Wood-look tile is a versatile and durable option, but there are a few things to know and remember. There are some similarities and some differences. The more you know, the better informed you will be when making a purchase of this type.
Traditional wood floors are still popular, but what if there was a way to achieve the look with a more lasting, eco-friendly, and cost-effective material? Tile with a wood appearance. If you like the beauty of wood but require the durability of tiles, wood-look tiles are an excellent choice. They have a wonderful resistance to the scuffs, warping, and stains of traditional wood flooring.
Hardwood floors are desired for various reasons, but they can also be unrealistic in terms of money and wear and tear. Traditional wood flooring has a long lifespan and can even become more beautiful with a little patina in some situations. In addition, hardwood floors may be refinished to look new when necessary. However, wood-look tile is an equally versatile and low-maintenance option.
Here’s everything you need to know about wood-look tile and whether it’s a good choice for your home.
What Exactly Is Wood-Look Tile?
Wood-look tile is a manufactured tile made of porcelain or ceramic that is supposed to look like genuine wood but has the durability and eco-friendliness of tile. Hardwoods wear more efficiently than tile because they are more porous. A porcelain or ceramic tile can mimic natural stone, wood, or brick. Still, it is best suited for high-traffic areas such as kitchens, entryways, and bathrooms since its smooth surface does not trap dirt or dust as quickly as possible. Because it is waterproof and resistant to temperature swings, wood-look tile can also be used outside—choose a slip-resistant design.
The Benefits and Drawbacks of Wood-Look Tile Pro: Durability
Tile is the best option for scratch-resistant and waterproof flooring. Wood-look tile combines the durability of tile with the best appearances and on-trend styles available in other types of wood-look planks. To get the most out of a wood-look tile, locate a professional installer who can guarantee adequate care at every installation stage.
Material Cost is a Plus
Price is always an important consideration when comparing wood-look versus natural wood solutions. Wood-look tile is substantially less expensive than actual hardwood floors. So, if you are trying to get the wood look and need to be more budget-friendly, then do investigate wood-look flooring. Hardwood floors can cost up to $15 per square foot, but tile costs between $1.50 and $5 per square foot.
Pro: Professional Installation Is Required
Because porcelain is such a rigid material, cutting it requires considerable skill. As a result, it is typically recommended to contact a professional for installation, as it may be beyond the capabilities of an inexperienced DIYer.
Cost of Installation
While the cost per tile is lower than that of actual hardwoods, installing a wood-look tile is more expensive. However, its long-term durability saves money over time.
Rooms That Would Benefit From Wood-Look Tile
When choosing a wood-look tile, the best place to start is by taking into account both the wear and tear of the space and your personal design preferences. You can then be confident that you’ve chosen the best product for your needs.
Tile flooring is ideal for high-moisture rooms that may become wet, such as bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and basements. Some tiles are better for walls, while others are better for flooring. Understanding the distinction will make or break your tile project.
Consider durability, maintenance, slip-resistance requirements, and budget. Choose more expensive tiles for smaller projects like a guest bathroom or a one-of-a-kind entryway floor.
How to Choose Wood-Look Tile
When choosing a tile, there are three main things to consider: color, size, and rating. The thickness of different tile types will affect the overall appearance of your room. Extensive tiles, for example, can make tiny areas appear more prominent. In contrast, smaller tiles might make a space seem more personal.
It’s also worth noting that all tile is assessed and appraised. To guarantee your tile is durable enough for domestic use, look for a hardness grade of at least four from the Porcelain Enamel Institute (PEI). Grades are also an essential factor to consider. Grade 1 tiles have no flaws or defects; Grade 2 tiles have minor imperfections; and Grade 3 tiles are thinner and only designed for walls. For floors, use Grade 1 or 2 tiles.
Consider using color to hide wear or to provide warmth, lightness, or brightness to an area. Color selection can also influence how your tile wears over time. Choose patterned floor tiles or specific types of tile, such as vividly colored porcelain, to add character to a bathroom or kitchen.
How to Calculate the Amount of Tile Required
Choosing the right style, grade, and rating for your project is just as crucial as deciding on the right amount of tile. Calculate rather than guess when estimating how many tiles you require. It is recommended to utilize a tile calculator. Still, you can also ask your tile installer, supplier, or, in some situations, manufacturer. Remember to purchase a 10% overage to accommodate calculation errors or unexpected installation issues.
Considerations for Installation
The nature of the material is one of the many reasons why a professional is suggested for the installation of wood-look tile. Because tile is a manufactured process, the graphic will be duplicated depending on the product. It is critical that the installer is aware of this and separates them as needed. A professional will also be up to speed on installation trends and standards, ensuring that your flooring requirements and style preferences are met.
Professionals can also assist you in achieving a more authentic, wood-like appearance. Create a random stagger while tiling for a more natural installation if you want your wood-like tile to look more like actual wood. Another technique to achieve a more natural appearance is to match the grout color to the tile color. She further claims that while the grout must be sealed, the porcelain or ceramic tiles do not.