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SERENITY-TAUPE-WOOD-PLANK-PORCELAIN-TILE. Image shows taupe wood plank porcelain tile on floor with flowers

A guide to choosing a porcelain tile that looks like wood

Why opt for a porcelain tile that looks like wood?

If you are considering wood flooring for your home then you can't go far wrong with a porcelain tile that looks like wood. Porcelain has a heap of benefits over it's natural counterpart not least with regard to ease of cleaning and superior wear and tear. It can also be a more cost effective option and doesn't have the same limitations as wood so can be used in bathrooms and outside spaces with ease.

We have three beautiful wood plank collections featured in here.

Our Season collection with over 30 different designs per tile for ultra realism and 2 co-ordinating wall feature tiles.
Our Serenity collection available in 2 sizes, a lovely large format 1510 x 240mm and smaller plank size 1215 x 195mm.
And our newest collection, Oakwood that combines beautifully with our marble effect tiles and has two textured co-ordinating wall tiles.

As technology improves, so does the realism of porcelain. The days of a few different faces or patterns are long gone for high quality porcelain tiles. Now collections like ours house tiles with as many as 30 - 40 different patterns per tile making your porcelain floor absolutely look like wood - in fact so much so you may struggle to tell the difference.

It's a question we are often asked, why are some wood effect tiles more expensive than others. A high quality porcelain tile that looks like wood will have a high number of individual designs - anything from 30-40 and the detailing and design is exceptional.

It's not just design either. Format has increased making for tiles that are larger and more 'plank' like that mean less grout and more tile.

Imitation without the Limitation

So let's run through all the reasons why a porcelain tile that looks like wood is a front runner choice for the home.

Firstly there is superior scratch resistance. Unlike real wood, porcelain is incredibly dense and hardwearing and that means it is highly resistant to scratching.

Secondly, porcelain is stain resistant - to be called porcelain this material has to have a porosity of less than 0.5% so anything you spill can't penetrate the tile to leave a stain. That said, it is always wise to mop up spills quickly.

Thirdly, it is so easy to keep clean. A mop and water usually does the trick. The golden rule here it to ensure, following installation, your tiler does a proper, thorough clean down of the tiles to remove any dirt and excess grout etc. If done correctly then ongoing, it's hard for dirt to grip onto the surface of the tiles making them a cinch to clean.

Fourth, porcelain doesn't need any sealing or polishing. It really is pretty much install, clean down and go.

Add to the above the fact you can use underfloor heating with porcelain and because it won't warp or bend it can be used in the bathroom and opting for a porcelain floor that looks like wood really is a smart decision.

Wood outside

You can even use wood porcelain planks outside. Tiles come in different thicknesses with a thinner porcelain for inside and a thicker tile for outside. Generally tiles are 9mm or 10mm for internal areas and 2cm thick for external areas.

Porcelain is fade resistant and available in finishes with additional grip making it ideal for outside spaces. It's also resistant to mould and moss taking root on the surface and delivers a clean, crisp, architectural feel - effectively creating the same flush finish outside, you would expect inside your home.

This taps right into the latest trends for creating that flow from home to garden with the same tiles. By laying these planks length ways too it really draws you in and elongates the space.

Where would I use wood effect porcelains

Porcelain is so versatile it can be used just about anywhere and the beauty of a wood effect porcelain or a porcelain floor tile that looks like wood is it can be installed where real wood can't - ie the bathroom and outside.

There is no chance of porcelain warping due to humidity or damp so it is ideal for those areas where water is more likely.

Floors, wall, kitchen, dining space, office, boot room, bathroom, living area, bedroom and more!

Care and Maintenance

Ongoing porcelain doesn't really require much more than a sweep and jet wash outside and a vacuum and mop with warm water inside. However, it is critical both inside and outside that the correct initial cleaning regime is followed to ensure that things like excess grout and debris are removed from the tiles.

For all porcelain and ceramics, a poor initial clean can lead to future issues and can affect the slip rating of tiles. Using the incorrect cleaning products day to day can also leave a film on tiles which can affect the surface of them. For more information see our Care + Maintenance page or get in touch with us.

So if you are looking for a porcelain tile that looks like wood in a wonderful variety of tones and hues from light wood porcelain tiles to the warm tones of Cherry and Taupe, look no further than our collections!

Please note: We strongly recommend using a professional tiling or landscaping contractor for your project. Installation requirements may vary depending on the tiles you choose, the fixing products used and the external conditions. Always check with your tiler, installer or landscaper regards the suitability of the tiles and please do get in touch with us for more information or if you have any questions. Visit the Installation section of our website for more helpful information.

The TilePortfolio specialise in Italian and Spanish Porcelain and Ceramic tiles, in particular large format Porcelains and Porcelain tiles for inside and outside. Our carefully curated, stunning tile portfolios are beautifully presented online and supported by our fuss-free ‘go-the-extra-tile’ service and video design consultancy. Visit our website for unmissable interiors inspiration. The TilePortfolio team are always available to chat, we’d be delighted to help with your project so please do get in touch. www.thetileportfolio.co.uk.

Please note: We strongly recommend using a professional tiler for your project. Installation requirements may vary depending on the tiles you choose, the fixing products used and the specific conditions. Always check with your tiler regards the suitability of the tiles. Please get in touch with us if you have any questions.

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Hey there!

Want to keep up to speed with the latest tile trends, new products, fabulous offers and inspiration from The TilePortfolio?

It's all in our monthly newsletter!