Take a Peek at Some Teak

By Rick Breuer

Whether you are into the green, renewable movement or just appreciate antique materials, the reclaimed teak being used today may interest you.

Teak is a southeast Asian tropical tree. The components of the oils in the wood make it water, decay, insect and bacteria resistant.

Reclaimed teak is previously used wood that originates from old Dutch colonial buildings in Indonesia. The wood is reclaimed when the buildings are demolished and the wood is saved for reuse.

One of the ways this wood is being reused is to make hardwood flooring. Teak flooring is available in both solid and engineered styles by Indo Teak Design.

Since teak is water and decay resistant, it has long been used for outdoor use, such as outdoor furniture, even boats.

Now, this reclaimed teak is being also made into decorative wall tiles. These give a unique, but natural, warm feel to your room. A supplier of these teak tiles is Walker Zanger’s Anteak (nice play on words, since the reclaimed wood is antique). These teak tiles can be paired with ceramic tiles to create a beautiful and soothing look.

Stop in to the Tile Gallery’s showroom, or call us to set up an appointment to see samples and get more information.

Wood Grain Porcelain Tiles - The Perfect Solution

By Rick Breuer

Aahhhh…. hardwood floors. Having come from the hardwood floor industry as an install/sand/finisher, I am naturally attracted to real wood floors.  So I never thought that I’d ever like a “fake” wood floor, but the wood grain tile that is available today is amazing!

Many tile manufacturers are supplying  porcelain tiles that mimic the look of hardwood planks, and even end grain cut wood.

The benefits of these tiles hit me immediately - they’d be great for bathroom applications. Hardwood floors are not recommended for bathrooms as there is too much moisture, both from steam but especially from wet feet as you get out of the tub or shower. As a wood floor guy, the first thing you learn is that water is not friendly with wood. Wood absorbs moisture and swells, causing cupped floors, and in very severe situations, can even push walls. So in homes where the owner wants the look and feel of hardwoods throughout, wood grain tiles would be perfect.In fact, the tiles can even be used in the shower. That would definitely be a unique but beautiful look!

The wood grain porcelain tiles would also be useful for those who are concerned about having real hardwood in their kitchens and slopping water on them at the sink or ice maker, or spilling foods and drink on them. These are valid concerns, and tile is a great solution. So again, for those that want the look of wood floors, these tiles do the trick. In fact, homeowners who have large or excitable dogs will find wood grain tiles to be a good way to keep from having to go through the hassle of having their wood floors resanded due to pet scratches.

Another great use is basement and below-grade floors. Solid wood in these areas are not acceptable, again due to moisture issues.  The tile is a much better choice over engineered, as it is much more durable and will last much longer.

The Tile Gallery has a great selection of wood grain tiles as well as just about any other style you can want. Come see us!

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