Is A Bathroom Vanity Wood Countertop A Good Idea? Tips For Making It Work For Your Space

Wood can provide a richness and warmth that no other material can match, but because it's porous, it is often assumed that it isn't suitable for rooms that are subject to high levels of moisture or humidity. That's not actually true, and there are many gorgeous ways to bring natural wood into your bathroom if it is looked after properly.

Typically, people choose wooden cabinets, accent wall panels, and accessories. Many items may be store-bought, but you could also DIY a beautiful bathroom vanity that doesn't cost a fortune using wood. However, people tend to shy away from using wood as a countertop because it frequently comes into direct contact with water. Fortunately, this doesn't have to be a problem. Tips like ensuring the wood is properly sealed and protected, or choosing plywood or laminates instead of solid wood, mean wood countertops can be made just as durable as they are attractive. 

Plywood is made of multiple sheets glued together, running at ninety degrees to each other. This gives it greater stability than natural wood and higher resistance to moisture. If you're worried about the appearance of plywood, don't be. It's available with a surface veneer in a whole host of hardwoods like cherry, maple, and oak, so you would never know it's plywood underneath.

Laminate countertops are a budget-friendly option. Although most are actually plastic, with a kraft paper or particleboard core, they can closely mimic the appearance of wood. The surface is waterproof and scratch-resistant, though quality can vary. It's a good idea to pay a little more for high-pressure laminate like that offered by leading brands Formica and Wilsonart.

Does that mean you can't use solid wood for a bathroom countertop at all? No, but there are some species that are better suited than others. Cedar has long been used for decking because it is naturally resistant to water damage. The same is true for teak, which is popular for outdoor furniture. Using natural-edged boards of either of these species could be one of several easy changes to bring a rustic aesthetic to your bathroom.

Whatever type of wood you choose for your bathroom vanity, it will need some kind of protection. Although laminates have a waterproof surface, their bare ends (or cutouts where a sink will be fitted) need to be sealed. Several coats of varnish would work, but a single application of 100% silicone sealant is equally effective.

If you're going for natural wood, you need to take the same steps as you would to protect hardwood flooring in your bathroom. Penetrating oils allow the natural beauty to shine through, and Osmo Topoil comes highly recommended. Ideally, you should re-treat solid wood countertops every few months. Water-based polyurethane is far less demanding and is recognized as one of the best ways to protect wood countertops. Something like Minwax Clear Polyacrylic Protective Finish is available in satin so the wood doesn't look like it has been encased in plastic.

Plywood surfaces can also be finished with polyurethane, but cut ends will absorb moisture in the same way as laminates. You could use silicone, but if you are DIYing your bathroom vanity countertop, there will probably be unfinished edges exposed. To ensure these match the top, you can use edge banding. Many have a hot melt adhesive that allows it to be applied using a household iron. After careful trimming with a craft knife and a coat of your chosen finish, only an expert would be able to tell it wasn't solid wood.