The warm and natural look of wooden floors has always had its appeal. But what if you could combine that aesthetic with durability and ease of maintenance? That's where wood look tiles come into play. In this blog we explore the pros and cons of wood look tiles and compare them to traditional wood floors.

Wood Look Tiles: A Clever Imitation

Wood look tiles, as the name suggests, are ceramic or porcelain tiles designed to look like real wood. Using advanced printing technology, wood grain patterns, textures and color shades can be reproduced lifelike.

Benefits of Wood Look Tiles:

1. Durability: Wood look tiles are much more durable than real wood. They are resistant to scratches, stains and wear, making them ideal for high-traffic areas. In addition, they do not warp, as real wood could.
2. Water resistance: Unlike real wood, wood look tiles are water resistant. They can be safely used in damp areas such as bathrooms and kitchens.
3. Underfloor heating: With a real wooden floor you cannot use underfloor heating, which has to do with the fact that the floor can become convex or hollow because the bottom can dry out. You don't have to worry about that with a wood tile.
4. Serviceability: Wood look tiles require minimal maintenance. They do not need to be sanded, varnished or oiled like wooden floors.
5. Versatility: Wood look tiles are available in a variety of patterns, colors and sizes, giving you the flexibility to create the look you want.
6. Allergy Friendly: Unlike wood floors, wood-look tiles cannot trap allergens such as dust or pollen.
7. Environment: No trees need to be cut down for the wood-look tiles.

Disadvantages of Wood Look Tiles:

1. Sound and Feel: Although wood look tiles look realistic, they cannot provide the same tactile experience as real wood. They feel cooler and produce a different sound when walked on.
2. Aesthetic Differences: Despite advanced printing technology, some details of real wood, such as the depth of the grain, cannot be fully reproduced.
3. Installation: The installation of wood look tiles can be a bit more complex than traditional tiles due to the pattern and positioning required to maintain the wood look.
4. Insects: Insects love outdoor wood look tiles in the summer because the underside of the tile remains cold, so a perfect hiding place for insects.

Wood look tiles are therefore a smart choice for those who want to combine the aesthetics of wood with durability and convenience. They offer a range of benefits that traditional wood floors cannot offer, such as durability and water resistance. While they can't quite replicate the real feel and sound of wood, wood look tiles still offer an attractive and practical option for a wide variety of spaces. Whether you go for the timeless charm of real wood or the versatility of wood-look tiles, both choices have their own unique appeal. Interested in a wood look tile for your project or showroom? Request a free sample now and we will send it today!