While wood helps to frame our homes, it is also a popular interior design element. Warm wooden accents can be found in every room—from solid wood cabinetry, to furnishings and flooring. Although hardwood flooring boasts a classic look suitable for almost any home, there may be a smarter option.
Wood-look tile flooring is a great alternative with an almost identical aesthetic outcome. So what is wood-look tile? Wood-look tile is just what it sounds like—tile that mimics the look of natural wood. Although there are slight differences (the tile version isn’t an exact duplicate of traditional hardwood), it does come with some notable advantages that might be worth taking into consideration.
Let’s take a look at five reasons why wood-look tile is a smart alternative to hardwood flooring.
- Cost Effective
In comparison to conventional hardwood flooring, wood-look tile is usually significantly less expensive. Additionally, wood-look tile pricing is pretty consistent, no matter what style or color you’re looking for. Meaning you probably won’t pay any more for a beige Carolina Timber tile than you would for a gray Driftwood tile. This is great if you already have solid wood cabinetry in your home and need a wood style that won’t clash with your existing furnishings. Just take a look at the variety of wood-like flooring options available online from The RTA Store.
- Durable
If you have pets, kids, or a messy spouse, it is going to be difficult to keep your hardwood floor looking pristine over time. Scratches, spills, dents, dirt, and mud can all leave lasting damage on traditional hardwood flooring. If you don’t want to worry about the tiring upkeep, wood-look tile may be your best option. It is extremely durable, water-resistant, and is great for withstanding destruction, making it a lasting investment that will keep your floors looking fresh and new for years to come.
- Less Allergy Prone
Wood-look tile is less susceptible to allergens like pollen and dust that can easily get trapped in other materials, even wood. If you have an open style floor plan or an open concept kitchen, it may be hard to keep allergens from spreading from one room to another throughout the home. If allergies are a concern, it may be better to opt for a durable, easy to clean material like wood-look tile.
- Low Maintenance
Since wood-look tile is resistant to water, it is easy to clean and take care of—unlike regular wood that may bubble and become damaged from water or cleaning products. Although you don’t want to soak your floors (even those with tile), wiping them with a mild cleanser and water is a simple and effective way to keep them looking shiny and new. For tips on how to clean tile floors of all types, click here.
- Versatile
Wood-look tile is resistant to moisture and attaches directly to cement flooring. This makes it suitable for use in your entire home; including “wet” areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms. Wood-look tile is especially ideal if you have an open concept kitchen. Instead of an awkward transition from tile to real wood, you get the best of both—the beauty of wood, and the practicality of tile flowing consistently throughout the rooms of your home.
At The RTA Store we help make your dream home a reality with RTA (Ready To Assemble) and Pre-Assembled cabinets and accessories. Whether it’s your kitchen bathroom, laundry room, home office, bar room or TV room, we offer the same (if not better) quality you would find at any retail store, but for a fraction of the price. Stop by our website or give us a call and let us make your dreams come true with the help of our free room design tool!
