Your bathroom is your sanctuary and showering is a ritual. It is a moment of self-care. And what better way to transform your daily shower routine into a truly relaxing experience than with a good bath mat?
Teak bath mats make a wonderful addition to any bathroom. The wood is known for its exceptional durability and natural beauty. It combines functionality and aesthetics that will surely impress even the most discerning homeowners.
But it comes without the downsides. Teak shower mats can weather over time and are more expensive than other types of wood and traditional rubber mats.
The good news is that they are easy to restore and keep in good condition. In this post, we will show you how to care for your teak bath mat and weigh its pros and cons so you can decide whether it’s worth the space in your bathroom and your money.
Teak Bath Mat Pros and Cons
Choosing teak wood as a bath mat has several benefits. But just like other types of wood, it also has a fair share of disadvantages. When shopping for a new teak shower mat, consider its pros and cons.
Teak Bath Mat Pros:
Durable
Teak is known for its exceptional durability. The wood is extremely hard and is in fact harder than oak and pecan at 1000 to 1,155 lbs in the Janka hardness rating scale. Because of this, it’s one of the most sought-after materials for bath mats, teak shower flooring, boat decks, and anywhere there is high traffic.
It also has scratch-resistant properties, making it a great choice for kitchen utensils such as cutting boards. And unlike bamboo, the hardness of teak won’t dull your knives’ blades.
Visually Stunning
Teak in itself, without any stains or varnish, will look good in any bathroom. It has naturally even grains and a rich golden brown or honey color that lends any bath a luxurious feel. The grains are also long, which keeps the wood from splintering so there’s no need to even sand it down.
You can also get it from different finishes and designs to suit your taste. The is also naturally rustic and will surely add a touch of charm to your bathroom. It can weather over time. But it will develop a lovely silver patina that looks great in modern bathrooms.
Water Resistance
Teak is naturally water-resistant, which is why the wood is common in settings with exposure to moisture and elements. Besides teak mats and teak shower floors, if you’ve been in a sauna before, chances are that you’ve sat on planks of teak wood while enjoying the steam.
The magic lies in the wood’s high oil content and rubber, which help repel water, moisture, and humidity. This also means that it can also fight against mold and mildew growth, and it does so even without any treatment. It seldom rots and deteriorates, and if it does, you can always restore it with a coat of teak oil.
Termite Repellant
If you have termite problems at home, switching to teak shower mats and teak shower floors may be a good idea. This wood can repel pests and termites, thanks to its natural oils. The amount of natural oils in teak wood makes it a great bath material to keep this pesky stuff at bay.
Hygienic
Teak bath mats are the most hygienic! Again, the rubber and natural oils present in the wood make it incredibly hard for water and moisture to infiltrate. And when it can’t absorb water, it can’t be a breeding ground for germs and bacteria.
Naturally Non-Slip
One of the best things about teak is its anti-skid properties. Teak bath mats are a wonderful choice because they can keep you safe in the bathroom. Make sure that your mat has rubber grippers so it stays in place and doesn’t move when you step on it.
Teak Bath Mat Cons:
Expensive
Teak takes up to 25 years to mature, so it’s considered to be an exotic, rare type of wood. So anything made of teak, whether it’s a teak shower floor, a teak bath mat, or a furniture piece can come in a hefty price tag. Manufacturers can only get them in limited quantities.
If you want to save, there are other wood alternatives like bamboo, cedar, ipe, Shorea, and Ikoro. However, none of them can compare to teak when it comes to durability, beauty, and low maintenance. If you’re willing to splurge, a teak bath mat will be one of your best investments.
Can Come From Unethical Sources
Harvesting teak is highly regulated and illegal logging is still a problem in Southeast Asia, where the wood comes from. Many manufacturers source teak wood unethically from protected forests and sell them at a cheaper price point.
It might be tempting to buy directly from them but the practice has a negative effect on the environment. The good news is that not all teak bath mats are sourced unethically. It can be an eco-friendly option if you know what to look for. When you shop for teak bath mats, check that it has the FSC sustainable forestry label.
Its Shine Can Wear Off
But it happens slowly and over time. As with any wood, teak can weather, lose its shine, and it can even get dark. It’s a natural occurrence during its lifetime because it will lose some of its natural oils.
Requires Maintenance
Over time, your teak bath mat may need some polishing and oiling. When you use it in the bath, the chemicals from soap and shampoo can linger on the mat. For this, you need to clean your bath mat regularly and let it dry.
How Do You Clean a Teak Shower Mat?
Fortunately, cleaning and caring for teak bath mats is simple. It only requires soap, water, and a bristle brush to scrub off any residual soap. Then, rinse and let the mat sun dry, and apply some teak oil every once in a while.
You can do this every 6 months, depending on the condition of the bat. It’s also important to follow the cleaning instructions by the shower mat manufacturer. If you do proper upkeep to your teak bath mat, you’ll enjoy relaxing showers for a long time.
FAQs
Why Use a Teak Shower Mat?
Choosing a teak shower bath mat not only boasts durability but also offers a safer and more hygienic alternative to traditional rubber mats. Plus, they come in a range of designs and finishes. Teak bath mats are a great addition to your bathroom and can lend a relaxing and premium feel to the space.
Is Teak Good for Shower Floor?
Definitely! Teak is a durable wood that can take a lot of weight without breaking. It’s considered a hardwood and has exceptional durability that makes it one of the most sought-after materials for a teak shower floor and boat building.
Conclusion: Is a Teak Bath Mat Good?
If you’re contemplating on investing in teak shower mats, we’re here to tell you that it’s worth it!
It’s versatile and because of its natural beauty, you can even use it as a design accent to your bathroom, outdoor shower, sauna, or home spa. With its inherent durability, a teak bath mat can be one of the best investments you’ll ever make.
It might need a bit of maintenance here and there but if you care for it properly, it can last you a long time. You’re going to get the perfect combination of functionality and beauty with a teak bath mat. And remember to look for a sustainability label!
If you have more questions about teak bath mats, let us know and we’ll be happy to help you. Thanks for reading!
