Whether you’re replacing old carpet or starting new, flooring is a big decision. With so many choices on the market these days, it is easy to be overwhelmed. Even when you think you know what you’re looking for, the options can be endless. Especially when it comes to wood.
Not only are there hundreds of colors and styles, there are also several materials to choose from when you want that warm, wood look for your floors. From budget conscious materials like vinyl and laminate to higher end hardwood and porcelain tile, the options are endless. So which is best?
We’ve compared real wood to laminate in the past. There are valid arguments on both sides for porcelain tile vs. hardwood as well. Porcelain tile products are beautifully crafted to be both stylish and durable, giving you the warm, classic look of hardwood floors with the benefits of porcelain tile.
Water Resistance
Hardwood flooring is a porous natural material that will absorb moisture or spilled liquids, which can lead to water damage in the long-term. Since porcelain wood look tile is water resistant and non-porous, it is a perfect choice for moisture-prone spaces like kitchens and bathrooms.
Design Options
Hardwood flooring comes in a huge variety of styles and colors, but since it’s natural that list of options does eventually hit its limit. On the other hand, wood look tile options are essentially endless. As it becomes more popular, designers continue to come up with more styles, colors, and textures.
Style
Unless your heart is completely set on the look of real hardwood, there actually isn’t a huge difference visually. Porcelain wood look tile is designed to mimic the colors, textures and beauty of hardwood. With new advancements in manufacturing processes, tile can even be manufactured in rectangular sizes resembling planks.
Maintenance
With hardwood, dents and scratches are always a possibility. Pet claws, high heels, and other contributors can easily cause damage to real wood floors. Porcelain is a much harder material, which makes wood look tile stronger and more resistant to scratches or dents. Tile is much easier to clean and maintain than real wood and durable enough to last for years to come.
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