Looking for new wood flooring and want to reduce your ecological footprint? Then leave the laminates to one side and hurl away the hardwood samples - our wood effect floor tiles have got you covered. They’re not just a pretty and durable alternative to these other floor coverings; they’re the eco-friendly option, too.
In this article, we’ll explore the environmental benefits of porcelain planks and why they are the smart and sustainable choice for your home.
1. Reducing Deforestation
One of the most significant environmental advantages of wood effect tiles is their role in reducing deforestation. Real wood flooring requires the harvesting of trees, which contributes to deforestation and the loss of vital forest ecosystems. In contrast, wood effect tiles are made from raw materials such as clay and silica, which are found in abundance throughout the world. So by choosing wood effect tiles, you’re helping to preserve forests and protect biodiversity.
2. Utilising Recycled Materials
And speaking of raw materials, there’s a difference between virgin raw materials and recycled raw materials. While no manufacturer is perfect, our suppliers in Spain and Italy have strong commitments to the environment, and incorporate waste ceramic materials into their tiles. Not only does this reduce the demand for virgin raw materials and conserve natural resources, it also helps to minimise landfill waste.
3. Lower Carbon Footprint
The production of wood effect tiles typically results in a lower carbon footprint compared to the production of real wood flooring. Today’s tile factories - especially in Europe - are highly efficient and often powered by renewable energy sources such as wind and solar. While natural gas is used to heat up their kilns, they don't use coal or other highly polluting energy sources.
Additionally, because wood effect tiles are so hard-wearing, they’ll last for a very long time. So while a laminate or real wood floor might show signs of wear and tear over time, our wood tiles will keep their good looks for many years to come - and won’t need to be repaired or replaced. This reduced the need for costly renovations, not just in terms of time and money, but in terms of energy and carbon footprint, as well.
4. Easy to Clean and Maintain
Maintaining wood effect tiles is both easy and eco-friendly. These tiles can be cleaned with a simple brush or warm water, without the need for harsh chemicals or sealing products. This not only reduces your exposure to potentially harmful substances but also decreases the environmental impact associated with producing and disposing of chemical cleaners.
5. Stringent Manufacturing Standards
At Porcelain Superstore, our wood effect tiles are sourced from top-tier factories in Italy and Spain that operate to strict EU environmental regulations. This means you can be confident you’re making the right choice, when it comes to sustainability and ethical standards.
For example, the majority of our suppliers operate a closed loop production system, where any waste that’s generated - whether that’s glaze, ceramic or even water - is recycled back into the manufacturing process.
This is in start contrast to some engineered timber and laminate products, which may come from suppliers with dubious environmental practices. If in doubt, just ask your retailer - we’ll happily provide you with further information.
6. Contributing to a Healthier Home Environment
Beyond their environmental benefits, wood effect tiles contribute to a healthier home. They do not emit volatile organic compounds (also known as VOCs) as some laminate products do, and their easy-to-clean surface helps reduce allergens and dust build up. This makes them an excellent choice for households with allergy sufferers or those looking to improve indoor air quality.
So all in all, the next time you’re investing in your home it makes sense to invest in our wood effect tiles. High on sustainability and high on style, they’ll give you a beautiful look that doesn’t compromise on functionality - and they’re much kinder to the planet as well.
For further information, why not read our wood tiles buying guide or discover our collection?