The Patio Expert Pages

The original material used in the first bathroom vanity is said to be wood. Not only is it widely available, but its durability and versatility makes it a sensible choice to many. Woods can easily be shaped and carved to deliver any design, as well. In addition, wooden materials can be used in manufacturing both single and double bathroom vanity, and offers a variety of options to fit ones budget. Wood easily transforms a bath vanity into luxurious furniture when sinks and countertops are made of glass, copper, ceramic and aluminum.

Wood is highly versatile and universally appealing, that's why it's a popular choice of material for bathroom vanities. It can accommodate a country, traditional, modern and artistic theme - whatever look you want for you bathroom. To pull it off, however, you need to have even a little bit of knowledge about the different wood materials to know how to take care of it. Knowing what beauty woods can bring will also guide you in choosing other materials you can use to accentuate your vanity.

For people who want an old country look in their homes and bathrooms, the lighter woods, such as light oak painted in white, is a good choice. A light-colored wooden vanity instantly gives a rich, warm and homey feel to a room. Other styles, such as traditional European, carry an antique charm, as well, and these usually comes in darker wood tones, such as mahogany, cherry and hickory. Woods can be hand-crafted or hand-carved for detailed motifs and are sometimes painted to complete a traditional look for the vanity.

If you're targeting for a much modern ambiance, you can adopt a modern rustic style that uses dark stained wood with organic grains swirling on the surface. To complete the look, install a white drop sink in your vanity. Another sought after, chic vanity is one made of solid birch, painted in dark brown or black and matched with clear tempered or frosted glass sink that resembles a bowl. It's simple but very stylish and zen. An extremely modern style that also saves space is a vanity pedestal constructed with the use solid oak wood with brushed nickel stainless steel tower bars.

Wooden bath vanities come in different wood variations, and some useful knowledge about the different wood materials will guide you to buying a durable vanity. An all-time favorite is the oak wood because of its earthy and conventional look. A more expensive alternative to old oak wood is mahogany with its reddish brown color and regular grain qualities. To ensure that natural oak, as well as birth, remains pristine and in good condition for a long time, clean it regularly and give it a wood oil rundown once every two months.

There are other wood variety opted by furniture buyers. Maple and cherry woods are also used frequently in vanities - the former because of its durability and susceptibility to warps, cracks and rots, while the latter is popular for carved bathroom vanities. For more exotic and upper-end woods, there is the mahogany, walnut and ebody woods to choose from. Lesser quality woods, such as the medium-density fiberboards, are used as back panels for plumbing.

Purchasing a good quality vanity is especially important for bath furniture because of its exposure to water. Wood, being a natural material, decays overtime unless it is kept dry. In fact, wood rot is the most common type of damage more than those made by termites and other pests. To avoid this, make sure to keep a dry but ventilated home so moisture does not collect. Also, buy the type of wooden vanity that is protected from moisture. The wooden cabinets in vanities made in oak, maple, walnut and cherry wood are best when finished with urethane to prevent moisture.