Wood-look ceramic and porcelain tile is taking the building and remodeling industry by storm. In areas where traditional hardwood or wood laminate floors look great, but aren’t practical – any area with extremely high traffic or exposure to the elements – the new tile creations are stepping up. The new tile designs combine the classic look of hardwood with the superior durability of tile. They’re perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, mudrooms, entry ways and more. Wood-look tile offers endless design possibilities.

Wood-look tile flooring has become one of the hottest trends in the flooring business. Predicted to account for as much as 25% of sales in 2017, it has already topped that. In many areas it accounts for as much as 40% of buyer requests. Realtors report it is equally hot with home buyers – adding to the resale value of a home.

Technology Spearheads Advances

Thanks to advances in manufacturing, ceramic and porcelain tile is able to take on the look and texture of real wood. Using the latest in High Definition printing, tiles have a level of detail never before available. And installation isn’t restricted to the traditional sizes and shapes. Just like the real thing, wood-look tile comes in planks – long, rectangular individual pieces. They are available in interesting sizes including 7 x 20 inches all the way to 24 x 48 inches (that’s two feet by four feet!). Until you get down and touch these new floors, you’ll think it’s really wood!

The latest styles are also mimicked in tile – contemporary, rustic or traditional. And, they come in a variety of colors to match the hues of real wood. Searching for the look of old barn wood? You can have it in these ceramic and porcelain tiles.

With new tile floors, the focus is on performance and durability. Unlike real wood and wood laminates, tiles can be used in areas that are regularly exposed to anything wet. Moisture is the enemy of wood.

Final Thoughts on Wood-look Tile

Like all tile, the new planks require grout. This additional substance requires cleaning. The pace of regular traffic over the floor will dictate how often.

Proper, professional installation of tile floors takes longer than installing real wood or laminate in the same space. There’s less margin for error, too. The longer tile planks break more readily than normal shapes and sizes of ceramic and porcelain tile.

Before you jump on the latest trend in flooring, consider the following:

• Unique look, style
• Versatile appeal
• Enhances resale value of the home
• An excellent option for areas where moisture is present
• Tile requires very little maintenance
• DIY installation of “planks” requires more skill than traditional sizes, shapes

To help determine your best flooring options, contact Molony Tile, a source for unique, durable and elegant tile solutions in Madison WI and greater Dane county.

Call or email Molony Tile, 608-268-8453 for professional ceramic and porcelain tile products, sound advice and a selection of wood-look tile to expand your flooring options in Madison WI.