Hardwood flooring has been a favourite of homeowners for ages, and it remains fashionable today. However, real wood flooring is not always a viable option. It’s more difficult to keep clean, prone to scratches from ordinary wear and tear, and exposure to water – or simply excessive humidity – can destroy it beyond repair. Fortunately, there are two fantastic options for homeowners who want to enjoy the looks of hardwood floors without the drawbacks: wood-look porcelain and luxury vinyl planks. But, can these wood-look alternatives give the same real, timeless beauty as advertised? Their growing popularity among pleased homeowners suggests that this is correct. So, which is best for your house?
Porcelain and vinyl tile each have a lot to offer. However, because the two items are so dissimilar, one may be more suited for your specific case than the other. As a result, studying more before picking one over the other is critical. In this post, we’ll go through the benefits and drawbacks of LVT and porcelain tile so you can make an informed selection.
Realistic Wood Appearances
One of the worries you may have if you replace real, natural hardwood flooring with porcelain tile that looks like wood or luxury vinyl planks is this: How plausible is it? Nobody wants a floor that looks like a false imitation of the genuine thing, no matter how practical it is. However, whether you choose porcelain or vinyl rigid core flooring, you’ll be shocked at how genuine they seem. Both types of flooring boards have enough variation within each box that, when correctly laid, there is no noticeable repeating pattern. Instead, the wood grain seems to be natural and unpredictable, just like the genuine thing.
This flooring is stylish and comes in a variety of colours. LVP and porcelain wood tile flooring come in a wide spectrum of hues, ranging from mild grey or beige to practically black. They also include genuine wood graining, including knots and, in some cases, saw marks. Styles include elegant, delicate oak- or pine-look flooring, or if you want something bolder and more character, try aged, reclaimed barn wood flooring. There’s something for everyone and every décor style.
Durability
When it comes to possible damage and wear and tear over time, no flooring is flawless. Wood-look porcelain tile and luxury vinyl planks, on the other hand, are extremely durable and can endure for decades with regular home usage.
The backing, stiff core, design layer, and protective wear layer are all layers in the production of luxury vinyl planks. Furthermore, MSI’s LVT has a patented wear layer known as CrystaLux, which provides improved protection against damage from scratches, dents, and sunlight.
Porcelain wood-look planks are made from a refined clay combination and burned at extremely high temperatures, giving them great strength and longevity. Many varieties of porcelain tiles are durable enough to resist heavy usage. They may even be used outside as an alternative to wood decking or stone pavers. If a heavy object is dumped on porcelain, it is more prone to cracking, shattering, or chipping.
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Installation
Whether you are a do-it-yourself homeowner or will hire a contractor to install your flooring, you will want to examine the ease of installation of these two types of wood-look planks. Luxury vinyl planks are a superior option for homeowners who do their own flooring installation. A click-lock mechanism is used in the manufacture of several varieties of LVP. A tab on one side of the plank slots into a groove on the opposite side, making installation a breeze. The subfloor must be minimally prepared for this sort of “floating” floor. They are also easy to cut because no special equipment is required.
Installing porcelain tile is also suitable for do-it-yourself tasks, but it needs a little more time and experience. The subfloor must first be prepared so that it is entirely level. A wet tile saw, tile spacers, grout, and other supplies are then required. It’s also significantly heavier than vinyl planks. It is, however, a preferable choice for making patterns like herringbone or parquet.
Resistance to water
One of the most common reasons for choosing wood-look porcelain and vinyl tiles is that they are water resistant – they allow you to have “wood” flooring in places where you would never put actual wood, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms. Both types of flooring are entirely waterproof and will not be affected by spills, splashes, or leaks. However, because moisture can infiltrate between tiles, an extra waterproof underlayment can give added piece of mind.
Maintenance
Most “natural” flooring solutions need care. This is true for both stone tiles and hardwood. However, porcelain and luxury vinyl flooring will make your life simpler. All you need with either is a broom for everyday sweeping and a wet mop for a more thorough cleaning. Wood-look porcelain tile does include grout lines, which may need extra attention.
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