WOOD-EFFECT TILES HIGH FASHION, LO Leigh Price, Managing Director of Real Stone & Tile, offers a retailer’s perspective on current consum


The pressures of a busy modern lifestyle mean that we rely more than ever on high-quality furnishings that look great and stand the test of time, without the high price tag or the burden of continuous maintenance.


For many years, the rustic aesthetics created by wood have proved a popular and versatile feature, used to complement both interior and exterior décor. As wood comes in such a variety of styles and colours, it can be easily paired with other textures and tones to completely transform the look of a room and create an impressive statement piece. Wood can, however, cause many problems and is well-known for its burdensome cost and continuous maintenance. Although it has many features which make it aesthetically pleasing, wood is particularly susceptible to damage from stains and water, which result in it often being deemed impractical as a long-term flooring solution.


Wood-effect tiles remain a popular choice amongst homeowners. Many of my customers are opting for this because the tiles are so low maintenance when compared to the ‘real thing’. There is no need to varnish or treat the product, and there is no danger of the colour fading or warping, which can be a worry with wooden floors.


Made of porcelain and produced by dry pressing high- quality, spray-dried clays of various colours, the tile presents a realistic imitation of wood without the impracticalities and limitations of the real thing. Whilst wood is susceptible to water, stains and the changing climate, wood-effect tiles repel moisture and debris, grime and stains can be easily wiped away. The tile will not swell or shrink in warm or cold weather, making the practical nature of wood-effect tiles the ideal long-term choice for homeowners.


The tiles are also popular due to the wide variety of shades and styles available. Easily fitted to both walls and floors, wood-effect tiles are versatile as well as practical allowing a room to be easily transformed to a client’s own style. A gorgeous warm and weathered medium wood shade tile adds natural charm to the walls of any bathroom, and, paired with crisp white accessories and furnishings, ensures a fresh and clean feel.


A darker wood tile is perfect to set a bathroom apart from the classic looks and styles. The modern colour palette enhances the lighting and the ambience of a room, giving it a more relaxed, stylish and chic feel.


Pairing the darker wood effect with brushed chrome fittings creates a boutique, sleek style, whilst also demonstrating a real creative design flare.


Wood-effect tiles are extremely diverse due to their durability and ease. Whether the tiles are placed on the walls or floors, the range of sizes and colours means unusual and inventive designs are easily created. The


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herringbone style, a popular choice for 2018, is easily formed using a mix of shades and textures, creating a striking focal point, and breaking free from the traditional rows of tiles.


The water-resistant wood-effect tile is not only ideal for bathroom walls, but for living room floors too. From entertaining party guests, to caring for young children, a floor which doesn’t stain and looks stylish is perfect for a modern family home.


A more rustic wood effect tile ensures your room has a sense of character. It can lighten the space and provide a neutral colour palette, creating the ideal base for adding your own unique style. Wood-effect tiles pair well with pastel furnishings, particularly greens and creams. Alternatively, the pale flooring can be used to incorporate brighter colours, bringing your room to life.


The waterproof benefits of wood-effect tiles also make them the perfect choice for outdoor flooring, as they can withstand the great British weather. The tiles are ideal for creating a seamless transition between your indoor and outdoor space. Stylish, sensible, practical and versatile, the wood-effect tile range is the perfect addition to any home and any property style.


At Real Stone & Tile, wood-effect tiles are becoming more and more popular amongst our customer base. We’ve done a variety of projects, from minimalist modern new builds to rustic period properties, giving us the opportunity to see just how great the tile looks in different environments.


Wood-effect tiles have also been found to be extremely popular for high-traffic environments due to their durability, so we have seen a rise in the demand for these tiles in the hospitality industry.


www.realstoneandtile.co.uk www.tomorrowstileandstone.co.uk


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