Interior tiling imitating parquet

With its warm tones and marked veins, wood is an exceptional material that evokes nature in its purest form. Whether it’s a classic or designer ambiance, it easily finds its place in all decors. This is why parquet-effect tiles are increasingly used to revive interiors that lack character.

The best alternative to traditional parquet, wood effect tiles offer many advantages. Less expensive, they nevertheless retain the appearance of the original material. They faithfully reproduce the subtle grains, refined veins and ornaments of authentic wood. These delicate details introduce an undeniable touch of sophistication to any type of interior.
Unlike wood, imitation parquet flooring has a greater longevity. It is shock and scratch resistant, while being easier to maintain. Laid on the floor or on the walls, it can be placed in any room of the house, even those with high traffic.
Robust and easy to clean, this covering is also known for its resistance to humidity. In contact with water, it retains its initial appearance, does not deteriorate or deform. So, if you are looking for the perfect tiles for your bathrooms, this one will meet your aesthetic and functional expectations.
Finally, last but equally important: there is a wide variety of parquet-effect tiles with different finishes, patterns and colours from which you can choose according to your interior decoration.

Before deciding which tile to choose, it is important to know the variants available on the market, keeping in mind that each wood-effect parquet has its own characteristics.

Ceramic: a guarantee of resistance

Since ceramic is a robust material, this covering is perfect for places with frequent passage, particularly corridors and living rooms. Made from porcelain stoneware, it is even scratch-resistant with a MOHS hardness index ranging from 7 to 9. Its non-porous surface makes it waterproof and very easy to maintain, thus eliminating the risk of deformation due to humidity.

Vinyl: easy to install

Made of high-density PVC, vinyl offers excellent resistance to wear and impact. Using state-of-the-art 3D printing machines, manufacturers are able to faithfully reproduce the patterns and textures of wood, creating a visually stunningly realistic effect. Sold in the form of self-adhesive tiles and strips, installing vinyl tiles requires no special skills.

Porcelain stoneware: a practical option

Widely used in the manufacture of parquet floors, this material combines the chic aesthetics of wood with the technical advantages of porcelain stoneware. It is made with clay and minerals fired at very high temperatures, which gives it exceptional resistance to shocks, scratches and wear. With a very low porosity generally less than 0.5%, it does not stain and retains its bright appearance, even when installed in humid areas such as bathrooms and kitchens.

To find the type of imitation wood tiles that best suits your needs, you must take into account a certain number of criteria, without which you risk being faced with unpleasant surprises. Here are 2 essential elements to consider to make a wise choice:

The decorative spirit of your interior

The general atmosphere of your home is the first criterion to study. For a more convivial atmosphere, opt for neutral-colored tiles. The best way to warm up an interior and make it more cozy is to go for discreet and authentic colors such as beige, white or gray. These variations can easily be combined with Scandinavian or classic style furniture elements.
Then add a touch of sophistication by playing on the dimensions of the tiles. Note that large tiles can enlarge the room. Smaller, they structure the space where they are installed, thus creating a decorative harmony that will enhance the style of your decor.

The space where the parquet is installed

Very often, imitation wood packages are subject to specific treatments. Tiles with non-slip finish are designed for kitchens and living rooms. Apart from the aesthetic touch they introduce, they prevent slipping or tripping: a considerable advantage especially if you have young children!

Please note:

In addition to the criteria previously mentioned, we would like to draw your attention to the importance of checking the quality of the parquet and its level of resistance to humidity.

If imitation wood tiles has been used for several years, it continues to gain popularity. Today, manufacturers offer increasingly varied ranges, with the aim of providing options perfectly adapted to the needs of each owner.

Subtle shades are in the spotlight

While the tiles available are available in different colors, earth and neutral tones remain the most popular. Classic and timeless, the colors gray, white and beige give a touch of conviviality that defies time. Over the decades, these shades retain their shine and modern appearance, despite fleeting trends.

The rustic look for patterns

As for shapes and finishes, the rustic style is a subtle nod to the country world. Wood-effect tiles are intended to be authentic and timeless, while complimenting all the decorative styles with which they are associated.

Simple or sophisticated shapes?

The installation of the tiles has a great influence on the aesthetic result. Rather than choosing a geometric shape devoid of any creativity, opt for tiles with hexagonal lines. However, if you want to keep a simpler style, opt for a rectangular shape: the timeless option par excellence!

An original installation

To transform a classic room into a unique space that does not lack character, it is strongly recommended to choose a slightly offset installation. You can use the tiles to create geometric shapes. Note that herringbone patterns add a contemporary touch. On the floor, the herringbone arrangement is indeed capable of modernizing the room in which it is located. On the other hand, if you choose a diagonal installation, the result will be more atypical and unexpected.
For more fantasy, don’t hesitate to combine different shapes, shades, and finishes!

The level of complexity of the installation varies from one material to another. However, even if some tiles are easier to install than others, it is advisable to entrust the work to a professional. Only an expert will be able to:

• prepare the installation surface;
• align the tiles symmetrically using a spirit level;
• ensure the adhesion of the mortar;
• remove excess mortar
• work in sections for an impeccable result …