Imitation wood flooring
Frequently asked questions
Wood-effect floors offer several advantages over real wood flooring.
Firstly, they are more resistant to water and stains, making them ideal for areas with high humidity or heavy foot traffic. In addition, they don’t chip or dent like real wood, making them more durable and easier to maintain.
They are also more resistant to fire and scratches, which makes them safer and longer-lasting. In terms of design, wood-effect ceramic tiles offer a wide variety of patterns and wood tones, making them suitable for any interior style.
Finally, porcelain wood-effect floors tend to be more affordable than real wood and can be installed on a wide range of surfaces, making them a more versatile and cost-effective choice.
Wood-effect floors offer a wide range of design possibilities. They can replicate different wood species, from oak to walnut, and are available in a variety of finishes, such as brushed or aged, to closely imitate the natural texture of real wood.
There are also various sizes and formats available, from wide planks to narrow boards, and they can be laid in different patterns, such as herringbone or diagonal layouts. Additionally, they can be combined with other materials, like stone or metal, to create unique and personalised designs.
To keep the wood-effect floor in good condition, it is recommended to carry out regular cleaning. It is advisable to use gentle and non-abrasive products to avoid damaging the shine of the flooring. It is also recommended to protect it against scratches. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to carry out the recommended preventive maintenance.
Wood-effect floors are known for their durability and resistance, as most are made from porcelain material, which is very resistant to many factors, such as chemicals, high-traffic areas, among others.
With proper regular maintenance, these floors can last for decades, retaining their appearance and quality over a long period. It is important to note that the lifespan may vary depending on how it is treated, including its use, the traffic it receives, and the care provided.
Different materials are used to manufacture wood-effect floors that offer the look and texture of real wood, but with other characteristics and advantages unique to these materials. Here are some of the most commonly used materials for producing wood-effect flooring:
- Porcelain: A ceramic material that is very durable, resistant to wear and moisture. Thanks to current technology, it can perfectly reproduce the grains, knots, and texture of wood, providing an excellent wood-effect floor.
- Vinyl: Wood-effect vinyl floors are very popular due to their versatility and durability. These floors are made of several layers, including a top layer that recreates the look of wood.
- Laminate: Laminate floors consist of layers of compressed material that imitate the appearance of wood. They are coated with a protective layer resistant to wear and scratches. Wood-effect laminate floors offer a good price-to-quality ratio and are easy to install.
- Synthetic wood: Also known as composite or artificial wood, made from wood fibres mixed with additives and resins. This type of wood provides a wood-like appearance but with additional resistances, such as moisture resistance, insect resistance, and colourfastness.
- Ceramic: Ceramic tiles can also imitate the appearance of wood. Ceramic is a durable and easy-to-maintain material, ideal for high-humidity areas such as bathrooms and kitchens.
These are just some of the most common materials used to manufacture wood-effect floors. Each has its own characteristics and advantages, so it is important to consider your needs and preferences when choosing the type of flooring that best suits your space.
Wear and abrasion resistance is the method used to measure the ability to mask wear caused by abrasion. For this, 5 levels are established:
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Level 1 – Low
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Level 2 – Medium
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Level 3 – Medium-High
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Level 4 – High
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Level 5 – Very High
To determine hardness, a test is carried out by scratching the flooring with 10 materials from the MOHS scale. The minimum required for flooring is Mohs 5 and for wall cladding Mohs 3.