If your bathroom or kitchen floor has seen better days, you may be considering options for refinishing, repairing, or replacing the flooring. Replacing a broken tile or two may be an option if you have extras around. Hardwood floors can be refinished to extend their life. If the time has come to fully update the floor, the ideal time is during a remodel.

Hardwood floors are a popular choice for kitchen designs: timeless appeal, warmth, and a complement to other elements like cabinetry. They may not be durable enough for very high-traffic areas and aren't suitable for moisture-prone bathrooms. Wood-look tile has the appearance of wood with the durability of tile. Both materials have their pros and cons. Here are key areas to consider. We compare flooring options more broadly in our flooring guide.

Appearance

Nothing beats the natural appearance of hardwood, not to mention the warmth and texture underfoot. It has timeless appeal that adds style and value. Wood brings nature into the home with unique patterns, grains, and textures. Wood-look tile can't exactly match natural beauty, but comes a very close second, mimicking the appearance, grain, and color of different types of natural wood.

Style and Color Options

Hardwood is available in different woods, with varying textures and finishes from natural wood to dark stains. Since it's a natural material, you have less control over style, size, shape, and color, but get the one-of-a-kind appeal in return. Ceramic or porcelain wood-look tile is manufactured and can be designed in a variety of shapes, sizes, and finishes with greater control over the final product.

Versatility

Hardwood is popular for kitchens but not for bathrooms due to moisture. Wood-look tile offers the same style benefits as hardwood with the durability and low maintenance of tile, making it suitable for bathrooms and laundry rooms. Tile feels colder underfoot, so radiant floor heating is worth considering.

Durability and Maintenance

Hardwood can be sealed and refinished over time to extend its life, but it's not scratch-proof, which makes it less ideal for homes with pets or young children. Ceramic or porcelain wood-look tile is scratch-resistant and waterproof, more versatile across rooms. Both materials require regular cleaning to look their best.

Cost

Hardwood tends to be more expensive than wood-look tile to install, and typically more expensive to maintain with regular refinishing. Wood-look tile is more hardwearing over time, with simpler ongoing maintenance.

Talk through flooring with a designer

If you're planning a remodel and want to compare hardwood and wood-look tile in person, we'd love to talk.

Schedule a showroom visit at our 5,000 square foot showroom in Norwell. No pressure, just a real conversation about your home.

Transitions Kitchens, Baths & Remodeling
433 Washington St, Norwell, MA
(781) 871-0881