Wood Plank Everything!
#TuesdayTrend
Wood Plank Everything!
2017 brought with it so many great flooring trends. It didn’t matter if it was concrete or cork, it was finding its way under somebody’s feet. One trend that sky rocketed in 2017 was wood plank tile. Porcelain and ceramic planks are being designed to look like hardwood, making them a great alternative for bathrooms, kitchen, and entry ways.
The versatile flooring is being seen in traditional, elegant, and rustic settings, most frequently in dark, gray, or white washed finishes. In a great article by The Flooring Girl, she talks about how in cooler parts of the country, even though homeowners prefer solid wood floors throughout the majority of their space they will sometimes lay porcelain tiles in places that may get wet, or just for design and a cool contrast.
Pro’s and Con’s:
Becki Owens talks about the benefits and disadvantages of tile. Her article focuses on tile in the kitchen, although the rules apply no matter what room the flooring is in. Faux wood tiles, porcelain or ceramic, add warmth to your space. There’s something about wood plank floors (even if they aren’t real wood) that look a little more “homey” than traditional square tiles.
It’s easy to clean, fairly durable, and super low maintenance. Tile is relatively stain resistant which makes it great for places where it could be the catcher of mud, water, or rogue spaghetti sauce. So far, faux wood tiles seem like a no-brainer! So, what’s the downside? Well, tile chips. Nothing makes a long day feel longer like dropping said spaghetti platter and taking a big chunk out of your floor, and if you’re laying the floor in an area where you stand a lot (the kitchen sink or a bathroom vanity), it can be uncomfortable over time. Additionally, in high-traffic areas it can be cold on your feet and it carries more sound, which isn’t a big deal until your 9-month-old finally fell asleep and you need to get from point A to point B without making any sound.
At NorCal Homes, we’re a big fan of the faux wood plank tile. We’ve used it several times in bathrooms at some of our higher-end projects. That being said, for the larger parts of the homes, we typically stick with engineered hardwood. If you are unfamiliar with the difference between engineered hardwood, hardwood, or laminate floors, check back soon for a post that breaks down the difference between the various types. Until then, take a look at these beautiful porcelain planks (right). Click on the image to for pricing and other information about the tile.