Signs Wooden Bathroom Vanities Need Replacing
When's the last time you took a good, close look at your bathroom vanities? If you're lucky, you bought or custom built a home replete with the finest wood furnishings, including a bathroom vanity. However, there's a risk factor that comes into play when you have wood in such a humid environment. In addition to the risk of termites, if you're not careful water can damage and warp the wood—but if caught early, you can save it.
Is there someone in the house who makes a mess when washing their face or brushing their teeth? That kind of water buildup can cause serious warping and even growth of mold and mildew over time. The most common spot for warping is directly in front of the sink, as well as the tops of cupboard doors. Look at the wood and see if you notice any wavy lines, which are likely a sign of water damage. A reputable woodworker may be able to buff out the damage and straighten the lines, but if the damage has gone too far, a new vanity replacement might be in order.
Are You Hosting a Feast?
Termites can happen in any home, and you may not realize a vanity has been destroyed from the inside out until it's too late. Even the highest quality wood vanities can fall victim to termites with excellent taste. However, a red flag you can look for is tiny piles that look like sawdust near any wooden furniture. If you notice these in the bathroom, it's nearly guaranteed that you have termites.
The first order of business is to evacuate the unwelcomed guest via an exterminator company. The next step is assessing the damage and figuring out if the vanity needs to be replaced. Termites work quickly, and it's rare that it can be saved. If you're asking yourself whether you should repair or replace vanities, it's always best to replace them after termites have been present.
The Silver Lining
Another common pest is the woodworm, which isn't a worm at all but rather a kind of beetle that lays eggs in wooden furniture. You can spot tell tale signs by tiny holes or brittle wood. When it comes time to replace modern vanities, woodworms are often the catapult—but this can be a good thing.
Instead of considering this an unwanted expense, use this opportunity as the push you need to improve your home value. The addition of a custom wood vanity in the bathroom isn't just stunning, but can also help you sell the property even decades from now since wood can last a lifetime with the right maintenance.
Photo Credit
Is there someone in the house who makes a mess when washing their face or brushing their teeth? That kind of water buildup can cause serious warping and even growth of mold and mildew over time. The most common spot for warping is directly in front of the sink, as well as the tops of cupboard doors. Look at the wood and see if you notice any wavy lines, which are likely a sign of water damage. A reputable woodworker may be able to buff out the damage and straighten the lines, but if the damage has gone too far, a new vanity replacement might be in order.
Are You Hosting a Feast?
Termites can happen in any home, and you may not realize a vanity has been destroyed from the inside out until it's too late. Even the highest quality wood vanities can fall victim to termites with excellent taste. However, a red flag you can look for is tiny piles that look like sawdust near any wooden furniture. If you notice these in the bathroom, it's nearly guaranteed that you have termites.
The first order of business is to evacuate the unwelcomed guest via an exterminator company. The next step is assessing the damage and figuring out if the vanity needs to be replaced. Termites work quickly, and it's rare that it can be saved. If you're asking yourself whether you should repair or replace vanities, it's always best to replace them after termites have been present.
The Silver Lining
Another common pest is the woodworm, which isn't a worm at all but rather a kind of beetle that lays eggs in wooden furniture. You can spot tell tale signs by tiny holes or brittle wood. When it comes time to replace modern vanities, woodworms are often the catapult—but this can be a good thing.
Instead of considering this an unwanted expense, use this opportunity as the push you need to improve your home value. The addition of a custom wood vanity in the bathroom isn't just stunning, but can also help you sell the property even decades from now since wood can last a lifetime with the right maintenance.
Photo Credit
