There are many factors to consider when choosing the right flooring for your home, including the longevity and durability of the product, ease of installation, and daily maintenance. This article will discuss wood-look ceramic and porcelain tiles pros and cons to help you determine if they are the right choice for your space.

Wood-Look Tile Pros:

Superior Durability

No need to worry about splinters–wood-look porcelain and ceramic tiles can withstand the wear and tear of everyday living for years, even in high-traffic areas. These man-made tiles are made from clay and fired in a kiln at high temperatures, making them resistant to scuffs and scratches from shoes, pets and furniture.

Easy Maintenance

Tile makes cleanup a breeze! Porcelain and ceramic wood-look tiles require little more than a mop, broom or vacuum to keep them looking like new. Unlike hardwood, porcelain and ceramic tiles don’t require regular sanding or refinishing. While you will need to clean the grout periodically, the materials are relatively inexpensive, and the process is easy to do on your own.

Water Resistance

Porcelain tile offers superior water resistance, making it ideal for areas where wood isn’t typically used, such as bathrooms and showers. It’s also an excellent choice for outdoor spaces, as its high-density composition can withstand the elements, even in regions with freeze-thaw conditions. Note: Always check the manufacturer’s recommendations for outdoor tile installation.

Style

Man-made wood-look tile offers styles you won’t find in nature, including patterns, colors and surface textures. For example, the current trend of fluted wood-look tile features raised “fluted” surfaces, adding a tactile element to your design. The textured wood look is becoming increasingly popular for walls, especially shower walls, due to its ability to stimulate the senses and create a stronger connection with nature.

Cost

The Tile Shop offers wood-look porcelain and ceramic tiles for under $3 per sq. ft., while natural hardwood typically ranges from $5 to $15 per sq. ft. If cost is a consideration in your renovation, consider durable and easy-to-install luxury vinyl flooring, which offers a wide range of wood-look styles starting at just $1.79 per sq. ft.

Wood-Look Tile Cons:

Authenticity

While technological advances have made the wood-grain details on tile nearly indistinguishable from the real thing, it still doesn’t fully replicate the natural look and texture of hardwood. However, wood-look tile is a great option for extending your wood design from the great room to high-traffic, high-spill or damp areas like a mudroom, kitchen or bathroom.

Installation

The tools and materials needed to lay tile (and the possible cost of hiring a professional) may make installation more expensive than hardwood. However, for a low-cost, DIY-friendly alternative, consider wood-look luxury vinyl flooring, which offers many of the same benefits as porcelain and ceramic tile but with easier installation.

Updating your space is easier than you think! Shop our wide assortment of wood-look tile to find your perfect style. Want to tackle your reno yourself? We have a vast resource of How-To Articles to help you every step of the way. Need more assistance? Visit your local Tile Shop showroom, where you’ll find the tile, tools and expert advice you need to get started.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Hi! I'm Eimile, Marketing copywriter. What I love about working at The Tile Shop is getting to see all the new design trends. I especially love bright, bold colors and retro designs. When I'm not writing copy, I'm usually reading a novel or taking a walk around my Minneapolis neighborhood.

More posts from Eimile Campbell...