Are you stuck on choosing the flooring material that you think will suit you most? Hardwood tiles or tiles that look like wood is a question that occurs often in the mind of someone looking to remodel their floor. If you’re pondering, then this is the right article for you. Although they are both good, we will look at their different drawbacks and strength in this article.
This comparison shows the total breakdown of the difference between the two flooring materials. In this article we don’t take into consideration heated flooring systems, but if you’re looking for more information on those then here is a link to a short article about everything you need to know about heated floors.
| Features | Hardwood | Wood-look Tile |
| Durability | Good | Excellent |
| Maintenance | Moderate | Easy |
| Cost | Expensive | Economical |
| Eco-friendly | Average | Poor |
| Installation | Pro | Pro or DIY |
| Children and Pets | Susceptible to scratches | Suitable |
Durability
Hardwood
When hardwoods’ durability is compared to tiles that look like wood, tiles typically can withstand more abuse. The durability of hardwood flooring is dependent on the type of wood and finish. Installation is also an important aspect. Improper installation or substrate can cause cracking, bending, and warping of the planks. Pre-finished wood products are factory sealed to provide protective layers before being shipped to the manufacturer. Unfinished hardwood requires that you apply a sealant as soon as the floor is installed. Regardless of the sealant, finish, and hardness of the wood, hardwood flooring can shrink and show wear, and this can in turn damage the value of your home if you’re looking for an increase in its value over the long run. Also, without proper care, the nails of the pets, moisture, and dirt can make the wood flooring imperfect.
Tiles that look like wood
On the other hand, tiles that look like wood are more durable and resistant to pet scratches, dents, and wears. The tile is moisture resistant and can handle more weight and traffic at home than hardwood. Chips and cracking can occur over time or when heavy loads are dropped. They can be switched more easily and this is something that you should definitely take into consideration if you have pets or children. Tiled floors that look like wood are also exceptionally popular in Accessory Dwelling Units and converted garages.
Maintenance
Hardwood
Hardwood floors do not withstand moisture; therefore, they are only suitable for dry rooms in the house. They look great with regular sweeping but can be prone to scratching by dirt. As time goes on, these scratches will serve as imperfections for the finish of the floor. Again its something to consider if you have pets, children or anything that can potentially cause damage to the floors.
Tiles that Look Like Wood
Since it is tiled, this floor is ideal for both dry and wet areas of the house. This makes it an excellent option for installing the flooring continuously in all living areas of the home. Also, it can be used in kitchens, laundry rooms, and bathrooms. Regular cleaning and annual polishing will enable you to maintain a great look for the tile
Cost
When choosing a floor that suits the project budget, the main factors you should consider are the product cost and installation fees. Professionals need to install hardwood tiles and tiles that look like wood to get the best results, so it now comes down to the material’s cost. Careful measurement of rooms will help determine the cost of materials and labor and create a realistic budget.
Hardwood
Although Hardwood flooring is beautiful, it is one of the most expensive flooring options. If your budget allows it, hardwoods provide excellent results that will stay on trend for many years in the next few years.
Tiles that Look Like Wood
When you are on a tighter budget, tiles that look like wood are much more economical than wood flooring. The lower cost allows you to cover more area without compromising your budget.
Wooden floors and textured planks give the space a traditional, elegant look. When choosing the right option for your home or business space, consider your budget, space requirements, and traffic level in the room. Whatever is installed, they will surely serve as a solid foundation for the room for later years.
Eco-friendly
When choosing a flooring material, environmental friendliness is usually considered. Despite the differences in design, wood tiles and wood-look tiles have a definite impact on the environment. Each brand can vary depending on the process, so feel free to research different companies to find out what efforts you are making to eco-friendly decisions.
Hardwood
When using hardwood flooring, the main concern is the time required for the tree to grow to the maturity that yields the product. Not only does it take many years for trees to grow to the appropriate size, but the process of cutting, trimming, and finishing a product creates a carbon footprint and generates waste.
Tiles that Look Like Wood
Although tiles that look like wood does not have the same effect on trees, the process of making the tiles has its own carbon footprint. With this material, raw materials are environmentally friendly, but not the manufacturing process.
Installation
It is good to install the floor yourself to save project costs; however, some types of flooring should be installed by the professionals. Increasing and decreasing spacing and mixing color variations are just some of the main reasons why the installation of hardwood flooring should best be done by a professional.
You may decide to handle the wood-look tiles yourself; however, all precautions must be taken. The subfloor must be precisely laid, and the grout requires a certain spacing. In addition, it is sometimes more difficult to combine the pattern with aesthetics.
For any of these flooring materials, the additional cost of professional installation is worth it if you are not sure about the process or do not have time that you dedicate to do the work.
Children and Pets
There is always an increased level of activity in the room by children and pets, so you will need a floor that best suits their activity level. When you install the right floor, you shouldn’t have to worry about damaging the floor while playing and running.
Hardwood
Hardwood floors are a great choice for homes with children and pets due to their natural durability. However, the tendency for moisture damage is worse among very young children and older pets, which can lead to accidents. Pets with long nails can also scratch the floor surface over time.
Tiles that Look Like Wood
A tile that looks like wood usually has a slippery surface. The slim design can make it slippery for children and active pets. However, the durability of the tile enables it to withstand scratches from pets.
Conclusion
After considering different factors, you should now be able to answer the question of wether you prefer floors or Tiles that look like wood or at least be partially there. What’s best? Based on the factors we have listed above, the best choice would really depend on your preference of real floors or tiled ones that look like wood, and mainly your budget. However, it does not matter what you are choosing; both will serve as a perfect design for spaces in your home. We also recommend you read this article before going forward with your new floors.
