Are you team floor tiles or team wood floor? The pros and cons of both types of floorings could be a good topic for debate. But why choose between the two incredible flooring options when you can have them both?
Have you ever heard of wood-like floor tiles? If you are the type who adores hardwood flooring but not a fan of the pricey cost, then the trendy wood-like floor tile is the perfect option for you. A wood tile flooring is a smart alternative to hardwood. It looks exactly like wood from afar, but you'll realize that it is made of ceramic tiles upon closer inspection.
Wood-like tile is not only for floorings; it could also be used on bathroom and bedroom walls. The price of ceramic wood tile ranges from $2 to $8 per square foot, while the porcelain material could cost $4 to $12, with an additional $5 installation per square foot.
Compared to a legit hardwood floor, the wood-like flooring is more affordable. Real hardwood flooring costs around $5 to $10 square foot with a minimum installation fee of $4 to $8 per square foot.
While the price difference is already a major decision maker, below are the pros and cons of using a wood tile floor to help you weigh if this trendy flooring material is worth the try and if it is the right option for your home.
Pros of Wood Tile
Cost: As mentioned above, wood-like tiles are cheaper compared to the traditional hardwood floors. If you are on a tight budget and still want your home to look classic, there is no way to resist the wood tile's affordability.
Easy to Install: Like regular tiles, wood-like floor tiles are easy to install and do not require carpentry-skills before installation.
Friendly Material: Properties located in areas with humid climates should consider wood-like tile. Factors like moisture and pests in humid climates could ruin an improperly installed natural wood flooring.
Wood-like tiles do not promote allergens, so it is a good option for people with allergies. It is also pet-friendly and could withstand scratches from your fur babies.
Cons of Wood Tile
Grout: just like any other tiles, the wood tile would also require grout lines, which need extra care to look perfect.
Safety: another disadvantage of using wood-like tile is that it tends to feel cold and slippery when wet.
Longevity: while wood-like tiles look sturdy and could last, hardwood floorings could stay longer or even a lifetime if properly maintained. Hardwood could be sanded down, stained, or covered in with carpet when damaged.
Resale Value: wood-like tiles may be an excellent dupe to expensive hardwood floors, but real wood-enthusiast would know the difference, and it could affect your property's resale value. On the other hand, hardwood flooring could make the house ten times more expensive and could be your ticket to a double resale value.
