Pallet boards above shower stall or not?

Lagree Wyndham
by Lagree Wyndham
I know I have been asking a lot of ?s but have one more, I have fiberglass shower stall in the the master bath, The ceilings in there are 9ft, I am guessing the shower stall is 6.5 ti 7 ft tall above that is painted sheet rock( green Board). Any way the wall get water stains on it from humidity or shower spray. I am repainting that room and considered using aged pallet boards on walls above shower stall, the only thing holding me off is I'm concerned about moisture....what do you think? I am also considering using wood grain porcelain tiles, but don't like $$ compared to free wood. Ideas? I'm going for a polished/industrial/rustic look.
  9 answers
  • Jan Loehr Jan Loehr on Apr 09, 2015
    Moisture will warp any wood you place in the immediate vicinity of a hot shower, it will be just be a matter of when, not if. Wood grain porcelain tiles will be a permanent fix for this area and in the long run, be a great asset to a home when you sell.
    • Lagree Wyndham Lagree Wyndham on Apr 09, 2015
      @Jan Loehr Thanx for reply..thats what i was thinking...Sell LOL this is my dream home I plan on dying here. :)
  • Jan Loehr Jan Loehr on Apr 09, 2015
    Heck! Then go for it!!! You may as well enjoy your home for as long as possible!
  • The open wood will mold as well...you may want to research fixes for that.
  • MamaSita MamaSita on Apr 10, 2015
    Don't use pallet wood..try looking around for wall board that's moisture proof or a type of cement board that you can stain or paint to give it a more rustic feel. I agree with the wood grain tiles as long as they will last the longest. Try a dark grout with them if you go that way so you won't be cleaning grout that has mold on it.
  • Trish Davenport Trish Davenport on Apr 10, 2015
    Use a water seal on your wood. It will work out fine even with steam.
    • Lagree Wyndham Lagree Wyndham on Apr 10, 2015
      @Trish Davenport Thanx I was thinking of that, Priced out tile for 27 sq ft, it comes to $108.00 not including tax, and store pickup. To me thats alot for such a small area, but I'm cheap.
  • Trish Davenport Trish Davenport on Apr 10, 2015
    You're not CHEAP Lagree, you are FRUGAL. No one needs to spend lots of money to have something special. Good Luck and stay frugal.
  • Moxie Moxie on Apr 11, 2015
    what about using the pvc deck boards that look like wood? they could take the water...worth looking at..they would not be free but now come in all kinds of colors with grain and would be cheaper that tile/grout..just a thought
  • Beth McDrummond Holley Beth McDrummond Holley on Apr 12, 2015
    We are in the process of using pallet boards in our bath for our baseboards and trim work as well and making a new vanity out of them. I am going to seal them with a sealant though. We want that same look and opted to go with old galvanized sheets for the shower area. They will still need to be sealed too though.
    • See 1 previous
    • Beth McDrummond Holley Beth McDrummond Holley on Apr 14, 2015
      @Lagree Wyndham That is something we haven't quite gotten to yet. I am still at the beginning stages of this project....lol. I wish I knew and hopefully someone will help us both out on that one!
  • Sheena Sheena on Apr 13, 2015
    That's just asking for a mold problem the wood will trap the moisture in every time you shower, I paint houses for a living and I get to repair lots of mold problems in showers from the moisture the sheet rock will also start to turn loose.
    • See 1 previous
    • Beth McDrummond Holley Beth McDrummond Holley on Apr 14, 2015
      @Sheena I am not sure I agree. I am only using the boards around the area of the tub and shower so it won't be getting direct water, only moisture from the air. Baseboard trims get the same moisture and are wood, just sealed with paint. I will be sealing the pallet boards with a marine grade sealant so I don't think it will be an issue.