DIY Wood Paneling In The Bathroom: Chic Tile Alternative Or Moldy Disaster?

Wood gives a charming appeal to a bathroom space. It makes an area feel a little like a sauna, and adds warmth and depth. There are many gorgeous ways to bring natural wood elements into your bathroom, from accent walls to dark and moody paneling. However, before you just go slapping on some wooden panels in your bathroom, you need to be aware of the dangers. The biggest of which is mold. Wood is great at absorbing water, including from the air. So even if you put paneling somewhere in your bathroom where it won't directly touch water, there is a risk. When wood gets wet, it tends to swell. It can warp the panels as well, which isn't ideal for a bathroom, either. Natural wood is the most susceptible, but all kinds have the chance to house this dangerous fungi if not cared for properly. 

Of course, the easiest way to prevent the headache of woody mold is to avoid the material altogether. There are plenty of other choices for paneling and decorations that are much more resistant to mold. Another option is to apply this decor in a half bath, considering you won't often be steaming up the area with regular showers or baths. However, if you are willing to do the research and maintenance to keep your wood working as it should, you can turn a potential moldy disaster into a chic alternative to tile.

While mold is always a risk when it comes to putting wooden panels in a bathroom, there are ways to reduce it by choosing types of wood that will hold up to the humidity in your bathroom. For example, MDF, also known as medium-density fiberboard, once sealed or painted, can resist moisture a little better. Teakwood is another option. It's a beautifully rich wood that is somewhat resistant to water thanks to its high natural oils and silicon. When maintained properly, it should be able to keep mold away. 

There is also the option to use thermally modified wood. It is treated with heat and steam to make it more stable and resistant to rot. Additionally, it reduces the chances of your wood splitting or warping. Again, while it's not a perfect solution, it does help. When paired with proper ventilation, you have a much better chance of your wood staying resistant to mold. 

Adding paint or a sealant on top further helps. However, if the finish starts to fade away, mold can form over time. Also, this wood is more brittle and rigid than regular panels, which means there is a chance it could crack when placing it in your bathroom or if you try to screw through it, allowing open spaces where mold could form. As the wood ages, it loses even more strength and grows brittle.

If you like the idea of wood paneling in the bathroom, but you don't want to fight against the potential problems that come along with it, you can always pick something to mimic wood instead. For example, you could choose PVC panels, which are resistant to mold, rot, and water and have options for mimicking wood. Another option is polyurethane, which is impact, water, and mold resistant. These are safer and require less work than real wood.

Another option is to focus on humidity. If you can ensure that your bathroom vents out moisture properly, with a finish like paint or sealant, wood panels should be okay. However, you have to ensure that the humidity stays below 50%, which isn't always practical. Thankfully, there are some ways to vent a bathroom to keep it mold-free most of the time, even with wood, as long as you buy the correct vents and make sure they are cleaned and hooked up properly. 

In addition, be strategic where you put your wood. Avoid places that tend to get a lot of moisture and humidity, such as your bathroom counter, the walls of the shower, and the wall near your sink. While you can have wood in these areas, they do require a lot more maintenance and monitoring. So, realistically, if you aren't going to be able to keep up with it as much as you want, then avoiding these areas is the best option.