Hands down, the moist air that is usually found in a bathroom poses the greatest challenge to a hardwood floor. When using a shower or simply running water in the sink, the water evaporates into the air. Since most bathrooms are enclosed spaces, the moisture becomes trapped in the air as small droplets. As more accumulate, they become bigger and heavier until they eventually drop to the floor.

And that doesn't count the water that's splashed when you're washing, the puddles that form when you step from the tub, and the little lakes and rivulets that inevitably follow a child's bath. Unlike lawns and plants though, floors don't appreciate being watered!

Wood is naturally permeable which means it's more likely to soak up water than repel it—even with moisture proof treatments. The wooden slats on your floor have gaps between them. When water seeps into those spaces, it stays there. This water then expands and contracts with temperature changes causing further damage to the floor and making it even more susceptible to moisture retention problems.

Damaged flooring needs to be repaired by ripping it up and replacing it with new wood. This can be time consuming and costly, especially when needed on a regular basis.

When it comes to bathroom remodeling, it's fine to use vanities and cabinets made of wood. Although these get exposed to moisture too, they are spared the physical punishment that floors get. Also, good quality bathroom furniture has a waterproof coating to protect it.

Here are some good alternatives to hardwood flooring in the bathroom:

• Tile flooring

• Vinyl flooring

• Laminate flooring

• Composite flooring

Each of these materials has plusses and minuses in relation to the others. Just make sure that the installation process is thorough and doesn't involve using particleboard for the foundation. That board can soak up a lot of moisture too, leaving the same problems you had with hardwood.

Moisture not only weakens wood floors but also creates a perfect medium in which mold and mildew can thrive. These, in turn, cause wood to rot and can make life miserable for those with allergies. In extreme cases, the entire structure of the bathroom will need to be replaced to stop the spread of these toxic substances.