We’ve talked about all sorts of different bath mats – we even compared the most common types in one of our guides to show their strengths and shortcomings, trying to find the best bathroom mat there is.
The recent shift towards more conscious shopping and environmental concern means we started looking at better, natural alternatives to traditional synthetic mats. And there are quite a few – diatomite, organic cotton, or wood.
First, the stone bath mats for bathroom are a great choice – practical and eco-friendly. It’s a revolutionary product, a complete reimagination of a bath mat.
But this time, let’s take a look at their wooden counterparts.
Are they better? How do they stack up against other types? Are wooden shower mats worth your time and money?
Wooden Bath Mats - The Good
Wooden bath mats have a unique appeal and charm – no doubt. For many people, they strike the perfect balance between functionality and aesthetics.
They also fit into the spa-like bathroom trend that’s still going strong very well, bringing a touch of nature to a space where normally nature is not exactly a regular. That brings us to the first point.
Natural Look and Feel
Wooden bath mats offer a natural, spa-like look that can elevate the overall design of a bathroom. The organic feel of wood, combined with its warm, earthy tones, can make your bathroom feel more welcoming and relaxing.
They also go really well with other natural bathroom staples, like wooden towel racks or bamboo towels.
Floor tiles are great and functional but they’re often rather cold. A wooden shower mat is a subtle way to balance that out with that distinct warmth that only nature can offer.
Durability
It’s no secret nor is it a surprise - wooden bath mats are durable.
Unlike fabric mats that wear down, flatten, or become discoloured over time, wooden mats can last for years with proper care.
The solid construction of wood makes it resistant to tearing or fraying, issues commonly faced by fabric mats. Most timber bath mats are made from hardwoods like bamboo or teak, which are known for their moisture resistance and long-lasting properties.
Hygenic Properties
Wooden mats tend to stay drier than fabric mats. Since wooden bath mats don't particularly absorb water (especially if it's properly treated), the surface dries off faster, reducing the risk of mould, bacteria and mildew growth.
This makes them a more hygienic option in a bathroom, where moisture and humidity are constant challenges.
Sustainability
If you’re trying to make more eco-friendly choices in your home, a wooden bath mat is a solid option.
Many wooden mats are made from sustainable materials like bamboo, which is one of the fastest-growing plants on earth. Choosing a wooden mat over a synthetic one can help reduce your carbon footprint and cut down on plastic waste. Just make sure you get one with that FSC logo.
You also save on machine washing, which of course you need to do with traditional bath mats. This in turn helps you to save both water and energy.
Wooden Bath Mats - The Bad
While they have plenty of benefits, they do come with a few drawbacks.
It's important to weigh these against the advantages before deciding if they’re the best fit for your bathroom. Especially considering some of their strengths can also be viewed as their weaknesses.
Water Pooling
One of the biggest downsides to wooden bath mats is that water can pool on their surface, especially if the mat has a flat or slatted design.
When you step out of the shower, water sits on top of the mat instead of being absorbed like it would with a fabric mat.
While many mats have gaps between slats for drainage, they’re not always effective at keeping the surface dry.
Maintenance
Wooden bath mats require more maintenance than fabric ones.
To keep them in good condition and prevent mould or mildew from forming underneath, they need to be cleaned regularly and dried thoroughly. This includes wiping down the surface after use and making sure it’s placed in a well-ventilated area to air out.
Additionally, wooden mats may need to be treated with oil or sealant every so often to maintain their water resistance and prevent cracking or warping.
Hard Surface
Unlike plush fabric mats, wooden bath mats offer a much harder surface. This may be a good thing but not necessarily.
Your feet may miss the soft, cushioned feeling that comes with a traditional bath mat. If comfort is a priority for you, this could be a disadvantage.
Wooden Bath Mats vs Natural Earth Stone Mats
A timber or bamboo bath mat looks pretty good against a stone bathroom mat. Honestly, it’s probably the second or third best sustainable option.
It doesn’t offer the same comfort in terms of feel, practicality, and water absorption though. On the other hand, this bath mat dries quickly but it’s obviously not quite as durable as timber.
Wooden bath mats are definitely aesthetic, although which one looks better is a matter of personal preference. They’re also rather hygienic as they don’t absorb water. But that’s a double-edged sword.
They don’t absorb water.
This may raise some questions about the value of having a bath mat that leaves the floor just as wet as it would be without it...
Moreover, stone mats are highly durable and require less maintenance than wooden mats. They don’t need to be treated with oil or sealant and can be cleaned easily with minimal effort.
When we look at the features alone, diatomite stone is a clear winner, but at the end of the day, it’s about what matters to you the most.
How to Care for a Timber Bath Mat
To get the most out of your wooden shower mat, regular maintenance is key. Here are some practical tips to help you care for it:
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Dry it regularly: After each use, wipe down your wooden mat to remove excess water. This will help prevent water from pooling and reduce the chance of mould forming underneath.
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Keep it well-ventilated: Make sure your wooden mat is placed in a well-ventilated area where it can air out between uses. Don’t leave it in a constantly damp spot.
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Oil or seal the wood: To maintain the wood’s water-resistant properties, consider treating the mat with a wood oil or sealant every few months. This will help prolong its lifespan and protect it from moisture damage.
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Deep clean occasionally: Every now and then, give your wooden bath mat a deeper clean by scrubbing it with mild soap and water. Just make sure it’s fully dried afterwards.
Environmental Impact
One of the standout benefits of wooden bath mats is how kind to the environment they are. Unlike synthetic mats, which often end up in landfills, wooden mats can be repurposed once they’ve reached the end of their life.
For instance, they can be used as outdoor mats for shoes, a mat for indoor plants, or even cut down and used for DIY projects. If made from untreated, natural wood, you can simply compost or recycle them.
Is a Wooden Bath Mat Right for You?
It can be. There’s no denying that wooden bath mats are a stylish, durable and sustainable choice for any bathroom.
Part of their appeal is that natural charm, thanks to which, they can easily fit into any design choices and aesthetics.
With more maintenance requirements, and issues like pooling, a wooden bath mat may not be the perfect choice, but it’s definitely a strong contender, provided you’re willing to compromise and take the good and the bad.
Thankfully, there’s no ugly.