Is a New Wood Countertop Ideal for a Bathroom?

Wood has been around water for as long as it has been wood, so if you are thinking about a new wood countertop or vanity for your bathroom, you aren’t bonkers. You can make it happen, but you do need to know how to protect it from rapid aging.

Question:

I’m considering building and replacing the bathroom countertop (1960’s era laminate) with one made out of wood. Any idea of what to finish it with so it is protected from water?

Answer:

Love this project. We’ve had good luck sealing wood in wet areas (pine bathroom floor, bar tops) with 1 coat of sanding sealer and two coats of polyurethane.

We’d suggest an oil-base for both products sanding carefully before application and between coats. If you’re really worried about water or degrading the finish from hard water and the like, go with 3 coats and/or use a spar urethane.

Mark

A licensed contractor, tool expert, wood and outdoor enthusiast, and elite Spartan Race competitor, he writes about home improvement and tools for national magazines and websites, and teaches hands-on clinics for other remodeling professionals. Check out his book, The Carpenter's Notebook.

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