Choosing between wood-look tile and real hardwood flooring can be a challenge. Since it’s hard to tell the differences between them based on appearance alone, it helps to consider some of their other attributes. In this blog post, we’ll discuss all of the pros and cons of wood-look tile and hardwood.
What Is Wood-Look Tile?
Wood-look tile is made from ceramic or porcelain, both of which are a mixture of water, sand, and clay. After the tiles are formed, they’re baked in a kiln. Some are then glazed or polished, while others remain unglazed for a matte finish. Next, a digital wood grain pattern is printed on the tile’s surface.
Pros of Wood-Look Tile
Wood-look tile has several benefits that make it easy to understand why it’s currently so trendy!
Wood-look tile is scratch-resistant.
Scratch resistance is excellent if you have pets and are worried about their nails or claws damaging your new floors. It’s also reassuring that moving furniture across the floor won’t leave any marks behind.
Wood-look tile is water-resistant.
Water resistance is a great quality for flooring, especially in areas like bathrooms and basements, which tend to be a bit damp. Wood-look tile isn’t prone to bacteria and mold, and it can be installed in moist climates without any issues.
Wood-look tile is highly durable.
Tile can last for decades and is very low-maintenance. Although you may have to reseal the grout every once in a while, there’s no need to restain or refinish wood-look tile.
Not only can you find wood-look tile in various shapes and sizes that genuine hardwood doesn’t come in, but there are numerous color options available as well. It’s easier to find gray and white wood-look tile than gray and white varieties of hardwood.
Wood-look tile is readily available.
An amazing advantage of choosing wood-look tile is that there’s plenty of it, considering the current lumber shortage. Not only is it more difficult to find hardwood flooring lately, but its price has also skyrocketed.
Wood-look tile is much cheaper than genuine hardwood, especially considering hardwood’s recent rise in cost. This means that wood-look tile is generally more cost-effective since it provides your home with the same look as hardwood for a lower price.
Cons of Wood-Look Tile
While wood-look tile has plenty of positive attributes, there are still a few drawbacks to consider.
Not only does wood-look tile feel colder and harder under your feet (which can become uncomfortable in areas like the kitchen, where you’re typically standing for extended periods of time), but it’s also less comfortable for your pets. Of course, rugs, anti-fatigue mats, and pet beds can help with this potential problem. An under-floor heating system is also an option to combat the coldness of the tiles, especially in cooler climates or during the winter months.
Wood-look tile can crack and chip.
Generally, wood-look tile doesn’t crack or chip after installation unless it was installed incorrectly. More often, it arrives cracked or chipped due to the shipping process. This is part of the reason why it’s best to purchase at least 10% more tile than you think you need for a project.
Wood-look tile can be difficult to install.
It’s highly recommended to hire a professional to install any type of tile. The subfloor has to be laid perfectly, and the tile needs to be spaced meticulously in order to apply grout correctly. It’s generally considered harder to install tile than hardwood.
This is definitely something to consider if you have small children or live with anyone who struggles with mobility. In addition, dogs may find that tile is slippery to walk on.
Wood-look tile doesn’t always add to your home’s resale value.
While wood-look tile has a very similar appearance to the real thing, it doesn’t add the same value to your home. If you’re looking to increase your house’s resale value by adding new flooring, you’re better off choosing genuine hardwood.
What Is Hardwood?
Hardwood comes from trees, which are cut down and milled into planks. These planks may have a variety of grain patterns depending on the type of tree and the way the wood is cut. A few of the most popular types of hardwood include walnut, oak, maple, and cherry.
Pros of Hardwood
Now, let’s get into the biggest advantages of choosing hardwood!
There’s a clear reason why hardwood has been such a popular flooring choice for such a long time. It’s natural and truly gorgeous, and it looks incredible with many different aesthetics.
Hardwood has a high ROI.
If you’re looking for an impressive return on investment, then hardwood is a fantastic choice. It’s an interior design upgrade that’s sure to increase your home’s value.
Hardwood can last for over 100 years.
If you take good care of your hardwood, it can last for decades upon decades. Many older homes have hardwood floors that were installed a century ago and were refinished in different colors to match the trends of the current era.
Hardwood is warmer and more comfortable to walk on.
This is beneficial for both you and your pets! Hardwood is more comfortable for pets to walk and lay down on than tile. It’s also easier to stand on for long periods of time without getting sore feet.
Hardwood isn’t as slippery as tile.
If you’re concerned about slips, falls, and injuries, you might prefer hardwood over tile. Even when wet, hardwood isn’t as slippery as wood-look tile.
Cons of Hardwood
Finally, let’s talk about hardwood’s downsides.
Hardwood has always been a less budget-friendly choice, but in recent years, its price has gone up even more due to the current lumber shortage.
Hardwood scratches much more easily than tile.
Hardwood is prone to scratches and can be damaged by dragging furniture across the floor or by pets’ nails. If you drop something on a hardwood floor, it’s likely to leave a dent. With some styles of hardwood, this will only add character, but for others, this could be a drawback.
While hardwood can last for many years, it does need to be taken care of properly. It’ll be necessary to refinish hardwood several times throughout its lifespan.
Hardwood is prone to water damage.
Standing water will warp and discolor hardwood, so it’s not recommended for damp areas like bathrooms and basements. In addition to water damage, hardwood is susceptible to bacteria, mold, and mildew buildup.
Hardwood isn’t always allowed.
Some condos and townhouses have height constraints for flooring that don’t allow hardwood. Installing hardwood in these locations may mean that doors don’t open properly or there are clearance issues with appliances.
Find Beautiful Wood-Look Tile at Tilezz.com
Whether you select hardwood or wood-look tile is up to you. But if you decide that tile is the best option for your home, then Tilezz.com is here to help! Tilezz.com has a beautiful selection of wood-look tile, along with numerous other natural stone, porcelain, ceramic, and glass options. Take a look at all of our product offerings! Our orders come with guaranteed fast delivery, insured shipments, and easy returns. It’s never been so simple and stress-free to find the tile of your dreams!