Wainscoting in Bathroom Prone to Rotting?

Question

Say I install wainscoting in a bathroom where it gets steamy during a hot shower.  Is wainscoting prone to water damage over time?

Jeffrey K. · Answer

screw the real stuff and MDF.  Do to Home Depot and they sell a PVC or abs plastic version.  It is expensive but is built for bathroom applications.

Jay B. · Answer

I would also suggest not resting it on the floor when you install, and leave a small gap (that would then be filled with the silicone/caulk).
          
          That way, if the caulk fails, it shouldn't wick up any water spilled on the floor.
          
          Also, I personally wouldn't use MDF wainscoting, as if there is any penetration, it will swell and be quite noticable, where pine (or other real wood) wouldn't be as noticable if there was damage.

Jay

Adrian G. · Answer

Wainscoting on the floor?? Thats a huge NO NO.

Brian Haskins · Answer

They make some designed to handle steam in a bathroom or paint wooden with a semi or high gloss paint as long as water won't be on it constantly you should be ok.

Brian Haskins

Bill Gulley · Answer

Jeff is right, but IMO it looks cheaper. Mine is painted pine and sets ontop of the beadboad. No problems. I have never seen wainscoating used on the floor....? I use base molding at the floor, wainscoating about 34 inches up, on top of the bead board or as chair-rail.

James Harkness · Answer

Wainscoating in a bathroom is not a great idea.  It will expand and shrink with moisture (as all wood does).  Eventually there will be very noticable gaps and it just doesn't look good.

Tony Thompson · Answer

Alright good to know.  Yep I'll be using the real stuff and caulk.  Thx.

Adrian G. · Answer

I agree with Jay and he makes good points in regards to not using MDF.

Bill Gulley · Answer

Hi, nope, give it a good paint job a caulk the top and bottom to the wall, and give it a good paint job. If you have condensation on the walls, I suggest you use the vent fan or install one to the light, it may not be well vented. Good luck, Bill

Wainscoting in Bathroom Prone to Rotting?

Most Popular Reply