Your Guide to the Pros and Cons of Teak Shower Floors
A basic bathroom can be transformed into a spa-like Oasis with the help of the shower floors. The warm, luxurious look of teak wood evokes a sense of exotic luxury, reminiscent of an old-world lodge or cabin in the woods. But before you install a teak floor in your shower, it's important to weigh the pros and cons to determine if it's the right fit for your home and lifestyle.
What is Teak Wood?
Teak is a tropical hardwood that is native to Southeast Asia, mainly areas like Indonesia, Myanmar, and Thailand. Teak trees can grow over 100 feet tall and live for up to 100 years. The wood is known for its high oil content, medium to coarse texture, and beautiful golden brown color.
Teak contains natural oils that make it highly resistant to water damage, rot, insects, and warping. It's a dense, durable wood that can withstand decades of use in both indoor and outdoor settings. All of these properties make teak a popular choice for shower floors, boat decks, and outdoor patio furniture.
The Pros of Teak Shower Floors
There are many benefits that make teak an excellent material for shower flooring. Here are some of the top advantages.
Durability
One of the biggest perks of teak is its durability. Teak is an incredibly hard, dense wood that can stand up to the excess moisture and daily wear-and-tear of a shower area. Quality teak floors can easily last 50 years or more with proper care and maintenance. The long lifespan makes teak a sound investment compared to cheaper flooring options that need replacing every 5-10 years.
Water Resistance
Thanks to its high oil content, teak wood is naturally resistant to water. The oils help repel liquid, while the dense grain prevents water from penetrating the surface. Of course, teak is not fully impervious, so some minor absorption can occur over time. But it's far more water-resistant than other woods.
This makes teak an excellent material for wet, humid spaces like showers. You don't have to worry about the constant splashing leading to warping, rotting, or mold growth like you would with traditional hardwood flooring.
Aesthetic Appeal
With its warm, golden brown hues and intricate grain patterns, a teak shower floor can instantly upgrade the look of any bathroom. The rich colors and natural wood texture provide an upscale, spa-like ambiance.
Teak has an exotic, tropical vibe that is reminiscent of luxury hotels and high-end lodges. It provides a clean, smooth surface that avoids the dated look of tile or laminate. If you're looking to add natural beauty and elegance to your shower space, few materials compare to the visual impact of teak.
Non-Slip Surface
Safety is always a concern in bathrooms, and especially in showers where wet floors create slipping hazards. Unlike polished stone or tile, teak provides a non-slip wooden surface with natural traction. The grain texture and pronounced wood pattern give your feet something secure to grip onto, even when wet.
For households with children or elderly residents, the non-slipproperties of teak can provide much-needed peace of mind. You'll reduce the risk of dangerous, painful falls in the shower.
Warmth and Comfort
Stone, metal, and glass surfaces can all feel chilly underfoot as you step out of a warm shower. Teak's natural insulating abilities keep it feeling pleasantly warm and comfortable during and after showering. You don't have that jarring temperature change from a hot shower onto a cold floor.
The smooth, softened texture of the wood also feels nicer to stand on barefoot than rough tile or concrete. Overall, teak provides a luxurious showering experience.
Rustic, Historical Look
With its natural knots, grains, and warm hues, a teak shower floor evokes the feeling of a cozy cabin or lodge built from timbers. It provides a charming, rustic aesthetic you can't replicate with stone or porcelain.
Teak wood has been used in home construction around the world for centuries. There is an old-world, historical charm that comes with installing salvaged teak wood in a modern home. If you want your bathroom to feel like a sophisticated but welcoming refuge, teak can deliver the right nostalgic vibe.
The Cons of Teak Shower Floors
Although the pros often outweigh the cons, there are a few potential downsides to teak floors to keep in mind:
Not Fully Impermeable
While teak has excellent water resistance, it's not 100% impervious to water. The natural oils help repel liquid, but over decades of use, some minor absorption is inevitable. This can lead to slight warping, cracking, or cupping in the boards over time.
Occasional sealing is required to maintain the wood's water resistance. Teak is not a completely maintenance-free option for wet areas.
Maintenance Requirements
In addition to regular sealing every 1-2 years, teak also needs occasional refinishing to keep it looking like new. As a natural wood, the surface will gradually start to show wear from use, appearing faded or scratched. Refinishing the boards restores the rich color and smooth feel.
Proper cleaning is also a must to prevent a buildup of grime in the grain. While teak is relatively easy maintenance as woods go, it does require more upkeep than stone or tile.
Higher Cost
Due to the specialized harvesting and import costs, teak is one of the more expensive wood flooring options. Teak planks can cost $12-$20 per square foot installed. That's 2-3 times more than basic tile or laminate.
The total expense for a teak shower floor will depend on your space's size but expect to invest at least several thousand dollars. This high initial investment is worthwhile for many homeowners given teak's longevity and luxury.
Challenging Installation
Getting those beautiful, durable teak planks into your shower takes skill and expertise. The intricate cuts, custom fitting, and finishing steps involved make DIY installation difficult. Hiring a professional is recommended.
If the teak floor is not properly installed and sealed, you'll run into issues with warping, rotting, and premature wear down the road. Take the time to find an experienced contractor familiar with teak.
Caring for Your Teak Shower Floor
To keep your teak shower floor looking pristine for decades, proper maintenance is crucial:
Regular Cleaning
Use a mild soap and soft bristle brush to clean teak weekly, rinsing thoroughly. Avoid abrasive cleaners that could scratch the surface. Bleach and other harsh chemicals can dry out the wood over time.
Sealing
Apply a penetrating sealer to the teak every 1-2 years to protect against water and dirt absorption. Follow the product instructions for application and drying time.
Refinishing
Lightly sand teak every 3-5 years to clear any buildup in the grain and restore a smooth surface. Apply a fresh sealant or teak oil to replenish the wood's protection and rich color after refinishing.
Teak Shower Floor Costs
What can you expect to pay for teak flooring in the shower? Here are typical price ranges:
- Teak planks: $12-$20 per square foot
- Installation labor: $6-$10 per square foot
- Sealants and finishes: $4-$8 per square foot
For a 4x4 shower that's 16 square feet, you may pay:
- Teak planks: $192-$320
- Installation: $96-$160
- Sealants: $64-$128
- Total: $352-$608
Prices depend on plank grade, contractor rates, and your area. While not cheap, the 10-25 year lifespan offsets the cost over time.
With proper installation and care, a teak shower floor can be enjoyed for decades while adding timeless beauty to your bathroom. The natural water resistance, traction, and comfort make teak highly functional for showers.
But the higher cost and maintenance mean teak performs best in higher-end homes where the exotic look and feel justify the investment. DIY installation is difficult, so make sure to hire a professional.
If you seek a shower floor that mixes luxury, nostalgia, and craftsmanship, teak is sure to impress. Weigh the pros and cons carefully as you design your dream bathroom oasis.