One of the biggest trends in residential and commercial flooring the past few years is porcelain tile that looks like wood. While some trends have tremendous staying power, it’s a given that many “must-have” designs soon become dated decor you’d like to forget. Will wood tile go the way of shag carpet, wood paneling, and avocado-colored appliances, or is it here to stay? How can you be sure that wood-look tile is a trend you can trust? Let’s take a look.
Looks
Thanks to vastly improved technologies, the wood look effect is more realistic than ever. There’s an almost limitless variety of colors and finishes available, and the high-definition that manufacturers can print on the tiles gives the grain a natural look. You can even feel the grain in these tiles. Add in longer and wider plank sizes and, they’re often so realistic that it can be difficult to differentiate them from real wood.
Durability
Wood flooring is notoriously difficult to maintain. Real wood scratches, dents, warps, cracks, and chips under stress from traffic and messes, and it needs to be cleaned regularly and resealed, or even refinished, every few years. Tile allows you to avoid dreaded chips, nicks and scratches that plague wood floors
Water Resistance
Wood can expand, crack and warp in wet environments. Tile actually repels liquid, eliminating problems with staining, mold, and warping, making it an excellent solution for restaurants, hotels and hospitals, or any areas that may be subjected to water or other liquids.
Fading
Color deterioration in hardwood floors is the result of overexposure from three things: ultra violet light, visible light, and infrared light (which causes solar heat). And it’s not only the wood itself that is subject to discoloration – the type of finish and stains used on the floor can also play a big part in how the wood will react. Tile, on the other hand does not fade. The color of tiles are oven-heated at temperatures exceeding 2000 degrees, making them resistant to fading.
Sustainability
We currently have around 3 trillion trees on earth, and we’re cutting down a monster 15 billion of them every year. Specifying wood-look tiles can help cut down that staggering number. Tile offers the warmth and welcoming look of wood without destroying a single tree.
Versatility
Wood tile offers limitless design possibilities. Designing a unique pattern on a wood floor can be expensive and time-consuming. With tile, designers can easily mix-and-match colors, grains, and sizes for a distinctive look. And with reclaimed wood so on trend, wood tile is a great alternative to the often daunting (and expensive) task of searching for the perfect pieces.
Wood floors have been around for centuries and they are more popular than ever, so you can rest assured that the look of wood is not going out of style. Faux wood tile is a perfect combination of wood and tile, offering not only good looks, but functional benefits that will last long into the future. We’re confident that wood look tile here to stay!
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GIO is your gateway to beautifully designed, strategically selected collections of floor and wall tile sure to fit your demanding specification requirements and unique style. We look forward to working with you!
