Porcelain Wood-look tiles

KFiddles

We're new to Ireland and are refurbishing our first home. I'm reflooring the entire house and am trying to decide between a good quality engineered hardwood or one of the new porcelain tiles that look like wood. While I love the look and feel of wood, I've got to say I'm tempted by the indestructibility of some of the porcelain tiles I've seen. I can barely tell the difference at first glance. Compatibility with underfloor heating is important, too. Any pros or cons?

MisseyB

Tiles are durable but may be cold, noisy and tiring underfoot. They can be laid in a variety of patterns including diagonal, herringbone, offset, and tumbleblock, basketweave, although anything other than a standard brick or grid format will cost more to lay. Tiles also come in a vast array of shapes and sizes including rectangular, square, circular, hexagonal, octagonal and in gloss, satin or matt finishes. Different finishes has different slip resistant rating so make sure to make sure that they tile you choose matches the slip-resistance rating of the area to receive it. Tiles of different sizes, different shapes and different colour can be laid together to achieve pleasing patterns or you can use inset tiles or borders to create interest.

Tip: The size of a tile affects its price with 300x300mm being the most economical floor tile and size to buy and lay.

Ceramic Tiles are the most popular form of tile bought today. They are made from refined clay fired at extremely high temperatures. Less expensive ceramic tiles are normally glazed but fully vitrified (glass–like) tiles, which are heated to the highest temperature (1180°C) are more durable. Fully vitrified tiles are water and frost proof but they may be slippy when wet. Some ceramic tiles come inslip-resistant versions for areas that need extra grip, like shower rooms. Ceramic tiles are extremely resistant to stains although dirt can gather in damaged glaze.

Porcelain Tiles have become very popular in the past few years, particularly the ones that simulate natural stone. Porcelain tiles are made from clay with a high kaolin content fired at the temperatures higher than that used in making ceramic tiles. Porcelain tiles typically emulate stone or terrazzo and their sharp edges give them an austere, formal quality. They are extremely durable and stain resistant and can have a texture, satin or polished finish. They do not require sealing

Tip: Porcelain tiles are very dense making them difficult to cut and so they typically cost more to lay than ceramic tiles

Hope that helps. More info on.

https://designa2z.wordpress.com/2012/09/22/tile-flooring/

KFiddles

Thanks for the comprehensive info about tile flooring. My question, however, was more to do with an aesthetic comparison of the desirability of porcelain wood grain tile vs the actual hardwood flooring. If we ever sell the house, would porcelain be more or less desirable than engineered wood?

Apologies for not being clear.

Wyldwood

I hate anything that pretends to be something it's not, so for me imitation hardwood tiles wouldn't appeal. I'd go with a semi-solid wood (look at the Kahrs range) and a neutral tile for the kitchen.
Also the wood flooring is much nicer in living areas than cold tiles.

KFiddles

Thanks for the opinion. I'm tending toward the engineered wood myself. I guess I'm looking for opinions to reinforce my preference..

MisseyB

Sorry for the misunderstanding. I didn't read your original post properly.

Personally i prefer real timber too, but then i like the patina that real timber gets over time - some people hate that. Engineered timber can be harder wearing but it really comes down to the durability of the sealant / varnish. Some brands show very little less wear over time, but for me that's a drawback. I like the wear and tear. It looks more genuine, less plastic.

I'd ask suppliers to show me flooring that's been down a few years so you can see how they look when put to the test.