Remodeling your home offers a chance to recreate your space and choose materials that suit your needs but which materials you choose will determine how much maintenance is required. One of the biggest surface areas for materials is the floor. What you choose for flooring you’ll likely live with for a long time, which makes the decision very important.
For many homeowners wood is among the top choices. Wood floors have a strong appeal but maintenance has been a concern. Now, remodelers like Marrokal Design & Remodeling are introducing homeowners to other options that offer the same look but with greater durability and practically no maintenance.
Porcelain/ceramic wood tile offers several benefits to the homeowner including ease of cleaning, moisture and fire resistance, and durability. Wood tile is growing in popularity because of its easy care. The tiles wipe clean with a damp mop and are longer lasting than the commonly used wood laminate flooring.
Right about now you might be wondering how real does this porcelain wood tile look. You’d be surprised. The tiles come in various cuts and exotic looks. At least one US-based company, Mediterranea, offers a proprietary printing method which captures high-definition images directly onto their porcelain tiles which result in the creation of a tile that looks exactly like hard wood including variation and color. Some of the tiles are designed to look weather-worn for a more rustic-themed room.
These porcelain wood tiles are being used in many rooms including the kitchen and bathroom. One distinct advantage of the tiles is that they can be used with a heated-flooring system in a bathroom. They’re also available in a variety of patterns and textures that offer slip-resistance.
Another added benefit is the environmentally-friendliness of the porcelain wood tiles. The eco-friendly tiles are often made from recycled materials reclaimed from construction sites. Some companies also use 100 percent natural ink for printing of the tiles and there is no toxic off-gassing from them.
The tiles aren’t just for floors; they can be used in showers, creating a non-traditional look. Some homeowners are also using the wood-look tile in their steam rooms.
The appeal of hardwood floors is widespread among homeowners but the choices of how you achieve that look are getting better. That’s good news for busy homeowners who are looking to have low-maintenance flooring with a high-quality look and feel of the design.