've been looking at engineered wooden flooring for my bathroom. My builder says it is fine, the flooring company blurb says it isn't. My builder says solid wooden floors aren't good for a bathroom but engineered wood works well and that the flooring company are just 'covering their butt'.
Help - who is correct?

Tucker

I've always been led to believe wood, be it real, engineered or laminate is a no no in a bathroom.

Someone might say otherwise, but personally, I wouldn't do it as the room by it's very nature is subjected to high levels of humidity and with any wood it will absorb and expel moisture. It just seems a bad combo to me?

missile

Engineered boards are more resistant to warping. I guess if the room is well ventilated and you are careful it will be OK. How much water do you intend to splash on the floor.

Pont

Thanks Tucker and Missile - this seems to be a topic that people don't agree on ;-) hence my confusion. Both of your comments make absolute sense, and I have had the same arguments with myself. I was going to fit tile flooring as I have in my kitchen, but after last winter I find it much too cold underfoot.
Has anyone fitted engineered wooden floors in their bathrooms, if so was it a success or a disaster?

andrew-b

Don't do it...eventually it will warp and the joins will likely start opening up. The only "laminate"/"wooden floor" i came across that is 100% waterproof without warranty conditions attached is "aquastep" - it's plastic and relatively pricey ...though i have to say from the samples it's a pretty good wood-effect to it. Stick to vinyl or tiles. If you go with tiles and coldness underfoot is an issue then consider underfloor heating or more MSE buy a pair of slippers (I recommend Wynsors shoes where they cost a massive £3!).

missile

Pont wrote: »

Thanks Tucker and Missile - this seems to be a topic that people don't agree on ;-) hence my confusion. Both of your comments make absolute sense, and I have had the same arguments with myself. I was going to fit tile flooring as I have in my kitchen, but after last winter I find it much too cold underfoot.
Has anyone fitted engineered wooden floors in their bathrooms, if so was it a success or a disaster?

In my previous property, I had Kahrs engineered wood in my kitchen through conservatory. It did stand up well to a leak which flooded my kitchen. I found it faded in the sun and did not stand up well to wear whilst I had the property let.

I decided on quickstep laminate for my current property in every room except bathrooms where I have marble tiles. The laminate still looks as new, after three plus years:T.

Doozergirl

If water gets in to the grain it will turn the wood black; I speak from experience. I'd opt for an expensive laminate or something like amtico than risk it.

It's prone to happen where you have cuts but if water sits for too long where you have the joins between planks, it can get in there as well.

tiggerjj

just laying the aquastep floor at the moment, my parents have it in their rental house and its doing very well so far with people dripping al over it and wetsuits on the floor. i have gone for the tile effect and its looks very nice, will try and post a pic later...

Pont

Thanks everyone - your advice has been really useful. I'm now edging towards tile (and slippers!). A friend of mine has underfloor heating with tile on top and it's luverly especially in Wintertime - don't think I can run to underfloor heating unless any MSErs know of an inexpensive way to do it ;-)
Btw missile - I like the look of your laminate.

jcb208

Had engineered wood floor in my bathroom for 4 years and has stood up quite well,no warping but as said the joints which have got really wet have darkened a touch.I think if you mop up water as soon as you have had a bath,showe it should be fine even though manufacturers say its not suitable

missile

Pont wrote: »

Btw missile - I like the look of your laminate.

Thanks. You get what you pay for and mine was not cheap.