Many people in the global tile industry have been surprised by the enduring popularity of the wood-effect tile trend. However, as sceptics in the tile distribution and retail trade have been won over by the new generation of wood-effect tiles, in no small part because of their growing consumer appeal, manufacturers have responded with ever more sophisticated designs. And so the trend continues and develops
We have now seen aged affects, parquet patterns, reclaimed and weathered looks, coloured wood, grainy wood, high gloss boat varnish finishes and a plethora of new wood-effect tile formats, notably chevrons and planks.
The arguments for choosing wood-effect porcelain tiles in place of the real thing are now well established. Quite apart of the range of design options, including simulations of a vast range of wood species – both cross cut and end grain – the technical properties of the material gives ceramic many advantages over traditional timber, while still retaining the warm and inviting appearance of natural wood.
Ceramic parquet is highly resistant to wear caused by continuous use, and can be used in areas with a high level of pedestrian traffic, such as restaurants and shopping centres. No concerns about high heeled shoes here!
Its surface finish is also unaffected by the sun and UV light, and there is no need to apply any type of surface treatment or follow a special maintenance procedure. Its low porosity also makes it the ideal material for wet zones, such as walk-in showers, changing rooms, bathrooms and kitchens. Furthermore, most manufacturers offer versions with an anti-slip surface; ideal for outdoor applications, such as terraces or swimming pool surrounds.
Little wonder, then, that by capturing the beauty of natural timber and combining it with the durability and ease of maintenance of porcelain tiles, home owners and professional designer have so readily embraced this product.
Ecoceramica’s Tempo offers all these practical and technical qualities but with the added allure of sophisticated décor options that would be beyond the budget of most consumers were they realised in natural wood.
This porcelain stoneware collection is offered in 400 by 400mm, and is equally suited to wall or floor applications. The design options – Pearl, Desert, Cherry and Smoke – feature sumptuous and finely-detailed patterns. The designs were inspired by the grain of natural wood but use the latest-generation of ceramic decoration techniques to bring the added appeal of pictorial decorations and inlays. With other formats, including 130 by 800 and 200 by 800mm available, it is the collection’s fabulous decors, notably Intarsio, Floreale and Damasco, that truly elevate Tempo beyond the commonplace into something very special indeed.
A new post by Joe Simpson, Diary of a Tile Addict, June 2017.