Plenty of homeowners are attracted to timber flooring, but the truth is that porcelain wood-effect tiles can very closely replicate its appearance, and those tiles bring a number of advantages over genuine timber. Here are just five reasons it's smart to consider wood-effect tiles instead of genuine timber for your flooring.
1. Resists Moisture
One of the most serious issues you'll face with genuine timber flooring is that it isn't resistant to moisture. This is one reason why you'll seldom encounter timber flooring in the bathroom or kitchen, but moisture is going to be a problem in most rooms of the house; after all, it simply takes a dropped cup of coffee for problems to arise. Any moisture will be able to sink into the wood, potentially causing stains or warping. This is never a problem that you'll need to worry about with wood-effect tiles.
2. Tougher to Scratch
Wood is also very easy to scratch. Some people will argue that scratches only add to the character of timber flooring, but it's generally nicer to keep your floors looking impeccable. This is much easier when you opt for wood-effect tile since porcelain is incredibly tough.
3. Easy to Maintain
Timber floors need to be treated regularly in order to provide a strong barrier against damage. That might not sound like a big deal, but it can quickly become tiresome. It's simply a lot easier to go for porcelain wood-effect tiles. Once they have been fitted, they shouldn't require any further maintenance.
4. Simple to Replace
Ultimately, no type of flooring is invulnerable – both wood-effect tiles and timber can be damaged. However, wood-effect tiles are a lot easier to replace. The problem with timber is that each piece will have a unique grain pattern and colour. Even if you're working with the same species of tree, a replacement timber floor plank can stick out like a sore thumb. Porcelain wood-effect tiles are man-made, so you'll be able to pick up a replacement tile indistinguishable from the one damaged.
5. Lower Cost
Finally, wood-effect tiles are a lot more affordable than timber planks. In fact, timber is generally considered one of the most expensive flooring materials available; that's partly down to the high cost of the raw material and partly down to the expense involved during installation. By using wood-effect tiles instead, you can end up saving yourself a bundle. You can either put that money aside or use it on another part of your renovation.
