Teak Bath Mat: Nothing Better!
So you are updating your bathroom, renovating, or just looking to replace your bath mat. You are on the fence, and just not sure if you want to go with teak or something cheaper, or more traditional. Here are a few things to consider before you make your decision.
A Teak Bath Mat Will Not Mold
Let’s say you get a cloth bath mat, and use it on a standard tile or linoleum floor. After just a few days of use, enough water will have soaked in to begin fostering mildew, and the floor below will begin to dampen. In just over a week, there can be enough moisture build-up to allow mold to begin to grow. The damp cloth provides a perfect environment for mold and bacteria to thrive.
What if you go with a rubber bath mat? Because rubber forms a seal against the flooring below, you can still experience accelerated mold growth. Additionally, rubber does not offer nearly the absorbing power of cloth, so more water will remain on your feet, which could end up being hazardous.
With a teak bath mat, the upper level of the mat is suspended above the ground, so there is no seal trapping water against your flooring. Water is allowed to drip free of your feet, providing a safe shower exit, and then quickly dries. Since teak is naturally resistant to water, you do not need to worry about the mat itself molding or becoming damaged.
Consider the Cost
Think about the cost involved when making a bath mat decision. A good teak bath mat will likely cost about $70 – significantly more than a standard cloth bath mat. At any housewares store, you could expect to pay about $20 for a normal bath mat. However, how long will it last?
A cloth bath mat will likely need to be replaced every couple of years, at best. At $20 each, you will have spent more than the cost of a teak bath mat in only 8 years or less. A teak bath mat, however, will never mold, and is incredibly strong. A teak bath mat will last a lifetime, with little to no care on your part. For that $70 initial cost, you are really making an investment that will ultimately pay for itself.