When it comes to choosing between tile and hardwood flooring, you can have the best of both worlds. Hardwood is a beautiful addition to any home, but it’s not for every budget, nor is it for every lifestyle. Tiles that look like wood are a nice alternative as they offer the same look and feel as genuine wood floors without the upkeep and cost.
Wood-look tiles (as they’re called) offer durability and they’re visually appealing. And with new advancements in technology, at times, you can’t even notice the difference! Keep reading to learn more about the advantages of wood-look tiles and some tips on how to keep them in tip-top shape.
The Advantages of Wood-Look Tile
One of the biggest advantages of wood-look tile is that it offers great value. Tile is priced more consistently than hardwood flooring, and it’s easier than ever to find tile that delivers the texture and warmth of wood. Hardwood, although beautiful, can be difficult to maintain as it scratches and scuffs fairly easily. Tile, being incredibly durable, is the exact opposite. With tile, you don’t have to be as concerned about your pets making scratch marks, water damage, stains, and dust buildup. Tile is also eco-friendly because wood-look tile is actually recyclable. Leftover scraps can be given to recycling plants or donated and used to create modern decor or plant pots.
Wood-look tile is also super versatile and can be placed in any room of your home. Because it’s impervious to water damage and moisture, it’s great for the kitchen and basement. You can find natural looking wood-look tiles in both light and dark shades and there are also tiles that can mimic the knots and grains found in planks of wood.
Installation
There are a few things to consider when installing wood-like tiles in your home (or any type of tile), so it’s important to keep these in mind:
First, if you’re installing tile over plywood, you’ll need to add a layer of cement board to the floor before you add the tile. If you already have cement floors in the room where you want your tile, then this won’t be an issue.
Secondly, your subfloor needs to be in good condition. If the floor is cracked or uneven, then you’ll need to do repairs before anything can be placed on top of it. Your floor also must be moisture free and clean.
Tile installation is not a DIY job and must be coordinated with a professional tile setter so mistakes and accidents are prevented. With the help of a professional, you can discuss important things like grout lines, waterproof membranes, and aftercare.
Maintenance Tips
The great thing about wood-look tiles is that they’re super easy to maintain, however, we thought it would be beneficial to outline a few tips. Static brooms and vacuums are fine for everyday cleaning as they can pick up pet hairs, dust, and can get under tricky pieces of furniture. Microfibre mops are great for weekly cleaning as they’re inexpensive and don’t use a ton of water.
A simple neutral tile cleaner will also do the trick to mop up any spills or stains, keeping your floor fresh. If you want to go with a natural solution, you can simply mix ¼ cup of white vinegar with 2 tablespoons of dish soap, a couple of drops of your favourite essential oil, and 7 litres of water. If you want something more heavy duty, you can invest in a steam mop or a vacuum mop combo. They’re super efficient and will make your tile sparkle.
Wood-Look Tile: A Great Investment
Wood-look tile is perfect for anyone who loves the look of hardwood floors but wants something that’s easier to maintain at a lower price. The great thing about tile is that it’s a simple way to elevate your home and it’s an investment that will keep on giving for years to come.
If you’re interested in wood-look tile, reach out to one of our tile experts for more information on next steps. Or, continue browsing through our website to find more wood-look tile inspiration.