Mainland UK
A guide to choosing a porcelain tile that looks like wood
Jo Gilhooly
A guide to choosing a porcelain tile that looks like wood
Why opt for a porcelain tile that looks like wood?
If you are considering wood flooring for your home then you can't go far wrong with a porcelain tile that looks like wood. Porcelain has a heap of benefits over it's natural counterpart not least with regard to ease of cleaning and superior wear and tear. It can also be a more cost effective option and doesn't have the same limitations as wood so can be used in bathrooms and outside spaces with ease.
We have three beautiful wood plank collections featured in here.
Our Dwell collection that can be used inside and outside the home.
Our Season collection with over 30 different designs per tile for ultra realism.
And our newest collection, Serenity that combines both the above - a stunning array of designs, ultra-realism and can be used inside and outside the home!
As technology improves, so does the realism of porcelain. The days of a few different faces or patterns are long gone for high quality porcelain tiles. Now collections can house tiles with as many as 30 - 40 different patterns per tile making your porcelain floor absolutely look like wood - in fact so much so you may struggle to tell the difference.
It's not just design either. Format has increased making for tiles that are larger and more 'plank' like that mean less grout and more tile.
Imitation without the Limitation
So let's run through all the reasons why a porcelain tile that looks like wood is a front runner choice for the home.
Firstly there is superior scratch resistance. Unlike real wood, porcelain is incredibly dense and hardwearing and that means it is highly resistant to scratching.
Secondly, porcelain is stain resistant - to be called porcelain this material has to have a porosity of less than 0.5% so anything you spill can't penetrate the tile to leave a stain. That said, it is always wise to mop up spills quickly.
Thirdly, it is so easy to keep clean. A mop and water usually does the trick. The golden rule here it to ensure, following installation, your tiler does a proper, thorough clean down of the tiles to remove any dirt and excess grout etc. If done correctly then ongoing, it's hard for dirt to grip onto the surface of the tiles making them a cinch to clean.
Fourth, porcelain doesn't need any sealing or polishing. It really is pretty much install, clean down and go.
Add to the above the fact you can use underfloor heating with porcelain and because it won't warp or bend it can be used in the bathroom and opting for a porcelain floor that looks like wood really is a smart decision.
Wood outside
You can even use wood porcelain planks outside.
Porcelain is fade resistant and available in finishes with additional grip making it ideal for outside spaces. It's also resistant to mould and moss taking root on the surface and delivers a clean, crisp, architectural feel - effectively creating the same flush finish outside, you would expect inside your home.
This taps right into the latest trends for creating that flow from home to garden with the same tiles. By laying these planks length ways too it really draws you in and elongates the space.
Where would I use wood effect porcelains
Porcelain is so versatile it can be used just about anywhere and the beauty of a wood effect porcelain or a porcelain floor tile that looks like wood is it can be installed where real wood can't - ie the bathroom and outside.
There is no chance of porcelain warping due to humidity or damp so it is ideal for those areas where water is more likely.
Floors, wall, kitchen, dining space, office, boot room, bathroom, living area, bedroom and more!
Care and Maintenance
Ongoing porcelain doesn't really require much more than a sweep and jet wash outside and a vacuum and mop with warm water inside. However, it is critical both inside and outside that the correct initial cleaning regime is followed to ensure that things like excess grout and debris are removed from the tiles.
For all porcelain and ceramics, a poor initial clean can lead to future issues and can affect the slip rating of tiles. Using the incorrect cleaning products day to day can also leave a film on tiles which can affect the surface of them. For more information see our Care + Maintenance page or get in touch with us.
So if you are looking for a porcelain tile that looks like wood in a wonderful variety of tones and hues from light wood porcelain tiles to the warm tones of Cherry and Taupe, look no further than our collections!
Please note: We strongly recommend using a professional tiling or landscaping contractor for your project. Installation requirements may vary depending on the tiles you choose, the fixing products used and the external conditions. Always check with your tiler, installer or landscaper regards the suitability of the tiles and please do get in touch with us for more information or if you have any questions. Visit the Installation section of our website for more helpful information.
The TilePortfolio specialise in Italian and Spanish Porcelain and Ceramic tiles, in particular large format Porcelains and Porcelain tiles for inside and outside. Our carefully curated, stunning tile portfolios are beautifully presented online and supported by our fuss-free ‘go-the-extra-tile’ service and video design consultancy. Visit our website for unmissable interiors inspiration. The TilePortfolio team are always available to chat, we’d be delighted to help with your project so please do get in touch. www.thetileportfolio.co.uk.
Please note: We strongly recommend using a professional tiler for your project. Installation requirements may vary depending on the tiles you choose, the fixing products used and the specific conditions. Always check with your tiler regards the suitability of the tiles.
Please get in touch with us if you have any questions.
