Top 9 Best Wood for Bathroom Vanity and Cabinets

With hundreds of bathroom vanity materials available, picking the best wood for bathroom vanity can be overwhelming.

When selecting bathroom vanity materials, I go for wood that excels at keeping humidity in control without breaking down. I ensure the wood is strong enough to support the sink’s weight and other bathroom vanity material.

I have compiled a detailed list of popular options to help you choose the most durable wood material and avoid buying bad material.

Best Wood for Bathroom Vanity

1. Birchwood bathroom vanity

Birch is a thin, hardwood tree native to the northern hemisphere, including the United States, Canada, and Europe. For centuries, people have used birch to make furniture, medicines, and paper.

Many contractors prefer it due to its particle size. Its edges take paint extremely well to give you a fantastic stained finish when you know how to professionally paint cabinets.

Birch is the best wood for bathroom cabinets because it is water-resistant.

What I Liked Most

It is an attractive wood and has a straight wood grain
The color is light, but it is strong and long-lasting
It’s a truly solid choice as it is excellent as resisting decay
It stains and polishes nicely
It’s readily available
It’s durable

What Could Be Improved

It is pricey
It’s prone to attacks from bugs and the furniture beetle

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2. Maple

Maple is the best wood for bathroom shelves as it looks fabulous and stains well. It is popular among woodworkers and furniture enthusiasts due to its light, creamy color, delicate wood grain pattern, and outstanding durability.

Even in unusual circumstances, maple won’t let you down. Maple pairs well with modern and contemporary designs due to its soft grain.

The beautiful material is excellent at keeping humidity at bay, making your bathroom vanity last for decades.

Maple is the ideal solid wood for your bathroom cabinet for the reasons below.

What I Liked Most

It is durable as it resists damage caused by splashes of water and movement
It’s a very attractive wood whether you need a natural or stained finish
It’s available in different styles to suit your preferences 
It can give your wood bath vanities the beautiful aesthetic you desire

What Could Be Improved

It is costly

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3. Solid plywood bathroom vanity

Solid plywood compared to plywood, is an engineered wood composite created by gluing multiple layers of wood veneer in various directions.

The solid wood veneers are made from real wood peeled into thin layers. Solid plywood is an engineered wood composite similar to MDF medium density fiberboard.

In simple words, solid wood plywood is a combination of Medium Density fiberboard and Particle Board.

Bathroom vanity makers prefer these engineered materials because they are the most durable bathroom vanities.  It is ideal for solid surface countertops.

What I Liked Most

It’s affordable
It’s lightweight, so you can easily transport it
It’s the most  durable wood material 

What Could Be Improved

It might peel off if you do not paint it
It’s prone to insect attacks

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4. Teak

Teak is the most moisture-resistant bathroom vanity used in shipbuilding for centuries. It is solid hardwood and performs well in the bathrooms and other high moisture areas while offering you a warm texture.

Teak performs far much better than soft woods and is therefore pricey. Teak is the preferred option for most homeowners because it can absorb water molecules and excel at keeping humidity away.

A few materials really compare with solid wood due to durability and ability to withstand the extremes of heat and cold.

Teak’s extravagant, gorgeous, and multifaceted light and brown grain characteristics make it an ideal material for a countertop that can be the icon of your bathroom and kitchen cabinet design.

Teak is suitable for most projects, whether you’re looking for a modern, attractive vanity or traditional appearance in your bathroom or kitchen cabinet. Here are more wood to make cabinet doors.

What We Liked Most

It’s the ideal wood for most wood bath vanities as it is durable
It’s versatile
It has natural characteristics that make it water and moisture resistant

What Could Be Improved

It’s pricey

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5. Mahogany

Mahogany is a popular solid wood because of its hardness, durability, and undeniable beauty. It is a highly sought-after wood for applications such as custom cabinets, furniture, epoxy slabs, cabinetry, sculpture, bathroom vanities, carving, interior trim, etc.

Mahogany has superb water resistance capability. Therefore it is the best wood for bathroom vanity.

Mahogany is resistant to warping. As a result, even if you expose it to moisture and other unforgiving elements, it will not sustain significant damage. It is relatively simple to clean the wood, and the process does not harm the wood.

You might not realize how much steam comes into contact with your wood vanity. But keep in mind that each time you take a hot shower, steam comes out and ends up on your vanity.

So, you need a material that can take on loads of steam based on your daily hygiene habits. Mahogany is an excellent wood for making doors. It is resistant to bug infestations.

It is also effective at blocking unwanted sounds or noise. So,  if you have mahogany door panels, traffic noise is unlikely to bother your family.

Most contractors and homeowners find solid wood such as mahogany the go-to wood for their bathroom vanities and even outdoor wood columns for the porch.

What I Liked Most

It’s an attractive wood, and it’s a solid choice for kitchen cabinets and bathroom cabinets
It’s hard and durable
It resists water and moisture, so it won’t warp or crack easily

What Could Be Improved

It is costly 

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6. Medium Density Fibreboard

MDF, or Medium-Density Fibreboard, is an engineered material composed of composite solid wood pieces held together with resin adhesive or a special wax.

The wood looks like ordinary particleboard. Still, it is much denser and lacks the “voids” easily visible in particleboard. It does not warp even when the temperature and humidity changes.

Because of its structure and outstanding consistency, it’s a bit simple to cut or drill without generating chipping and splinters.

The beauty of MDF includes its low cost and super smooth surface. There are no splinters around the edges, indicating that it paints remarkably well. When working with MDF cabinets, select the best paint for MDF cabinets to achieve a flawless result.”

What I Liked Most

It is affordable
It takes finishes,  paints, or stains exceptionally well

What Could Be Improved

MDF does not hold nails or screws well because it is made of fine particles
If you fail to treat it, it will swell and rot if it gets wet for extended periods

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7. Cherry

Cherry bathroom vanities have been a popular choice for centuries. Cherry wood is a high-end finish that is more expensive than other cabinet woods and building materials.

Nevertheless, most homeowners believe the wood is worth every penny due to its durability and attractive color.   

Cherry is also a versatile wood that works great in classic and traditional bathroom settings.

What I Liked Most

It has a beautiful color that adds character to any project, and it’s durable
It has a straight grain with a fine uniform texture 
It’s easy to sand resulting in smooth impeccable surfaces after finishing
It resists water and moisture

What Could Be Improved

It’s expensive

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8. Rubberwood

Rubberwood solid wood or “Tirol” is native to the Philippines and substitutes mahogany. Tirol also has the density, durability, and texture of natural mahogany.

You can quickly treat it with oil or paint. It can also withstand changes in temperature and humidity.

It has a high resistance to decay, making it one of the most preferred choices for bathroom vanity today.

What I Liked Most

It is an eco-friendly material made from latex by-products
It is 90 percent as strong as solid oak
It has a natural resistance to bacteria, fungi, moisture, and mold
It is strong, flexible, and workable, ideal for handcrafted furniture
In terms of price, it is reasonable

What Could Be Improved

Rubber Wood is biodegradable  and has a high decay rate

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9. Red Oak

While there are many options to choose from when trying to find the best fit for your bathroom vanity materials, most people agree that red oak is a sound choice for a wide range of reasons.

Red Oak is one of the best natural real wood, and you can use it for the custom cabinet. It’s easy to paint real wood to get a desirable painted finish. Red Oak’s performance surpasses most woods created by combining wood particles.

Red oak is the best solid wood for bathroom vanity because it is durable and affordable, resistant to water and staining, not likely to warp or crack, readily available in a range of attractive colors, sturdy enough to stand up well to use without reinforcements.

If you are fully renovating your home, consider red oak as you can’t question the durability of solid wood.

What I Liked Most

Even when exposed to moisture, it does not expand and contract
It’s stain friendly
It’s abundant and very affordable
Can be used for a burning wood technique

What Could Be Improved

It’s widespread, so it might not work for you if you want to be unique

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Pros and Cons of Wooden Cabinets and Vanities for Bathroom

When remodeling my bathroom, I considered both wooden cabinets and vanities.

But a wood vanity, just like a coin, has two sides. It has advantages and disadvantages. Let’s begin with the advantages.  

Advantages of Wooden Cabinet and Vanities for Bathroom

• Wood tones add warmth and depth to a room that would otherwise be accentuated by metal, glass, stone, tile, and vinyl, and it’s not just visual warmth.
• Wood retains heat well and feels soft to your touch.
• Wood slabs create an organic effect with curvy edges and beautiful grain patterns accentuating each piece’s natural beauty and making it more durable than other types.
• You can also stain or paint solid surfaces for added flair before going ahead with any finishing touches like beveling boards on furniture legs if you’re looking for something extra fashionable.
• Wood is less expensive than some other materials, and you can find the one ideal for your budget without breaking your bank.

Cons/ Disadvantages of wooden cabinets and vanities for the bathroom

• The shower steam and condensation from everyday bathroom activities will undoubtedly ruin your wood vanity top. Mitigate this vulnerability by adequately sealing the surface.
• Since wood is a soft material, it’s more susceptible to scratches and dents than any other material on the market. These scratches and dents will require time and money to fix them. 
• Although wood is durable, it requires regular maintenance to keep it looking good and protect it from other elements, which can be expensive based on the type of stains or sealers you choose.

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The Best Wood Finish for Bathroom Vanity

Bathroom cabinets, also known as vanities, are smaller than other cabinet types. To offer your bathroom a face-lift,  refinish it in one afternoon. 

Refinishing the bathroom vanities gives them additional protection from the ever-present moisture and humidity in your bathroom, which significantly prolongs their lifespan. Here are the types of finishes available.

Paint (Enamel)

Enamel paint is a solid choice for a creamy, natural look. It is long-lasting and gives you an easy-to-clean wooden surface.

You do not need to sand the cabinet but sand it lightly with 180-grit sandpaper for a super smooth finish.

Oil stain

There are several types of oil stains. You don’t need to apply another finish if you use an oil stain. The oil will penetrate your wood and harden it in the pores, thus protecting the wood from the inside.

It takes some time to dry, but it is easy to apply and nearly foolproof.

Read more on how to remove oil stain from wood to learn more.

Lacquer

The most common cabinet finish is lacquer. Most people prefer lacquer because it dries quickly, protects for a long time, and is simple to apply.

You can apply it over the existing stain or to bare wood. Two light coats of lacquer are enough to give you professional results.

How to Choose Wood for Bathroom Vanity

Your day starts at your bathroom vanity. While brushing your teeth and styling your hair in the morning, you mentally go over your schedule.

Every evening, you end up at your vanity, washing away the highs and lows of a hectic day before going to bed. So, any ancient set of drawers with a small sink attached will not suffice.

This type of daily committed partnership necessitates more thought and planning than the typical piece of the furniture selection process.

Even though the style is essential, it is also critical to select wood that can hold out against the temperate climate of your bathroom. Here are a few crucial factors to consider when selecting wood for bathroom vanity.

Examine the wood’s waterproofing capability

Choosing the suitable wood for bathroom cabinets may appear simple, but there is tons of information to sift through.  Remember, bathrooms can become wet, foggy, and flooded.

So, it is best to choose the wood that will not crack, rot, or warp even when exposed to water or moist conditions for extended periods. If you pick the wrong wood, it will cost you heavily many years down the line. You can also learn how to waterproof wood for bathroom to avoid future problems.

Consider the wood’s durability

Choose the most durable wood you can find. Although more expensive, it is best to pick the most robust and most durable wood for bathroom cabinets. Several types of solid wood can do the job well and last for decades.

The most crucial thing is to select wood that you can appropriately seal to prevent water and moisture damage. The wood should also be relatively easy to work with. Go for a wood you can drill, stain, and shape as you wish hassle-free.

Consider the moisture content of the wood at the time of delivery

Knowing the wood’s MC ( moisture content ) when receiving it is the only way to predict wood movement reliably. Use a  moisture meter to determine the wood’s moisture content.

If you do not inspect your delivered wood, you have no way of predicting movement issues. You should reject any wood that exceeds the reasonable MC level.

Recommended Reading: Can you paint damp wood?

Humidity inside and outside the structure

Since all wood should adapt to its end-use environment, it requires time to settle after installation.

If you never achieved the initial moisture balance, the unequilibrated moisture content in the wood can cause ongoing MC instability and recurring moisture-related challenges.

FAQs

What is the best material to use for bathroom vanity?

It depends on what you need most. Generally, solid wood is the best material for a bathroom vanity cabinet. You can not compare its durability to any other material out there. It excellently keeps humidity in check. That’s why it’s a top choice for most homeowners. However, it’s expensive.

How do I protect my bathroom vanity from water damage?

There are several ways of protecting your bathroom vanity from water damage. Use unique waterproofing spray paints, stains, and finishes. You can also use an extractor fan to get rid of the moisture and steam after having a hot shower. Also, mop up pooled water. Oakwood is exceptionally durable, and you can carefully cut it to prevent warping. It has a distinct appearance due to its noticeable wavy grain.  Any clear finish will highlight the grain nicely.

What is the most durable bathroom vanity?

Oakwood is considered the most durable material for a bathroom vanity due to its resistance to warping. The distinct wavy grain adds a unique appearance, and a clear finish enhances the grain while extending its lifespan. Similarly, oak is one of the best woods for bow making, offering strength and flexibility for crafting reliable, high-performance bows.

What is the cheapest vanity top material?

Laminate is the most cost-effective countertop material. It is available in various colors and styles, designed to resemble granite, marble, or other expensive materials. Most laminate countertops are good-looking and surprisingly long-lasting. They are also easy to maintain. If you’re looking to use wood, don’t go for the cheapest hardwood lumber.

Is Poplar good for bathroom vanity?

Poplar is softer than oak, making it prone to scratches and dents. However, applying high-quality oil-based paint can improve its resistance to damage. This is particularly useful for a wooden window sill replacement, providing durability and protection while allowing customization to match your decor.

Can you use a kitchen cabinet as a bathroom vanity?

Yes. You can use your kitchen cabinet in your bathroom. You only need to remodel or refinish it, and you’ll be good to go. Select a kitchen cabinet and install vanity tops to convert it into a beautiful bathroom vanity cabinet.

Can MDF be used to make raised garden beds?

No. MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) is a versatile material used for various indoor projects. It is not the best wood for raised garden beds due to its high susceptibility to moisture, which can cause swelling and deterioration. Opt for outdoor-appropriate materials like cedar, redwood, or pressure-treated wood for a more durable and safe option to support your plants in raised garden beds.

Next read: What is the best material for Adirondack chairs?

Conclusion

We have highlighted some of the best wood for bathroom vanity available in the market today.

Remember, a bathroom vanity material should at least withstand the moisture and humidity in your bathroom without giving away too quickly.