Porcelain wood-look tile is exploding in popularity in the tile world. Tiles Unlimited is all-in on the wood-look trend with over 25 collections on display and 6 new collections scheduled to arrive in the next few weeks.
Are you dragging your feet in the wood-look tile revolution? Are you the quiet one when your friends talk about their next wood-tile project? Let’s lay those fears to rest. Here are five things you’re worried about that you shouldn’t be.
Myth 1: Grout Joints Make Wood-Grain Tile Look Unauthentic
Look for wood-look tile that has rectified edges. That means that the edges of each individual tile have been finished so that they are precise and straight. That means that you can put the tiles closer together with a minimal grout joint—as little as 3/16 of an inch. That’s close enough together that you can barely tell a natural wood floor from a wood-look tile floor.
Myth 2: Wood-Look Tile Floors Are Cold
Tile flooring does maintain a moderate temperature, much like real hardwood, but that doesn’t mean it has to be cold. Wood-look porcelain tile is very well suited to radiant subfloor heating. There are several types of subfloor heating and tile can be placed directly on top of it for a warm and inviting floor. Of course, a well-placed carpet runner can eliminate cold floors no matter what material they are.
Myth 3: Wood-Look Tile Looks Fake
The journey of wood-look tile has been rapid and the quality improves with each new product. Digital imaging and high-tech manufacturing introduces realistic textures and visuals that you sometimes can’t tell apart from wood without taking a closer look.
Tile visuals don’t simply repeat the same grains and knots over and over again. Several images are used to create tiles with lots of diversity for an authentic looking floor. In fact, the designs have gotten so realistic, even our tile experts can’t tell the difference.
Myth 4: Long Wood-Look Tile Planks Warp
Any tile over 15 inches can present a challenge with lippage (variation in the height of adjoining tiles) and warping. However, if the tile is installed correctly, it shouldn’t be a problem. Wood-look planks are available in sizes ranging from 24–71 inches long and 6–12 inches wide. Tiles should be staggered in a brick-joint pattern with no more than 33% overlap. A well-prepared subfloor and skilled installation can also help with warping and lippage. Tiles Unlimited is happy to recommend reliable, licensed and insured tile installers.
Whether you’re looking for wood-look tile or any other style, now is a great time to visit Tiles Unlimited and take advantage of their Presidents’ Week Sale that expires on Saturday 2/25. Tiles Unlimited is also offering a free Wood-Look Tile Inspiration Guide. To receive yours, send an email to Tiles@TilesUnlimitedNY.com
