Wood flooring is all the rage these days. Tile and hard surface sales have been increasing due to the cleanability and aesthetic of the product. Not to mention, ceramic and porcelain tile is very durable. There are many times consumers are looking for waterproof flooring types that look like wood flooring. Two options fall within this criterion: luxury vinyl plank flooring or tile flooring. Keep reading to learn more about tile flooring that looks like wood (wood-like tile).
Tile Flooring That Looks Like Wood
While wood flooring is great, many people struggle with its durability. Families wonder if the wood is going to hold up to the traffic and wear and tear that their floors often see. If you are thinking about wood flooring, but have concerns about how it will hold up, you might want to consider tile flooring that looks like wood. Yes, there are really tiles that can look just like wood flooring.
Can Tiles Look Like Wood Flooring?
Wood-look tile offers an excellent alternative to hardwood floors. Those who want flooring that is durable, easy to clean, has a long life, is affordable, and which can also deal with water and changes in temperature might want to consider wood-look porcelain tile floors.
Pros and Cons of Wood-Look Tile Options
Pros of Wood-Look Tiles
Value
Perhaps the most significant benefit of tile is that it is simply a better value for your money. Until recently, tiles did not provide the warm appearance that wood plank flooring tends to have. However, technological advances have made it possible to duplicate hardwood aesthetics at a lesser cost.
Style
When looking at hardwood flooring options, often people must sacrifice style in order to save money. Wood-look flooring tiles are cheaper to produce, so typically a larger tile plank can be bought for the same price as a smaller format. Additionally, there are many colors and patterns of tile to choose from within the same ballpark price. This means that you can get the wood flooring look-alike that you want, without an increase in the material price.
Durability
Hardwood is quite beautiful, there is no denying that. However, it is a natural product and the wood grain may change in appearance over time. Tiles provide not only a durable flooring choice but if you take care of it, the tiles will still look new 20 years from now.
Easy to Clean
Tile flooring is a great choice because it is low maintenance. You simply need a regular mop and a vacuum, and you are good to go. Stick with warm soapy water over harsh cleaners and your tiles will last a long time.
Versatility
Finally, if you want a type of flooring that can be installed in any room in your home, tile is the way to go. Wood-look tiles can be placed in kitchens and bathrooms, laundry rooms, living rooms, and bedrooms, or wherever else you desire.
Don’t worry about moisture as this does not affect tile as it does wood. You can have the same flooring for your entire home for consistency or use different types of wood look tile color styles throughout your home for some diversity while still having the same wood effect.
Cons of Wood Look Tiles
Labor Intensive Installation
While there are many benefits of wood-look tile, there are some negatives as well. First, installing wood-look tile is difficult, labor-intensive, and more expensive.
With wood-like tile installation, installers must make sure that the subfloor is smooth and level, if not the tiles are going to feel and look uneven. A subfloor that is inadequate can become a breeding ground for bacteria and mold. Therefore, it is important to hire a tile flooring installation team with experience so that the tiles are protected from water damage and dampness.
Layout & Textures
The layout of the tile will make all the difference! Staggering the pattern and blending tones is important for achieving that real wood look and giving your floor the distinction it needs.
One characteristic to consider with tile is the surface. Tile can be glazed, polished, honed, or very textured and some can get slippery when wet. Consider the different textures for your home and think about what would feel best for maintenance and everyday use.
Types of Flooring Tiles
There are two options when it comes to wood look tiles: porcelain and ceramic tile. For damper areas such as bathrooms and kitchens, porcelain is the better option. It is a denser material and is better for repelling water. In addition, porcelain wears better than ceramic because it is baked at a higher temperature.
Overall, if you are looking for a great flooring option that is affordable and durable, choosing tile to create a faux wood flooring look is a great choice.
Stop by our showroom at Carpet Land today to browse our tile products!
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You can also click here for our Flooring Buying Guide.