Wood-look tiles: Discover the superior benefits of wood-effect flooring

porcelain wood look floor tiles — *Casalgrande Padana’s Project Wood Paneveggio porcelain stoneware wood-effect tiles.*

Sponsored Content: This post has been kindly sponsored by Casalgrande Padana, with all words, thoughts and opinions by Melanie Lissack.

If there is one important lesson I have learnt through multiple years of decorating my own home and styling other people's houses, it’s that it is SO important to choose the right flooring. The flooring forms the base of your entire room scheme. The colour that you have painted your walls and the furniture you place in your room will all be impacted by what has been laid for the floor; it can lift or it can drag down an entire interior design scheme.

What is equally as important as the aesthetics of your floor is the functionality: your flooring needs to work for your lifestyle, have significant durability and if you live in cooler climes, be extremely energy-efficient.

japandi room with wood effect flooring — *Casalgrande Padana’s Project Wood Migliarino porcelain stoneware wood-effect tiles work well within a Japandi interior design scheme.*

One of the most desirable flooring options for many people has always been real wood. The comforting, natural tones of real wood add warmth and depth to a home, while the knots, graining and texture are full of character. However, as nice as it looks, real wood comes with a whole host of potential problems for a homeowner. Real wood flooring can be dented and scratched easily; you cannot walk on it in certain shoes while dropping sharp items on it will ultimately result in damage. It can be hard to keep clean as you cannot apply chemicals or spread water directly over the wood, while it requires a certain level of upkeep with regular sanding and sealing to keep it looking its best. If you have pets or small children, it is important to be aware that urine can be particularly damaging to a real wood floor. Direct sun exposure can also alter its colouration, while real wood is also susceptible to fluctuations in temperature, causing it to warp or buckle.

If you live somewhere like the UK, common problems with homes include damp and condensation. This can be a nightmare for a real wood floor, leading to rot and even woodworm infestations. With lower temperatures throughout most of the year, heat escaping through gaps between flooring planks can significantly increase energy bills. If all of this isn’t enough to cause you stress as a homeowner, the regular creaking when you walk on the boards might be the thing that finally sends you over the edge!

wood effect porcelain tiles — *Casalgrande Padana’s Project Wood Pollino* porcelain stoneware wood-effect tiles can be used to create a warming, mid-century modern bedroom. The richer the colour of the wood, the warmer it will feel. By contrast, lighter wood effects will brighten and lighten up a room.

This is why wood-look or wood-effect floor tiles have garnered significant attention and are increasing in popularity when it comes to installing flooring throughout the home. Homeowners desire the natural warm aesthetic of real wood, without the compromise of abrasions and deterioration. High-quality wood-effect porcelain tiles - like those by luxury tile manufacturers Casalgrande Padana - allow for the look of real wood without limitation. You can even use them in the bathroom or have them flow through to your outside spaces without the risk of damage or decay.

wood look floor tiles — *Casalgrande Padana’s Project Wood Migliarino porcelain stoneware wood-effect tiles contain a detailed grain to replicate the look and texture of real wood.*

What are wood-effect tiles?

Casalgrande Padana’s high-quality, luxury wood-effect tiles are constructed from porcelain stoneware using the latest technology to replicate the look and feel of real wood. Yet, unlike real wood, they are highly durable, water-repellant and non-porous. They are also fire-resistant, low-maintenance and easy to clean. They do not chip, stain or crack, making them a great choice to use in high-traffic or hard-working areas such as the kitchen or the bathroom.

Why should I consider wood-look tiles over alternative options?

Wood has a comforting and natural warmth and depth that elevates the look of most interior design schemes. Light Scandi woods such as Beech or Ash are the perfect accompaniment to a modern, youthful interior that includes boucle textiles and monochrome home accessories. Deeper walnut or mahogany shades are more traditional and classic; pairing well with sophisticated interiors containing richer colour palettes and patterns.

Wood-effect tiles offer all the beauty and cosy character of real wood for the busy modern lifestyle. Casalgrande Padana’s wood-effect tiles are extremely low maintenance as they require no sanding, sealing, staining or other protective methods after installation. The tiles can withstand potential everyday damage from shoes, everyday living, pets and children as they will not stain, scuff, mark, warp or break. Cleaning Casalgrande Padana’s tiles is easy as the tiles can take abrasive anti-bacterial cleaning agents. As they are non-porous, regular and consistent mopping and scrubbing will not affect them.

Wood-effect tiles are a great option to use in the kitchen or the bathroom as we move away from the sanitary look of these functional spaces and prefer these rooms to be more cohesive with the rest of the house. A wood-effect floor paired with sage green walls in a bathroom creates a natural and calming environment, enhancing everyday wellbeing. In the kitchen, wood-effect flooring gives food preparation spaces an organic, high-end and timeless look that leans towards natural craftsmanship. However, unlike real wood, there would be no concern over spills or heat damage as the porcelain stoneware is non-porous, long-lasting, fire-resistant, durable and reliable. For a seamless flow in your flooring, you can extend these tiles out onto a terrace or a patio thanks to Casalgrande Padana’s offering of 20mm thick tiles with the non-slip 'Grip' finish.

large herringbone floor tiles — *Wood-effect flooring in a kitchen creates a timeless, high-end look. Featuring Project Wood Mesola by Casalgrande Padana.*

Just how much do wood-look tiles really look like real wood?

Casalgrande Padana’s wood-look tiles replicate the charm of rare, sought-after woods hailing from all over the world. They combine all of the wonderful natural characteristics of real wood - the organic knots, defined veining and graining - along with an exact replica of the warm wood honey tones and colours. Collections such as Casalgrande Padana’s Project Wood, English Wood and Country Wood reproduce the realistic slightly distressed effects that you would find in a real wood plank and with a wide range of tile sizes available, this allows for a multitude of traditional wood flooring laying patterns including straight plank lines, chevron, herringbone and diagonal, amongst others.

pale wood floor tile — *Casalgrande Padana’s Project Wood Migliarino porcelain stoneware wood-effect tiles have a honey tone that works well in both dim and brighter light.*

Isn’t using real wood a more sustainable option?

While real wood is considered an environmentally friendly material as it is natural, wood use does contribute to world deforestation. In contrast, Casalgrande Padana’s wood-effect tiles are wholly sustainable as they are constructed from a mixture of pure raw materials (clay and feldspar), free from chemical waterproofing materials, paints, and resins. The eco-friendly ceramic is void of glazes and can be completely recycled, while the tiles are both designed and manufactured in the heart of Italy, using circular economy criteria in the use of energy resources, water and waste.