How to Protect Wood Bath Vanities from Moisture

Wood offers a great look and finish in the bathroom, but it’s often a hard choice because of one major concern: moisture. As we all know, wood is highly susceptible to moisture damage and mold growth. As such, it has to be properly manufactured and treated to be effective as a choice for bathroom vanity. Fortunately, several models on the market today can be great in any bathroom space, so long as they’re properly cared for.

In this guide, we’ll go over how to take care of wood bath vanities, including protecting them from moisture, reducing moisture in the bathroom in the first place, and more. We’ll even talk more about the best materials for a bathroom and how you can choose your favorites.

Related: Bathroom Vanity and Sink Buying Guide

58 Inch Double Sink Bathroom Vanity in Mango Wood

58 Inch Double Sink Bathroom Vanity in Mango Wood

How to Keep Humidity Down?

One of the things that makes a huge difference in bathrooms, including keeping materials like wood protected, is controlling humidity. Bathroom exhaust fans aren’t just for help with odors—sure, they’re great to help disperse the air too, but they are designed to pull the moisture out of the air so it’s not trapped in the room. When a bathroom doesn’t have an exhaust fan or another means of ventilating, the humidity, moisture buildup, and mold potential are high.

If you don’t have an exhaust fan, install one immediately. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy; several models on the market today can be installed relatively quickly and without much effort. If you live somewhere, this isn’t an option; consider other ventilation options. Some people have opted to add a ceiling fan, for example, and provide the room with an open window for natural ventilation.

Consider a dehumidifier if you have problems with excess moisture that an exhaust fan doesn’t seem to resolve. This can add an extra layer of protection by taking even more moisture out of the air. It’s not essential, but it’s a good way to ensure your bathroom stays nice and dry, whether wet or steamy.


Waterproofing Cabinets and Woodwork

Another way to protect your wood in the bathroom is to waterproof the woodwork and cabinets. This is why high-gloss paints are preferred for bathroom spaces—they repel water better and help keep moisture from getting into the woodwork and drywall. Waterproofing takes it one step further.

Many wood bath vanities are made with a veneer over particleboard or plywood to circumvent moisture issues in the first place. Of course, these veneers are not impervious to water penetration or damage—even the best-made cabinets and vanities have seams, cracks, and areas where water can sneak in and cause a serious problem before you even realize what’s happening.

If you want to be sure that your vanity and other woodwork are protected, apply a water-resistant paint or clear coating that will offer total waterproofing so you don’t have to worry about swelling, warping, discoloration, or other damage. Usually, a single coat of a high-quality sealant will do the trick, but with paint, you’ll typically want to apply two coats.

Related: 8 Top Bathroom Remodeling Trends of 2020-2021

72 Inch Single Sink Bathroom Vanity in Glossy White

72 Inch Single Sink Bathroom Vanity in Glossy White with Electrical Component

How to Care for Wood Bath Vanities?

If you have a wood bath vanity and want to keep it in good condition, you should clean it regularly. Take the time to wipe it down with a cloth and mild detergent. Remove any potential water spots, and ensure you wipe up any drips or spills on or near the wood as soon as they happen.

If water gets to your wood vanity or other woodwork in the room, you’ll want to dry it immediately with a towel and turn the exhaust fan on to help draw out the moisture. If you have a portable fan, you can point it at the water-damaged area until you know it is dry. This will guarantee that no moisture is left behind and that mold will not grow as a result.

Don’t use abrasive materials on softwoods, which could cause scuffing and scratching. Once the wood is scratched, it becomes much more susceptible to moisture and mold. Those small crevices are spaces for mold to hide. Stick to soft cloths or paper towels and cleaners that are safe for use on wood.

Related: How to Choose a Modern Vanity for Your Powder Room

80 Inch Double Sink Bathroom Vanity in Navy Blue

80 Inch Double Sink Bathroom Vanity in Navy Blue

So, What Materials Are Best?

If you’re careful, using wood bath vanities is possible. Tons of vanities are designed exclusively for bathroom use, so they’re made to withstand moisture and potential damage as much as possible. Most vanity cabinets today are made of wood in some capacity. Thus, it’s not to say that wood is a bad choice; you just have to be careful about how you use it, protect it, and care for it in the bathroom space.

Ensure you’re extra careful to seal cracks, corners, areas around the sink and the seam along the floor with a proper sealant once the vanity is installed. That way, water can’t get through anywhere. You’ll also want to wipe down the bathroom surfaces right after your shower or bath so that it doesn’t linger.

30 Inch Single Sink Bathroom Vanity in Walnut

30 Inch Single Sink Bathroom Vanity in Walnut

You could also find vanities available in various composite and metal materials, but these will also have their concerns. Some people choose pedestal sinks that are completely ceramic or porcelain in construction, which removes the risk of water damage to wood entirely. Regardless of your choice, it’s all about how you take care of it when preventing water damage and mold growth.

Check out all of the modern, stylish vanities on the market today, and now that you know more about how to care for them, don’t rule the beautiful wood options out because you might find something you love. If you take regular care of your wood bathroom vanity, it can provide years of enjoyable use.

Related: What Type of Bathroom Vanity Tops Are Best?



My name is Julia Ritzenthaler, Founder and President of Unique Vanities, started in 2005. I started this business as an extension of our residential remodeling business, which focused on the design and build of custom cabinetry and architectural trim. I also worked as a financial advisor for 10 years at Ameriprise Financial, helping clients make sound money decisions, including budgeting for home improvement expenses. This expertise led me to start Unique Vanities, which offers a handpicked selection of high quality bathroom vanities, sinks, mirrors and more. You can find me most days sitting in Starbucks, my second office, or in my car driving my daughter across Dallas to gymnastics training.

Resources

https://www.luxurylivingdirect.com/blog/post/how-to-protect-wood-bath-vanities-from-moisture-and-mold.html

https://www.thekitchencenter.com/avoiding-moisture-damage-to-your-bathroom-cabinets

https://edgewoodcabinetry.com/services/bathroom-cabinets-vanities/a-look-at-how-moisture-affects-your-bathroom-cabinets/

https://www.woodworkingtrade.com/best-wood-for-bathroom-vanity/

https://woodimprove.com/how-to-waterproof-wood-for-bathroom/