I’ll be honest—when I first considered a hardwood floor for my laundry room, I wasn’t sure it was practical. Laundry rooms are busy spaces with water, detergent spills, and heavy foot traffic. But after seeing how stunning and durable hardwood can be, I was sold. Here’s why a hardwood floor in laundry room might be perfect for you.
Hardwood adds a timeless beauty to any room. Unlike tile or vinyl, it feels warm under your feet and gives the space a cozy, inviting vibe. It’s also incredibly durable when properly maintained. I’ve found that with the right care, hardwood can handle the demands of a laundry room. Plus, it boosts your home’s value. Buyers in the USA love hardwood floors, and having one in a functional space like the laundry room makes your home stand out.
Another reason I love hardwood is its versatility. You can choose from oak, maple, walnut, or even exotic woods like cherry. Each type brings a unique grain and color, letting you match your laundry room to the rest of your home. For me, picking a medium-toned oak gave my laundry room a seamless flow with my kitchen.
But it’s not just about looks. Hardwood is eco-friendly if sourced sustainably. Many brands offer FSC-certified wood, which means it’s harvested responsibly. I felt good knowing my flooring choice was kind to the planet.
Types of Hardwood Floors for Laundry Rooms
Not all hardwood floors are created equal, especially for a laundry room. I learned this the hard way when I first considered softwoods like pine. They’re beautiful but dent easily, which isn’t ideal for a high-traffic area. Here’s a breakdown of the best options I’ve explored.
Solid hardwood floors are cut from a single piece of wood. They’re thick, durable, and can be sanded and refinished multiple times. I chose solid oak for my laundry room because it’s tough and resists scratches from my heavy laundry baskets. However, solid hardwood can be sensitive to moisture, so you’ll need to be diligent about spills.
Engineered hardwood floors are another great choice. They’re made of a thin hardwood layer glued to a plywood base. This makes them more stable in humid environments like a laundry room. I almost went with engineered maple because it’s budget-friendly and resists warping. If you’re worried about water exposure, engineered hardwood might be your best bet.
Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:
| Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Solid Hardwood | Durable, can be refinished multiple times, classic look | Sensitive to moisture, higher cost |
| Engineered Hardwood | Stable in humidity, budget-friendly, easy to install | Limited refinishing, may not feel as “authentic” as solid hardwood |
I recommend checking the Janka hardness scale when picking your wood. It measures how tough a wood species is. For example, oak scores around 1200, while hickory is closer to 1800. I went with oak because it’s a good balance of durability and affordability.
Preparing Your Laundry Room for Hardwood
Before installing a hardwood floor in laundry room, you need to prep the space. I learned this step is crucial to avoid headaches later. My laundry room had an old vinyl floor, and I had to make sure the subfloor was ready.
First, check for moisture. Laundry rooms are prone to dampness from washing machines. I used a moisture meter to test my subfloor. If it’s above 12% moisture, you’ll need to fix any leaks or add a vapor barrier. I found a small leak in my washing machine hose, which was an easy fix but could’ve ruined my hardwood.
Next, make sure the subfloor is level. Uneven floors can cause gaps or creaking. I used a leveling compound to smooth out a few dips in my concrete subfloor. It took an afternoon, but it was worth it for a flawless finish.
Finally, acclimate your hardwood. I left my oak planks in the laundry room for a week before installation. This lets the wood adjust to the room’s temperature and humidity, preventing warping later. Trust me, don’t skip this step.
Installation Tips from My Experience
Installing a hardwood floor in my laundry room was a rewarding project. I’m no pro, but with some research and patience, I got it done. Here’s what worked for me.
If you’re hiring a professional, make sure they know the laundry room environment. They should use a moisture-resistant adhesive for engineered hardwood or properly seal solid hardwood. I watched my installer use a high-quality urethane adhesive, which gave me peace of mind.
For DIY folks like me, start with a clean, dry subfloor. I laid down a foam underlayment for extra cushioning and soundproofing. Then, I staggered the planks for a natural look. Cutting boards to fit around my washer and dryer was tricky, but a jigsaw made it manageable.
One tip I wish I’d known: leave a small expansion gap around the edges. Hardwood expands and contracts with humidity. I used spacers to keep a 1/4-inch gap, which I covered with baseboards. This saved my floor from buckling during a humid summer.
Protecting Your Hardwood Floor in the Laundry Room
A hardwood floor in laundry room needs extra care to stay beautiful. I learned this after a detergent spill left a sticky mess on my new oak floor. Here’s how I keep mine in top shape.
Seal your floor properly. I used a water-based polyurethane finish because it’s durable and dries fast. Apply at least three coats, sanding lightly between each. This creates a strong barrier against spills and scratches.
Be proactive about water. I keep a mat under my washing machine to catch drips. If a spill happens, I wipe it up immediately with a dry cloth. Standing water is hardwood’s worst enemy, so don’t let it sit.
Regular cleaning is key. I sweep daily to remove dust and lint, which can scratch the surface. For deeper cleaning, I use a damp mop with a hardwood-safe cleaner. Never use a soaking wet mop—it can seep into the wood and cause damage.
I also use felt pads under my laundry baskets and appliances. They prevent scratches when I move things around. And don’t forget rugs! I placed a washable rug near the washer for extra protection and style.
Design Ideas to Elevate Your Laundry Room
A hardwood floor can transform your laundry room into a space you love. I had fun designing mine, and here are some ideas that worked for me.
Go for a cohesive look. My oak floor matches the hardwood in my kitchen, creating a seamless flow. If your home has a modern vibe, try a gray-toned hardwood for a sleek feel. For a rustic laundry room, walnut or reclaimed wood adds charm.
Add a pop of color with a rug. I chose a blue patterned rug to brighten my space. It’s washable, which is perfect for a laundry room. Rugs also protect your hardwood floor from heavy appliances.
Consider built-in storage. I added wooden cabinets above my washer and dryer to keep the space tidy. The wood tones complement the floor, making the room feel polished.
Lighting matters too. I installed a small chandelier for a touch of elegance. It sounds fancy, but it was affordable and makes doing laundry feel less like a chore.
Cost Considerations for Hardwood Floors
Budget was a big factor for me when choosing a hardwood floor in laundry room. Costs vary depending on the wood type, quality, and installation method. Here’s what I found.
Solid hardwood floors typically cost $5–$12 per square foot, not including installation. My oak floor was on the lower end, around $6 per square foot. Engineered hardwood is cheaper, ranging from $3–$9 per square foot. Installation can add $3–$5 per square foot if you hire a pro.
Don’t forget extras like underlayment, adhesives, and sealants. I spent about $200 on these for my small laundry room. If you’re on a tight budget, engineered hardwood or DIY installation can save you money.
I also considered long-term value. A hardwood floor can last decades with proper care, unlike vinyl, which might need replacing sooner. For me, the investment was worth it for the beauty and durability.
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
I hit a few bumps when installing my hardwood floor in laundry room. Here’s how I tackled them.
Moisture was my biggest worry. To prevent damage, I fixed all leaks before installation and used a dehumidifier during humid months. If you live in a wet climate, consider engineered hardwood for extra stability.
Scratches were another concern. My heavy laundry basket left a few marks early on. I now use felt pads and avoid dragging anything across the floor. If scratches happen, a quick touch-up with a matching stain pen works wonders.
Warping can occur if the floor isn’T sealed properly. I made sure my polyurethane finish was applied evenly and reapplied a maintenance coat after a year. So far, my floor looks as good as new.
Why I Love My Hardwood Floor in the Laundry Room
After months of living with my hardwood floor in laundry room, I can say it was one of my best home decisions. It’s not just about the looks—though I love how warm and inviting the space feels. It’s also practical. My oak floor handles daily use without a hitch, and cleaning is a breeze with the right tools.
This project taught me that a hardwood floor can work in a laundry room if you plan carefully. From choosing the right wood to sealing it properly, every step matters. If you’re on the fence, I hope my experience inspires you to give it a try. It’s a game-changer for any home.
FAQs
Can a Hardwood Floor Handle Laundry Room Moisture?
Yes, it can. I’ve had no issues with my oak floor, but you need to seal it well and clean up spills quickly. Engineered hardwood is even better for humid areas.
Is Engineered Hardwood Better Than Solid Hardwood for Laundry Rooms?
It depends. Engineered hardwood is more stable in moisture-prone areas, which I found helpful. Solid hardwood is more durable long-term but needs extra care.
How Do I Clean a Hardwood Floor in My Laundry Room?
I sweep daily and use a damp mop with a hardwood cleaner weekly. Avoid soaking the floor, and dry any spills immediately to prevent damage.
What’s the Cost of Installing a Hardwood Floor in a Laundry Room?
My oak floor cost about $6 per square foot, plus $200 for materials. Installation can add $3–$5 per square foot if you hire someone.
Can I Install a Hardwood Floor Myself?
Absolutely. I did it with basic tools and patience. Just make sure your subfloor is level and you leave an expansion gap.