Hardwood floors are a popular flooring option for many styles of home. Hardwood can also patina, scratch and need refinishing from time to time. For homeowners who like the look of hardwood, but don't want the maintenance, ceramic wood tile floors are a new option.
The Benefits of a Tile Floor
Using a porcelain tile floor in any room of the home brings several benefits. Porcelain does not scratch or stain and can be cleaned with anything. New vitrified tiles mean that porcelain and ceramic tiles are more dense, durable and easier to maintain than ever before.
Unlike a hardwood floor, which may scratch or need refinishing or laminate floors which swell from moisture, porcelain floor tiles are virtually maintenance free. With new wood grain tiles, it is possible to get the look of a hardwood floor without this added stress.
Vitrified Tile
The reason that porcelain and ceramic wood tile is so durable and looks so authentic is the process in which it is made. Vitrification is the newest method of tile production which yields tiles with extremely low moisture absorption rates and precise, clean lines.
Vitrified tiles are produced by compressing clay dust into a mold. This mold produces tiles that are uniform in size, with clean, straight lines and surface texture previously unseen in porcelain tile. The resulting shape is then fired to high temperatures, giving a tile that can withstand high traffic areas for years and still maintain its appearance.
Unobtrusive Grout Joints
In addition to the new surface textures, low water absorption and durability, vitrified tiles have something else to offer homeowners; virtually non-existent grout joints.
Grout joints are necessary in a tile installation for a number of reasons. They help seal out moisture, and provide an expansion joint between the tiles. Grout joints are also necessary to keep rows of tile perfectly straight during installation.
Most tiles, whether stone, ceramic or porcelain may be slightly uneven in size and surface edge. Without a grout joint, the tiles would not line up for even installations. Additionally, if tiles were butted up against one another, expansion and contraction of the floor could cause the tiles to rub up against one another. This can cause wear and tear on the tiles that can damage their integrity.
Vitrified tiles are perfectly square, with straight even edges. This means that ceramic wood tiles can be installed butted right up against one another. If a homeowner chooses not to use grout at all for dry applications, it is possible with these tiles for a more authentic look.
Vitrified tiles should still be grouted in areas prone to moisture or spills to prevent water from leaking through. Unsanded grout can be used in these cases to keep the grout joint to a virtually undetectable size.
Wood Patterns and Colors
Ceramic wood tiles are available for purchase in a wide range of finishes, sizes and colors. Choose from narrow planks in wedge, oak, bleach and natural maple, or look for darker stains in wide planks for a farmhouse look.
If the worn look of a painted wood floor is appealing, look into wood grain porcelain floors with a wash of color. Available in blue, green, beige and white these tiles can simulate the look of an old, painted floor with none of the maintenance.
With the number of sizes and colors available, it is possible to create multiple floor patterns. Lay multiple sized planks together to simulate authentic wood floors, or create parquet patterns out of smaller, thinner planks. Two colors of ceramic wood tile can also be combined for inlaid floor patterns or to delineate a space.
Ceramic wood tiles are approximately the same price as comparable hardwood floors. The benefit lies in the ongoing low maintenance and care free existence of the floor after installation. Consider the use of a vitrified porcelain floor in wood grain and gain the best of both worlds.
Sarabeth Asaff - Sarabeth Asaff is a freelance writer and artist with a passion for cooking and good food. Growing up in the kitchen of her Lebanese ...
