How to Protect Wood Floors Around Toilet (5 Great Ways)

Hardwoods are also an excellent choice for toilet floorings, but how do you protect them from constant water?

Because of its everyday use, Toilet floors are constantly exposed to moisture which can lead to wood damage, and there is a wide range of attractive toilet wood options with specific treatments to reduce water damage.

To protect wood floors around toilet, there are options like using wood sealants and oil to act as a barrier to protect the wood from water damage.

Sealing agents like varnish, polyurethane, and lacquer can be used to protect the floorings, and they can also be reapplied monthly to help your floors last longer.

How to Protect Wood Floors Around Toilet

A toilet is a place we continually use water; it requires special and extra care. so these are ways to protect the wood in the toilet.

1. Fix Issue at Once

Are you having any leakage in the toilet? Leakage from sinks and pipes should be taken seriously because letting water sit or pool up on woods can damage it.

2. Spot Clean

This oil, lemon, and vinegar are a great way to spot pristine woods. Mix oil and lemon vinegar into a sprayer, spray on the stained wood, and wipe to get rid of it.

The mixture of oil and lemon/ vinegar is one of the most wood-preserving liquids out there, and it has a good smell.

3. Make Use of Mats and Rugs

Consider investing in thicker bath mats and rugs. This soaks up water when you step out of the bathtub and prevents spreading water to other parts.

4. Waterproof Consistently

You should waterproof at least yearly. This goes a long way in preventing water damage.

5. Use of Humidifier or Ceiling Fans

This dries up moisture in the toilet space thereby reducing the possible growth of molds.

Wood Floor and Toilet Waterproofing

Hardwood like classic teaks, dark oak, and walnuts are the better choice for bathroom floorings, and this is due to their high density, which makes them less susceptible to warpage.

Waterproofing is measures taken to prevent water seepage from the floor and walls.

Reasons to Waterproof Toilets

Water damage: water can cause damage to your toilet floors, wall paints, and furniture decays. The best way to minimize this damage to the toilet is to waterproof the woods around it.
Infestation: a whole lot of bacteria and pests thrive in damp environments. Keeping your toilets wet is not healthy as it can lead to infection.
Structural damage: over time, the buildup of the moisture trapped in floors can weaken the subfloors, leading to structural damage. This is very common in toilets with poor ventilation.
Low maintenance cost: waterproofing helps prevent moisture from getting trapped in walls, which can lead to the longevity of floors, thereby saving owners a massive amount of money from constant repairs.
Maintain property value: the value of your home is being maintained or improved if you keep it in good shape and condition.

Below are ways you can use to waterproof woods around your toilet

Waterproofing With Oil: Tung Oil and Linseed Oil

Tung oil and linseed oil as waterproof have been used for centuries; it is absorbed into the wood and act as a barrier for water to get through.

Here is how to waterproof with oil:

Mix and Stir together
Use a natural bristle brush paintbrush to apply the mixture to the woods
Allow the oil to absorb into the surface before you reapply to the area that might seem dry
Use dry cloths to wipe any excess oil
Allow for thorough drying, depending on the use of oil in the mixture; this can last for a few hours to overnight
Softly sand the surface with a fine-grit sandpaper

Waterproofing Wood With Wood Sealer

Sealants like varnish, polyurethane, and lacquer are brushed or sprayed onto sanded wood and allowed to dry completely before being lightly re-sanded and recoated.

Avoid the shaking of sealants before applying because it leads to bubbles on the surface of the wood. They provide excellent waterproofing, and they quickly get dry.

Polyurethane Wood Sealants

This gives you the neatest and smoothest surface you can get. Most polyurethane contain oil. It is long-lasting and provides high gloss.

Varnish

Varnish is recommended for use in places that are prone to moisture.

Lacquer

Lacquer is the strongest of all three; it’s resistant to moisture and scratch is outstanding, tends to get yellow over time, and is more suitable for darker woods.

Read: Best Commercial Steam Cleaner

Steps to Waterproof with Sealants

Choose and prepare a sealer
Using a paintbrush, apply the sealant to the wood surface
Let it dry
Clean with a soft grit 320 paper
Clean with a damp cloth to get rid of residues behind
Reapply a second coat
Let it dry

Always read up on the manufacturer’s instructions to get the best result from your sealants. It tells you how much time you need to wait for the drying process.

Waterproofing with Resin and Acetone

Waterproofing with resin and acetone gives you one of the most robust results out there and can last up to 5 years. It dries fast, and there is no need to sand the wood.

Get the right products and mix.
Apply using a soft-bristled paintbrush
Let it dry
Reapply the mixture again and let it cure

Waterproof with Stain and Varnish

Varnish is a waterproof coat that forms a protective layer when applied to woods. There are different types of varnish available, choose the one suitable to your needs to get the best result.

Steps to Waterproof with Stain and Varnish

Prepare the mixture
Apply the first coat
Remove excess with a dry clothe
Reapply the second coat

Let it dry

Frequently Asked Questions: How to Protect Wood Floors Around Toilet

Are Wood Floors Ok in Bathrooms?

Wood floors are perfectly okay to use in the bathroom; it only requires extra care and maintenance.

Woods like teak is a good flooring choice for the bathroom because of its strong moisture resistance.

Can You Waterproof Wood Floors?

There are various ways you can waterproof wood floors, ranging from Tung oil, polyurethane, lacquer, and others.

Read: How to Get Rid of Tiny Black Dots on Wood Floor

Conclusions

The health benefit of protecting wood floors around toilets cannot be overemphasized. When properly maintained, wood floors around the toilet can last longer.

This article was written to help you understand every detail about how to protect wood floors around toilets and to help you make an informed decision when faced with the choice.

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