The Downsides Of Wood Bathroom Vanities That No One Told You

It is no secret that water and wood do not mix. We put coasters on our coffee tables, waterproof outdoor furniture, and constantly look for ways to remove water stains and fix warped wood. The higher quality the item, the more time and care we are typically willing to put into maintaining it because it usually has a higher price tag. There are plenty of things to consider when choosing wood for your next project, but it might be time to consider that wood may not always be the best choice. This can be especially true with bathroom vanities. Once you consider the downside to placing wooden cabinets into a room that is synonymous with moisture, you might rethink the type of material you want to invest in.

Knowing how to choose the perfect bathroom vanity can feel overwhelming. You have to consider size, functionality, storage capabilities, and cost — among other things. With all these decisions up front, it is already a major home renovation project. So you might not want to have to worry about the long-term care instructions or the potential damage that can occur with wooden vanities. Investing in one for your bathroom can have a number of downsides, making it an expensive and time-consuming commitment. While there are ways of prolonging the life of a wood vanity, it is important to think about the cost and care needed to maintain the integrity of your bathroom furniture and deciding what exactly will work best for you.

Wood vanities require a lot of maintenance, with water damage being the number one concern. You may think you know everything you need to know about waterproofing wood, but even the best quality wood needs to be tended to regularly — especially if you want to prevent water damage. We all know that when wood absorbs water, it can lead to a number of structural issues, like warping and swelling. While this will likely only affect the aesthetic look of your vanity, it can also lead to more major concerns like mold and mildew build up. On top of that, humidity is a major concern. Too much can cause water damage and too little can cause wood to crack, meaning you always need to know what your bathroom humidity levels are.

Minimizing moisture levels is essential, and tackling the problem effectively often requires purchasing products like exhaust fans and dehumidifiers, as well as resealing the wood to prevent moisture absorption. In addition to long-term damage prevention, wood vanities need daily attention — like drying off surfaces to avoid stains and keeping doors and windows cracked to allow humid air out. However, even when you have your bathroom care and cleaning routine figured out, you will need to shift it seasonally when moisture in the air spikes or drops, notably in summer and winter. This requires much more time and energy to maintain the integrity of your wood vanity and ensure it holds up long term.

There is no question that quality, solid wood has become a luxury in the interior design space. Durable and well-crafted wood furniture pieces are considered an investment well spent in most cases. So it stands to reason that cost comes into play when considering a wood vanity in the bathroom. Budget must first be considered at the time of your redesign because a large wooden vanity can cost you thousands of dollars if purchased from a well-known and reputable brand. That price also doesn't always include the cost of shipping or installation, and because solid wood is heavier, those prices can easily add up and complicate installation. 

On top of the initial purchase, maintenance can be costly. Installing fans and purchasing dehumidifiers or a hygrometer to keep track of humidity levels can add up quickly. The cost of regular sealant materials is also an added expense. And while you can try to identify mold and get rid of it on your own, or even figure out if you can fix warped cabinet doors, you can still end up with damage that you simply can not handle yourself. This can mean seeking the help of a professional for damage control — a concept that is usually stressful at best and extremely pricey at worst. So before you buy into the luxury of a wood vanity, stop to consider that it might end up making your bathroom the most high-maintenance room in your home.