Expert Eye: 6 Ways to Incorporate Timber Into Your Bathroom
Take it from a bathroom designer, timber can make a great addition to this clean-lined space
In an environment that can sometimes be described as sterile, timber can be a welcome addition. As well as introducing rich natural colours, timber in its various forms can add complex layers of texture to a space, making you more relaxed whenever you use this private retreat.
1. Wooden cabinets and shelving
One of the most popular ways to incorporate timber in bathrooms is through cabinets and shelving, which bring a touch of colour and texture to the space.
Take this example in Somerville, Victoria. We used recycled timber for both the cabinetry and mirror frame, adding a kind of beauty that cannot be found in newer wood.
One of the most popular ways to incorporate timber in bathrooms is through cabinets and shelving, which bring a touch of colour and texture to the space.
Take this example in Somerville, Victoria. We used recycled timber for both the cabinetry and mirror frame, adding a kind of beauty that cannot be found in newer wood.
Traditionally, when timber panels were used in a bathroom, they required a perimeter frame to prevent cupping when it came into contact with water.
With the development of engineered timber (which is commonly used for flooring, and which consists of a timber top layer – the lamella – bonded onto an engineered base – the core – of wood), more options have become available if you want wide wooden panels that won’t distort, twist or cup.
A Bathroom Design Expert Reveals: 3 Things I Wish My Clients Knew
With the development of engineered timber (which is commonly used for flooring, and which consists of a timber top layer – the lamella – bonded onto an engineered base – the core – of wood), more options have become available if you want wide wooden panels that won’t distort, twist or cup.
A Bathroom Design Expert Reveals: 3 Things I Wish My Clients Knew
2. Consider a timber bath
Timber bathtubs are expensive and unique, but are a wonderful way to include a modern, luxurious element into your bathroom. This bath was made from 200 individual pieces of sustainably harvested sapele timber.
Timber bathtubs are expensive and unique, but are a wonderful way to include a modern, luxurious element into your bathroom. This bath was made from 200 individual pieces of sustainably harvested sapele timber.
In general, wooden baths are custom-made and handmade, which allows you to be involved in the entire design process.
The practice of making wooden baths dates back hundreds of years, and they are a lovely way to make a connection between the style and tone of your bathroom and the natural environment.
The practice of making wooden baths dates back hundreds of years, and they are a lovely way to make a connection between the style and tone of your bathroom and the natural environment.
3. Timber flooring
Technically, Australia’s building code doesn’t allow timber flooring in a bathroom environment. However, there are great timber-look porcelain tiles available, as you can see in this example.
Not Ready to Renovate Your Bathroom? Try a Mini Makeover
Technically, Australia’s building code doesn’t allow timber flooring in a bathroom environment. However, there are great timber-look porcelain tiles available, as you can see in this example.
Not Ready to Renovate Your Bathroom? Try a Mini Makeover
4. Why not try a timber ceiling?
A timber ceilings is a design element that really captures the imagination. It conjures up a sauna-like ambience that makes you feel relaxed and at peace.
This is the case in this Collingwood, Victoria bathroom where beautiful sculpted ceilings are reiterated in the cabinetry.
A timber ceilings is a design element that really captures the imagination. It conjures up a sauna-like ambience that makes you feel relaxed and at peace.
This is the case in this Collingwood, Victoria bathroom where beautiful sculpted ceilings are reiterated in the cabinetry.
This stunning timber ceiling is a focal point that adds a layer of complexity to the bathroom design.
Tip: The key to using timber on a bathroom ceiling is to select products such as the Hurford Wholesale’s roasted timber, whereby extremely high temperatures alter the molecular structure of the timber, making it more stable, durable and dense.
Tip: The key to using timber on a bathroom ceiling is to select products such as the Hurford Wholesale’s roasted timber, whereby extremely high temperatures alter the molecular structure of the timber, making it more stable, durable and dense.
5. Use timber detailing
Take advantage of the aesthetic benefits of timber through the detailing in your bathroom. In this example from Hawthorn, Victoria, we used red gum timber detailing around the space. This starts with the focal point window frame, which looks out to a water feature. We continued this trend with red gum around the large mirror and as the primary cabinet material.
Take advantage of the aesthetic benefits of timber through the detailing in your bathroom. In this example from Hawthorn, Victoria, we used red gum timber detailing around the space. This starts with the focal point window frame, which looks out to a water feature. We continued this trend with red gum around the large mirror and as the primary cabinet material.
Being consistent with timber detailing can ensure the space feels more relaxing and natural.
6. Unique benchtops
Vanity benchtops can set the tone for the entire space. Contrast is good here: consider using a smooth ceramic basin surrounded by a rich, textured wood benchtop.
Browse beautiful bathrooms on Houzz
Vanity benchtops can set the tone for the entire space. Contrast is good here: consider using a smooth ceramic basin surrounded by a rich, textured wood benchtop.
Browse beautiful bathrooms on Houzz
Or consider a longer custom benchtop made from reclaimed timber to support the environment. Just remember, quality protective coatings are essential when using timber as a benchtop.
Your say
If you enjoyed this story, like it, bookmark it, save the photos and share your thoughts below. Join the conversation.
More
Interested in renovating your bathroom? Find the right professional on Houzz
Your say
If you enjoyed this story, like it, bookmark it, save the photos and share your thoughts below. Join the conversation.
More
Interested in renovating your bathroom? Find the right professional on Houzz
Take inspiration from around your home, the environment, or these images to help you see how to integrate this material into your space.