Ferreiras: The Wood Effect

Some things never go out of fashion and have stood the test of time in terms of style and beauty. What “things” pray tell? Tiles that have been inspired by the greatest artist of all time – Mother Nature.

Why Wood Effect Tiles?

• They are Durable

No matter how good your hardwood, laminate or vinyl floors are they are prone to scratches, dents and stains. The strength of tiles (when installed correctly) is un-paralleled.

• They are Easy to Maintain

Tiles require very little maintenance; you can use water and soap with no fancy equipment to clean them.

• They are Eco-Friendly

Natural wood is a renewable source, although not a very fast one. It takes decades before a tree reaches maturity for felling.

Tiles on the other hand are made from clay which consists of various materials including recycled ones.

• They work with underfloor heating

If you are concerned that tiles are cold to the touch you can always install underfloor heating as both porcelain and ceramic are good conductors of heat. Bear in mind in our beautiful South African climate 9 out of 10 you will be wishing your house was nice and cool.

• They can be installed anywhere

Want an open plan house, Wood Effect in your kitchen for that gorgeous farm style look or wood in your bathrooms? No problem, tiles are resistant to damage from natural elements such as water and the sun.

Now that you have peace of mind that Wood Effect tiles are the right choice, you need to ensure that they are installed correctly, or all the advantages listed above will be null and void.

How to Install Wood Effect tiles?

• Step 1: Check that you have been supplied the correct product, that you have sufficient quantity for the installation, attic stock and that it is all in one shade.
• Step 2: Check that you have all the installation products / tools required – correct adhesive and grout, tile spacers, spirit level etc. It goes without saying a tiler that has experience and good referrals is a must.
• Step 3: Ensure the area to be tiled is clean and level, with no visible cracks.
• Step 4: The more realistic the Wood Effect tile, the greater the pattern variation on the tile. It is therefore important to “dry lay” the tiles and make sure you mix the various patterns and veins to create a natural look.
• Step 5: Check laying instructions.

• Step 6: The correct adhesive is to be applied to the substrate and tile with a trowel, depending on the tile purchased tile spacers can vary from 2 – 3mm. Use a rubber mallet to secure the tile in the adhesive bed. Thereafter it is important to check with a spirit level that the force used to secure the tile does not lift the tile on one side.

Allow the adhesive to dry completely before commencing with the grouting.

• Step 7: Select a grout colour that matches the colour of the tiles. Ensure the grout spaces are free from traces of adhesive and/or dust. Grout small areas at a time, remove excess grout from the tiles using diagonal movements when the product is still damp, clean carefully with water.
• Step 8: Final cleaning is to be completed once the grout has dried and all operations have been completed on site (no longer than 10 days after installation has occurred), the first clean of the area is to be done with water to remove any dust. Thereafter, an acid based cleaning product suitably diluted with water is to be used to clean the surface (do not allow to dry) and then rinse thoroughly with water.

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