The Advantages of Porcelain Wood-Look Tiles Over Hardwood

From dinner guests to little ones on the move, your floors see all kinds of foot traffic. This makes durability a key consideration when it comes to installing new flooring.

Hardwood, while striking, is prone to dents, scratches, and warping over time, especially in climates that see dramatic temperature changes throughout the year. The advantages of wood-look porcelain tiles include the fact that they don't expand or warp due to moisture changes and are less prone to dents and scratches, withstanding daily wear better and requiring less maintenance. In addition, you can warm them up with our floor heating systems!

Wood is porous, meaning that it can hold water. If you have hardwood in places that experience a lot of moisture (such as entryways, bathrooms, kitchens, or mudrooms), you'll see more wear. You also run the risk of wood rot, which adds a safety risk.

Porcelain doesn't have that issue, as it's resistant to water. This also means it's easier to clean because less dirt and grime build up. Thanks to these advantages, porcelain tiles that look like hardwood offer you the chance to add a wood-like touch even in places where wood flooring isn't commonly used.  Porcelain wood looks are great for beachouses or lake homes where there is an abundance of sand, water, and dirt.  It is also great for properties that are rented out as tile is very durable.

While hardwood is beautiful, it needs regular refinishing and polishing to keep its shine. Specialty cleaning products are also needed to prevent warping, staining, or rot. Wood-look tile flooring's benefits include easy upkeep, with occasional mopping enough to leave your floors sparkling. While you may need clean the grout of your tiles from time to time, they need less regular maintenance than hardwood, so they could save you money and effort in the long term.  Tile can also be steam cleaned for like-new results.

While hardwood looks like hardwood no matter how you install it, porcelain tiles have many designs to fit your vision. Porcelain tile designs can look like:

• 8x48 Wood Planks in Rustic Colors or More modern styles
• Small Sizes for Herringbone Patterns
• Chevron designs
• 36x36- Inch square patterns, creating an In-lay look
• Shabby-chic, rustic, sleek, or modern looks

Your choice comes down to your unique vision and needs for your space. Both hardwood and porcelain tile floors offer a beautiful look and cozy feel, leaving your lifestyle, budget, and overall needs at the center of your decision. If you want a solution that's attractive, naturally water resistant, and easily compatible with upgrades such as radiant floor heating, then porcelain tiles might be the perfect option for you. Explore Wayne Tile Company's selection of porcelain wood-look tiles at one of our many locations to see just what's possible.