When looking to make an impactful change in your interior décor, one that would make for a lasting effect in an aesthetic and functional way, how often is it that you give tiles a chance? For most people, changes with the interior revolve around swapping out some of the existing furnishings and perhaps adding a change of colour with the help of accessories.
Tiles may be a bigger undertaking, but the end result more than makes up for it. This is especially the case with elegant wooden tile projects, and you get to choose whether you enhance the floors or the walls – or both. The beauty of having a range of options nowadays lies in the versatility of materials and colours, so if you don’t have the budget to get actual hardwood tiles, you could also get ceramics or vinyl that mimic the gorgeous natural wooden texture.
Are Floor Tiles Same as Wall Tiles?
Before moving on to getting to know the different benefits you could get with both design options, let’s get this thing straight: while floor tiles can be used on walls too, wall tiles can’t be used on floors. The reason behind this is the fact the floor wood tiles are designed for heavy traffic and impact, so they’re thicker, as opposed to the thinner and more delicate wall tiles. This is indicated by wear and abrasion resistance ratings, with the higher the number, the stronger and more durable the tile is. Lower numbers typically indicate wall tiles, whereas if there are higher numbers then you know it’s floor tiles you’re looking at.
Benefits of Wooden Tiles on Floors
Wood is a material that’s traditional and popular for its properties, as much as its looks. In terms of properties, one of the main that it’s known for is durability. Think of an example like oak wooden tile – it’s a wood type product with high bulk density which renders it strong and durable. It can withstand the foot traffic you put it through, so it’s great for hallways as much as living rooms and guest rooms.
For moisture prone areas like kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and basements, you should look for wood veneers with waterproof protective film over them. Even though you may have heard that unlike wood-like tiles, such as those made from ceramics and vinyl, wood is susceptible to moisture damage like warping, water when cleaned in a timely manner won’t pose a threat to your precious veneer tile floors.
With this in mind, immediate cleaning after spilling accidents can help you get rid of the risk of stains. While we’re at maintenance, doing daily sweeping, dry mopping, and dusting will help prolong the lifespan of your tiles, as will weekly vacuuming, and monthly damp mopping. For the sake of durability, it’s advisable to avoid harsh cleaners and chemicals. Mild detergents specialized for this type of wood would do.
As for aesthetics, a wooden tile floor can be just the feature you require to make your home a true home where you like to spend most of your time. It shouldn’t come as surprise Scandinavian design, which has been the trend for years, uses wood as the central element with wood floors being the solution when it comes to injecting the interior with much-needed warmth.
What’s more, there are various wood options ranging in textures and colours. With so many designs, you can easily find the type of floor that would fit right in with your style, be it contemporary, classic, or something in between. An inviting atmosphere that gets you closer to nature is a guaranteed result.
Benefits of Wooden Tiles on Walls
As mentioned, you can use the floor tiles on the walls, or pick out specialised wall tiles, it’s your call. The design possibilities here are also endless, as you’ve got a variety to pick from in terms of material, colour, and texture. You can either choose the same or similar hue to your floors for a blend that would make your rooms bigger and add a touch of continuity and flow, or something entirely different for a nice contrast that brings attention to your walls.
Since wood isn’t typically chosen for these features in the home, as opposed to paint or wallpaper, wood tile décor truly brings a sense of uniqueness that makes for a striking effect, adding lots of warmth, texture, and depth. Light woods are great for creating an airy feel, whereas darker ones add some drama. As such, you can use the tiles to your adventure to make for a focal point in the bedroom, living room, hallway, kitchen or even bathroom for the shower enclosures if you choose the treated option.
Durability-wise, this kind of wall covering is very strong, and unlike with floors you won’t have to worry about foot traffic damage. Also, it’s fit for use in areas that are in and away from direct sunlight. It makes for a neat feature that ends up protecting the wall from dents and scratches, as much as stains, mould, moisture, equally as it serves to hide wall imperfections. The best of both worlds!