At Payless United Flooring, we frequently address technical questions about timber floors in wet areas under Australian conditions. Recently, an architect inquired about waterproofing cork floors and whether a specific product and application method could achieve this. While we often receive similar questions about wooden floors for bathrooms, toilets, and occasionally laundries, this topic has various aspects to consider.
This article focuses on Australian conditions; New Zealand situations will differ.The National Construction Code (NCC) mandates that bathroom floors must be impervious to moisture, similar to a swimming pool, to prevent leaks and protect the building structure. This requirement generally excludes wood or cork as part of the floor’s structure. However, some argue that we should not consider floor coverings, regardless of type, as part of the floor structure. Therefore, they believe these coverings do not need to be waterproof. This debate needs resolution before installation.
No manufacturer claims that a site-applied finish system for wood or cork is completely waterproof, but many finishes are water-resistant, as evidenced by installations in bars, pubs, clubs, and kitchens. Interestingly, there is no clear Australian or New Zealand standard to test finishes for a ‘waterproof’ designation.
Water Resistance and Slip Resistance
All finishes are resistant to spillage and can handle occasional water. For example, lifting a bathmat after use will not cause problems, but leaving puddles for hours might result in haziness as moisture is absorbed. This usually evaporates within hours. Regular spills of shampoo, liquid soaps, and detergents should be wiped up immediately.
Slip resistance is another crucial issue. While there is no requirement for finishes in domestic settings to meet slip-resistant standards (except for new staircases), building inspectors increasingly inquire about both water and slip resistance. Slip-resistant coatings improve surface safety but are not ‘nonslip’ and can only handle small amounts of surface moisture.
For visiting our waterproof Range please click here.
Timber and Moisture
Timber and cork perform well in environments with consistent temperature and humidity. However, rapid changes in humidity or temperature can cause timber to expand or contract, potentially damaging the finish and structure. Bathrooms, with their high temperatures and moisture levels, pose a risk of such movement.
Customers must understand these potential issues when installing wood or cork in bathrooms or other wet areas. If homeowners maintain their floors by wiping up spills, lifting mats and towels, and using an extractor, wood and cork can be viable flooring options.
For any inquiries or further details, feel free to contact us at Payless United Flooring.
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