Wood Look Tiles Vs. Real Timber: The Benefits of Timber Tiles

Wood look tiles continue to be a popular solution, being suitable for both residential and commercial projects in place of real timber. These fabulous timber look tiles will allow you to combine the rich and earthy style of real timber with the many benefits of tiles, offering an immensely durable and long lasting finish for any application. If you are tossing up between wood look tiles and real timber, our guide addresses the most frequently asked questions to help make the decision easier!

What are Wood Look Tiles & What are they Made Out of?

The term ‘wood look tiles’ refers to a type of tile that has been designed to emulate the look and feel of real timber. These popular tiles will feature a textured surface finish along with varying tones and patterns, offering an ultra-realistic representation of real timber that can be used in a wide variety of applications, even spaces where real timber is often avoided. Wood look tiles (also referred to as timber tiles or timber look tiles) are most often made of a porcelain material, offering an impressive range of benefits such as resistance to water, heat and scratching for example. An exceptionally popular choice for both residential, commercial and retail spaces, wood look tiles offer a wonderfully low maintenance and durable alternative to real timber.

Available in a selection of timber colour options, the classic Dante collection offers a realistic representation of real timber in a plank tile format. These stunning tiles can be laid in a variety of classic timber floor patterns including the timeless herringbone tile layout.

What are the Benefits of Wood Look Tiles?

Wood look tiles offer an incredibly durable surface finish that can be used in a wide variety of applications in place of real timber. Unlike real timber flooring, timber tiles can be used in wet areas of the home such as the bathroom or laundry room for example, offering a water resistant finish for these often wet and humid parts of the home. These modern tile options are most commonly made of porcelain, a material that is known for its impressive qualities. An immensely durable solution, porcelain is resistant to scratching, staining, heat and water, making it the perfect choice for busy environments! Using timber look tiles in place of real timber in the kitchen for example, will allow for a wonderfully decadent, modern and low maintenance solution that can be kept clean and tidy with a simple mop: no need for intrusive and costly sanding and polishing work!

The modern Rigo collection includes an array of striking neutral tones ranging from a deep liquorice black to a lush chalky white. Each individual plank tile features a lush timber grain texture that is reminiscent of real painted timber. Adding a luxuriously modern finishing touch to any interior design scheme, the Rigo collection can be used for floors and walls throughout the home.

Outdoor spaces can also really benefit from the use of wood look tiles in place of real timber. Timber is often used in outdoor areas as a decking solution or patio flooring option; these types of installations can be susceptible to sun damage, staining, scratching and discolouration as well as warping, mould growth and water damage. Using wood look tiles instead will greatly lower the level of care and maintenance required in your home’s outdoor spaces as these tiles will normally only require a simple mop to keep clean. Furthermore, you will never have to be put out by having to re-sand and polish your home’s decking ever again!

Are Timber Tiles More Expensive than Real Timber?

Wood look tiles are available in a range of different price points, ensuring an option to suit every style and budget. In most cases, purchasing and installing timber look tiles will be less expensive than real timber, offering a long lasting and high quality finish. It is also worth noting that unlike real timber flooring, wood look tiles will not require sanding or polishing, saving time, effort and expense throughout the life of your home. These types of tiles are most often made of a durable porcelain material that will not require sealing in order to be protected against staining, further enhancing the surface’s low maintenance and low cost qualities.

Available in a timeless chevron tile format, the stylish Huski collection includes three luxurious timber inspired colour options, each featuring realistic variations in tone, texture and pattern. These fabulous tiles can be used as an interior wall and floor tile throughout your home’s interior spaces, creating a warm and rustic aesthetic.

Floor Temperature: Timber Tiles Vs. Real Timber Floors

A common concern that comes up when making the decision between a real timber floor and timber look tiles is that a tiled surface is often cooler in temperature than real wood. This is a very valid concern however, it can be addressed in a variety of different ways to help you create the perfect blend of comfort and warmth in your home’s interior design scheme. A simple solution is to include area rugs in key areas where that touch of softness and warmth is most desired. Small rugs beside the bed will offer a soft and warm surface underfoot when you get up out of bed in the morning while a lush area rug in your living area will create a cosy experience in this relaxing part of the home.

If you are in the process of renovating or building a new home, you may even wish to consider including under floor heating in your project. This type of heating solution features heated coils that are usually embedded in your concrete slab (or beneath your floor tiles). When switched on, these coils will heat up and gently warm up your floors, creating a comfortable experience in any tiled area.

Wood look porcelain tiles provide an incredibly rich and decadent experience in any application throughout the home’s indoor and outdoor spaces. These fabulous modern tiles can be used in place of real timber, even in wet areas and outdoor spaces, offering a wonderfully low maintenance solution that will last a lifetime! Our Melbourne tiles store houses an endless collection of stylish designer tiles, including a selection of bold and rustic wood look tiles; visit us to see our tiling options in person or start your design journey by shopping for tiles online here!