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Wood Look Tile Flooring: Durable and Beautiful Choices

Posted by Mike Belk on Jun 12, 2024

Wood Look Tile Flooring: Durable and Beautiful Choices

Wood flooring is a classic look for any space and adds texture, warmth, and character to the room. People love the look of wood, and it's a popular choice for homeowners.

The problem with wood is that it can be hard to take care of over time. That's why more and more, people are looking for flooring solutions that look like wood but are easier to manage and care for long term.

Wood-look tile, recycled glass that looks like wood, and other wood-like tile flooring options are gaining popularity with designers and homeowners alike.

Here's a look at the beauty of versatility of wood-look options for your home.

What Is Wood-Look Tile?

Wood-look tile is what the name implies. It's a tile that looks like real wood. Porcelain floor tiles can closely mimic the look of real wood with natural-looking grain lines. The types of tile that looks like wood are designed to emulate the natural appearance and texture of solid wood floors.

The benefit of a wood-like tile is its durability, longevity, and the low maintenance required to care for the tile. Real wood is a natural resource and much more expensive to produce and install than factory-made tiles.

You can purchase attractive, natural-looking wood-look tile flooring options for much less than you can buy real wood floors. Today's modern tiles are beautiful with many wood-look variations to choose from, including thickness, texture, design, wood grain, and color.

Wood Flooring vs Wood Looking Tiles

There's no shortage of flooring choices for today's consumers. It can be a tough decision for homeowners to choose the right flooring options for their homes. It's often a dilemma to choose between wood-like tile and hardwood floors.

Both options have their pros and cons. It's really a matter of what will work best in your home, your flooring preference, and what you can afford. Here are some important factors to consider if you're weighing your options between hardwood or wood-like flooring.

wood look porcelain tile at BELK Tile

Cost and Installation

For most homeowners, a major consideration for choosing flooring is the cost involved. Hardwood flooring can be quite expensive, especially if you have a large area of flooring to cover. Wood-look floors are typically less expensive than wood. One reason for this is that tile is easier to install.

Hardwood floor installation often requires staining, sanding, and other types of finishing. Tile floor installation is typically faster and much less labor-intensive.

Durability

Both hardwood floors and wood-look floors are durable, but wood-looking tile has the upper hand for durability. Porcelain tiles are more water resistant and are less prone to scratches than real wood.

Wood-look tiles are glazed, which helps protect them from fading and staining over the years. Hardwood floors require quite a bit of upkeep and may need to be sanded and re-stained over the years. Your hardwood-look floor tiles are easier to care for and will look newer longer than wood floors.

Colors

Most hardwood floors are brown or a lighter shade of brown. Although you can change the stain of your wood floors, there's quite a bit of work involved to complete this process. You are also limited by the type of wood you're working with.

Today's wood-looking tiles are available in many different tones and colors. You can find very realistic wood-like tiles inspired by nature or go for more unique options in white, gray, or black tile.

Style and Variety

Wood-look tiles come in an array of colors, sizes, and textures. Whatever space you need tile for, you can find the look you desire with these unique tiles. You can find a variety of patterns, color choices, and realistic tones of oak, mahogany, and so much more.

Although real wood comes in various shades, these choices are limited by the type of wood you use in your home. With wood-looking tiles, your options are wide with unique color combinations, shapes, and textures.

Maintenance

Wood-look flooring is the clear winner when it comes to maintenance. Tile is easy to clean, and you can keep it looking its best with minimal effort. Caring for tile flooring is as easy as caring for vinyl flooring. Sweep regularly and mop using a mild detergent. This will keep your wood-look tile looking great for many years to come.

Pet-Friendliness

If you have pets, wood floors can be a headache to maintain. Pets in your home can easily scratch hardwood floors. Wood-look tile is the more pet-friendly surface.

It's water resistant and can stand up to pet paws and claws. It's highly scratch- resistant to sharp objects and tolerates liquid spills much easier. This is an added bonus if your pets are coming in and out of the house or sloshing their water bowl around your kitchen floor.

Is Wood-Looking Tile Out of Style?

Some people think that wood-look tiles are out of style, but this couldn't be further from the truth. Today's home designers, builders, and homeowners are turning to wood-like tile for its beautiful style, texture, and finishes.

It's incredibly popular and should remain so well into the future. Today's modern technologies have made these tiles so realistic looking, strong, and beautiful.

These tiles are the perfect option for someone trying to incorporate the classic look of hardwood without the expense and maintenance that come with real wood floors.

Whether you're looking for a spa-like look for your bathroom, a unique look for the kitchen, or a cozy aesthetic for the living room, you will love the versatility and warmth of wood-look tiles. You can feature these tiles anywhere in your home without worrying about them appearing dated or out of style.

wood tile at BELK Tile

Does Wood Look Tile Require Grout?

Wood-look tile does need a grout joint. This space is typically 1/8 or 3/16" in width. This spacing is important to allow tiles to adjust to small movements, uneven surfaces, and potential breakage.

For properly installed tiles that will last, use the right spacing and type of grout. Talk to a flooring professional to assist you with choosing the right tiles for your home and ensuring they are installed correctly.

How Do I Care for Wood-Like Tile?

When you consider various types of flooring like hardwood, carpet, and ceramic tile, porcelain wood-like tile is easier to maintain and clean. Simply sweeping and mopping it regularly using a mild detergent is all it takes to keep it in top shape.

Avoid using any kind of abrasive cleaning products which can damage or strip your tile's finish.

Choosing the Color of Wood Tile

If you're considering adding wood-like tile to your home, there are tons of color and style options available. From whites to beiges to browns to mahogany, you can find the perfect color to suit any space in your home.

If you love a natural look, a neutral or light-colored matte porcelain tile is beautiful. Recycled glass tile that looks like wood is also a unique option.

The key is to choose what you love. However, it's best to choose something that won't overwhelm the space or clash with your current decor. Neutral colors like tan, beige, or gray are always good options.

If you want a bolder look, consider a deep brown wood look for your porcelain tile.

Wood-Look Tile Flooring Options

Today's wood-look tiles are budget-friendly and come in many sizes, shapes, colors, and patterns. Although no flooring option is perfect, tile is more environmentally friendly than other types of flooring.

It's recyclable and stylish. It's easy to find the right wood-like tile for your flooring needs. Talk to a flooring specialist about all the options for wood-look tiles.

Ceramic Wood Look Floors

Ceramic wood-look floors come in a variety of patterns and colors. You have many options, depending on the look you're hoping to achieve.

You can opt for glazed tiles if you want the look of shiny wood or choose an unglazed version for a more natural wood look. Wood-grain ceramic tile looks like wood and will make a unique impact in your home.

Although standard tiles are usually rectangular, you can buy square-shaped wood-look tiles. If you want an authentic hardwood look, buy your tile in planks.

They can be installed in a variety of patterns, including chevron or herringbone. They offer a fresh look with a vintage vibe. For a more dramatic impact, choose a darker shade of brown or gray.

Porcelain Wood Look Floors

Porcelain wood-look tiles come in a variety of realistic finishes, textures, and colors. From traditional oak to warm chestnut to rich cherry, you will find the wood look that suits your space. If you're looking for a warm rustic option, a driftwood finish may be the perfect choice.

Changing the floors of your home can make a dramatic difference in the look and feel of your home. Wood look porcelain tile is durable, stylish, and elegant in residential and commercial spaces.

Why Is Wood-Look Tile So Popular?

Most people like the look of a hardwood floor. Its warmth and rustic feel are appealing to homeowners and homebuyers. Hardwood floors have their issues though. First, they are high maintenance. They scratch easily and are prone to termite and water damage.

Installing hardwood floors is also a big investment. So, although they are very appealing and still a popular choice, many people are choosing to install wood- like tile flooring options instead.

Wood-like tiles are becoming more and more popular. They have the warmth and beauty of wood without the extra hassles. Wood-like tile is made with materials like vinyl, ceramic, and porcelain to mimic the look of real wood.

They offer easier maintenance, better stain resistance, and more scratch resistance. The icing on the cake is that wood-like tiles offer more style options and versatility than traditional wood floors. And they're less expensive too.

A Practical Flooring Choice

Wood-like eco-friendly floor options are popping up around the country in homes, condos, apartment complexes, and business spaces. They are a practical option for all of these spaces.

These types of tiles work well in bathrooms, kitchens, living rooms, walkways, and large commercial areas. They can withstand heavy foot traffic and are so easy to clean and maintain. They last for years and retain their beauty season after season.

The Versatility of Wood-Like Tiles

You can order wood tiles in planks or a variety of unique designs and shapes to complement your space and decor. Whether you want an urban minimalist, farmhouse chic, or modern polished look, there's a wood-look tile to suit your style.

Choose from various glazes, finishes, textures, and colors to create the wood look you're dreaming of. With wood-look tiles, you aren't limited to floors only. You can use these unique tiles for kitchen backsplashes and wall tiles as well.

Hardwood floors add a timeless elegance to any home. You can have this look with wood-like tiles for a fraction of the cost of wood. They are beautiful on their own or paired with decorative throw rugs for a homey look.

If you're ready to upgrade the look of any room of your home, there are many flooring options to choose from. Before you settle with traditional carpeting or hardwood floors, be sure to talk to a home flooring expert about the benefits of wood-like tiles for your home or office space.

The Many Benefits of Wood-Like Tile

It shouldn't be difficult to find the best option for wood-look tile for your home or office space. But with so many flooring options available, it can be a bit overwhelming.

A professional flooring expert can help you understand the benefits of wood-like tile and find the perfect look for your needs. At BELK Tile, we offer high-quality tile options that are both durable and stylish for your decorating needs. We have the perfect tile that will fit your budget and look beautiful in your home or commercial space.

We take pride in our excellent products, outstanding customer service, and competitive prices. We would love to talk to you about your home flooring needs. Give us a try!

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Mike Belk Author BELK Tile

By Mike Belk

Founder & CEO

A graduate of Ohio State University with an MBA in Business, Mike Belk has been in the tile and stone industry for over 20 years. Mike is the owner and founder of Belk Tile. He has become one of premier tile experts in the nation. Not only does Mike love every aspect of his job, he strives ensure your experience is the very best. He runs a successful blog and, when not immersed in the world of tile, is an avid golfer and wine maker. Mike enjoys interacting with customers and wants to hear from you today.