How Can I Install a Live-Edge Countertop in My Home?

Live-edge countertops are beautiful features that can be incorporated into various parts of the home. The kitchen is not the only place where a live-edge countertop can be placed, but it is one of the most common areas where many homeowners choose to place one when renovating or building their home. 

This guide will give you insight into incorporating live edge countertops for the bathroom or, as you will learn, more ideally, for a powder room. Having a wooden countertop for a bathroom may seem like an alien idea, considering that many of us know that wood will warp when exposed to large amounts of moisture. However, there are ways to ensure control of the moisture, which you will learn in this guide, and safely install a live-edge wood countertop for your bathroom. 

Let's look at how you can safely use a wood countertop for your bathroom. 

Table of Contents 

How Can I Install a Live-EdgeCountertop in My Home?

Can I use Live Edge Wood Countertops for my Bathroom?

How to Use a Live-Edge Wood Countertop in a Bathroom

Make sure the wood is dried

Make sure the wood is finished and sealed

Ventilate the bathroom

Order your Live Edge Bathroom Countertop Today

Can I use Live Edge Wood Countertops for my Bathroom?

Wood is a porous material that can absorb moisture. But there are some that absorb less moisture and are more suited for bathroom countertops. Determining the drying and seasoning method your furniture vendor uses is necessary to ensure that you are aware of how the wood will react to moisture in the bathroom. For example, hardwoods like Redwood, Black Walnut, Oak, and Ash may be more suitable for the construction of a bathroom vanity countertop. 

Chicago Makers Studio uses a kiln dry method that is one of the most thorough to ensure no movement occurs. All of our slabs are air dried and then kiln dried, and in some instances, vacuum kiln dried to ensure no wood movement occurs.

It is also a good idea to choose a live edge countertop for a powder room rather than a full bath. Powder rooms do not have large amounts of moisture that are trapped so it is the perfect place to show off a sleek beautiful wood countertop. 

How to Use a Live-Edge Wood Countertop in a Bathroom

Live-edge countertops can safely be used as bathroom countertops by using a few tips and guidelines: 

Make sure the wood is dried

Drying wood properly is essential to prevent warping. Wood should be dried slowly and carefully to allow the moisture to evaporate evenly. There are different ways of drying the wood, including air drying, which helps the wood to dry over time, which can take months to several years. One can also kiln-dry the wood, which is done by using heat and an even more effective way of seasoning the wood. Hybrid drying is a combination of using more than one method, which may be kiln plus air drying. Irrelevant to what method is used, ensuring the wood is dried is essential. 

Make sure the wood is finished and sealed

It needs to be finished and sealed to ensure moisture does not enter the wood. Various methods will include steps like sanding the wood with sandpaper and then cleaning it with a damp cloth to remove dust or dirt. Then, the wood should be finished with appropriate finishes and topcoat.. At Chicago Makers Studio, we use an industrial grade lacquer that resists moisture in order to finish and seal some of our pieces. Make sure to ask the furniture vendor how they finish their furniture before making a purchase. 

Ventilate the bathroom 

It is essential to ensure the bathroom is well-ventilated and there is a passage for moisture to exit it effectively to ensure that no water is retained that could affect the countertop. An exhaust fan can be used to make sure all of the moisture is not trapped inside. Other tips are making sure the bathroom door is left open after taking a shower and not placing wet items on the countertop for extended periods of time. 

Public restrooms that do not have showers are a great place to install live edge countertops because there are less chances of moisture being trapped in the bathroom that could affect the bathroom countertop. 

Order your Live Edge Bathroom Countertop Today 

Live-edge countertops can add a unique and natural touch to any bathroom. However, because bathrooms are humid, it's important to choose the right kind of wood and finish for your live-edge countertop. Some popular choices for bathroom live-edge countertops include black walnut and redwood, as they are durable and resistant to water damage. To ensure your countertop stays in good condition, it's essential to seal it properly and avoid leaving wet items on the surface for prolonged periods.

If you are looking for unique live-edge countertops to liven up your restroom, Chicago Makers Studio is the perfect choice. Our website offers a variety of options available in Black Walnut and Redwood. 

If you don't find what you're looking for, call us. We can turn your vision into a reality. Learn more about our live-edge bathroom countertop collection here.