A Guide to Combining Wood and Tile Flooring
New trends in the interior design world are constantly emerging, and this one is starting to become a favourite.
Combining wood and tile is an innovative way to play with various textures and styles of flooring for a dynamic look. This blends the natural warmth of wood with the striking effect of tile, transforming any home.
Today, Mersey Flooring will guide you through some of the best practices to blend the look of wood and tile for an aesthetic outcome.
Considerations for the Design
When working on a new design or handling new materials, it’s important to understand how to achieve a harmonious look.
There are certain factors and tips to consider during the process:
1. The Room’s Purpose
Whether you’re decorating one room in the house or multiple, it’s important to understand how to work with the role of each room.
Areas such as bathrooms and kitchens may benefit from an all-tile floor due to moisture accumulation. However, living rooms and bedrooms are the perfect areas to experiment with.
2. Compatibility Between Colours and Textures
With a wide variety of wood and tile flooring to choose from, you should choose two designs that complement each other.
For example, light wood and cool-toned tiles work well together to produce a cohesive, airy effect. However, rich, textured tiles paired with dark wood can provide complexity and depth.
3. Pattern Choices
Patterned tiles or wood can add an extra layer of interest to your floor.
Patterns like herringbone or chevron can add an organic feel to your floor. You could also use tile inlays or create a tile ‘carpet’ within a wood floor to highlight a specific element, like a dining table or chandelier.
Combining different shapes, like hexagonal tiles and straight wood planks, can also create an eye-catching appearance.
Best Transition Techniques
To create a sleek and harmonious transition between wood and tile, use the techniques below.
Transition strips
These help to close the gap between different types of floors. There are certain types you can choose from that are suited for different circumstances:
- T-moulding: This fits into the gap between each material for a clean transition. This is ideal for where the wood and tile meet on the same level.
- Reducers: This creates a slope from a higher to a lower surface, preventing tripping hazards.
- Flush transitions: This is used to create a seamless effect, sitting level between the tile and wood.
Thresholds
Thresholds are commonly used to seperate each area for doorways or areas where two different rooms meet.
- Straight thresholds: This is used when the flooring materials meet in a straight line.
- Flexible transition strips: These strips are ideal for smoothing out irregular or curved transitions.
Height adjustment techniques
To create a smooth and level floor, you want to address any height differences in each material before installation.
- Self-levelling underlayment: Install a self-levelling underlayment before installing your floor to ensure a consistent height throughout the room.
- Additional underlay: If one of the flooring materials is thicker than the other, place underlay under the thinner flooring to even out the difference.
Design Ideas
Combining two different types of flooring opens up a door for endless experimentation and design ideas.
To inspire you, we have included our favourites below with tips for achieving each one.
1. Border design
Wood flooring can be defined and given a sophisticated, unified design by utilising tile borders around it.
How to achieve:
- Material matching: Choose tiles that complement the tone and texture of the wood. Neutral tones frequently work well, especially for minimalistic interiors.
- Accurate installation: Before beginning to lay the border tiles, make sure they are level and properly positioned. Install the wood flooring all the way to the tile border's edge.
2. Tile Carpet
A basic wooden floor can be elevated by installing a "tile carpet" in the middle. This helps to create a distinctive focal point and draw attention to specific areas in the room.
How to achieve:
- Choose a pattern: Select a tile design that complements your wood floor. For instance, complex mosaic tiles might offer a hint of character for a dynamic look.
- Installation: Mark the chosen location of the tile carpet beforehand. To ensure a proper fit, lay the tiles first and then place the wood flooring around them.
3. Natural combinations
If you want to lean into an earthy approach, natural stone-look tiles combined with wood can create a sophisticated yet rustic atmosphere. This is perfect for living areas and bedrooms.
How to achieve:
- Material selection: Choose natural wood, such as oak or walnut, and pair it with natural stone, such as slate or travertine.
- Blending methods: The wood adds warmth and coherence to the space, so use the tiles as accents or in high-traffic areas for added durability.
4. Creative inlays
Inlays can add depth and closure to a room, cornering or sectioning off areas without the need for walls or furniture.
How to achieve:
- Inlay design: Arrange the tiles in a rectangle, diamond, or circle shape. For a fun challenge, you could create a custom logo or monogram.
- Precision installation: Cut the wood flooring precisely to fit the inlay tiles and ensure the tiles are level with the wood to avoid tripping hazards.