I install it and, not much to dislike there. Some of the current stuff looks VERY real, easy to maintain, water won't hurt it and it doesn't scratch.

You can chip it if something VERY hard falls on an edge...but that's about it on the downside...

Here's one I did about ten years ago, just when it was gaining popularity. Replaced carpeting in all areas.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0603/Lazarus/WoodTilePhotos005.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0603/Lazarus/WoodTilePhotos002.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0603/Lazarus/WoodTilePhotos014.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0603/Lazarus/WoodTilePhotos004.jpg

Sorry for the substandard photography. Homeowner wanted them butted with no grout, like real barnwood. I don't recommend that, but they were pleased and it came out fine....

Avanti, what is the disadvantage to not using grout? I know grout is used to compensate for uneven edges of the tiles. Did the tile in the pictures have rectified edging? It really does look more like real wood laid that way. What about expansion/contraction? (I guess that has nothing to do with the grout vs no grout since grout isn't an expansion joint.)

I am considering wood-look porcelain tile because we have big dogs and tile is a great bullet-proof flooring for dogs. We're also considering LVT - the only downside I see to that is it seems it could be slippery for dogs, like hardwood is.

Thanks

The disadvantage is that debris can be trapped there and chipping can occur with some material and some installers. An expansion joint is always needed at the perimeter and sometimes in the field. This was an unusual install in that the slab was ultra flat, had no cracks and minimal hard, direct sunlight. The HO had no kids dragging in dirt and she vacuumed it daily!

The tile was of exceptional quality and had slightly beveled edges, like real wood. She paid about $10 per sq. ft. as I recall...but again, this was over ten years ago.

As a general rule 1/8" joint is commonly used. Pick a grout colour lighter than the darkest areas and darker than the lightest. With that, you seldom go wrong and it blends well.

Great info - thanks for responding

We did ours 13 years ago when the tiles first came out. It is probably the best tile ever because you can have it in a dirt color and it still looks good. This is great for people with dogs. The only thing we would change is we used cement based grout which has lost it's color over time with all the mopping. When we have patched the grout we have used a premixed grout from Lowes. This grout does not lose color over time. This grout also is slightly more flexible than regular cement grout so does not crack at our door frames like the cement grout. Try to use either epoxy or premixed that won't loose color. There is way too much grout to recolor it so we live with the uneven washed out look.

I replaced my 5" wide Brazilian Cherry Floors with 3.25" wide Brazilian Cherry floors. If I did not sign the contract yet after seeing the great job my tile guy did in my kitchen with my large format tiles and seeing his home, I would have used tile and not wood. I regret not going wide again with someone as talented as my installer. I love the pictures above. I especially love the grey pepper floor in the show room with the varied tile widths.

I love everything about it. As flat as our slab is, I wish I would have listened to my husband when he said he could do 1/16" grout lines and it would look better. I was afraid (from what I'd read here) and we compromised on 3/32". I used a dark grout that matched the tile. LOVE it! I'm hoping to talk DH into replacing the office engineered wood with the Shaw Petrified Hickory we just put in his bathroom.

Glad I found this thread. I am strongly considering using the wood look tile throughout our home when we start our remodel in a few months. Two 100+ pound dogs and two small kiddos make me want something that won't get scratched up and that I can clean easily w vinegar and water or a steamer without damage. My concern is the feel underfoot. I know it will be cold and hard, has this bothered anyone. I use cushioned mats at the sink and stove in the kitchen anyway. Is there a risk of cracking if using the wider plank versions? Is 1/16 about as minimal as we can go in terms of grout lines? Thanks!

^your Shaw Petrified Hickory is fantastic!

Thank you all for the great feedback! Surprisingly, Grey Pepper is one of the colors/brands I am considering! You have confirmed my decision so I greatly appreciate the positive responses. One last question... can anyone comment on the impact it has on home resale values (vs hardwood flooring)? Not that we will be moving anytime soon though! Again, many thanks to all!