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Tile that looks like wood: Where to find it and why to install it

You won't even be able to tell this tile isn't wood

Real hardwood looks stunning in any home. Its warmth, feel, and design complement almost any style. However, real wood comes with its set of challenges. It can damage easily, doesn’t work well in high-traffic areas (or with some kids or pets), and doesn’t hold up in rooms that contain high amounts of moisture or humidity, like a primary bathroom. If you love the look of wood but want to avoid these issues, there’s a simple answer — tile that looks like wood.

Tiling with wood-like flooring is an up-and-coming option because it’s low maintenance, easy to care for, won’t scratch, and is available in a wide variety of colors and designs. Here are a few places we love it.

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Wood-look tile for the kitchen

The kitchen is an ideal place to switch out real wood for a tile alternative. There are always spills, water, and a lot of people coming in and out, and this type of tile is a perfect choice. We love this wood oak porcelain tile from The Tile Shop for a kitchen or dining area. It’s fairly traditional in terms of style, and the planking mimics real hardwood. If you’re uncertain exactly which color and style suits your current kitchen, Tilebar sells a pack of wood-look porcelain tile that you can order and test to see what works for you.

Wood-look tile for the bathroom

The bathroom is another space that would benefit from tile rather than real wood. Too much damage can happen over time with water, and the moisture can cause real wood to warp and expand. Because the bathroom is a smaller space, you can get a bit more daring in the design of your tile.

We really like this Barberry Decor Nocciola 24 by 24 matte porcelain wood-look tile because of its graining and hexagon design. Another option is this Kenridge Chevron Maple 24 by 48 matte porcelain tile, also from Tilebar, which would look gorgeous in any room, but especially a primary bath.

While real hardwood still yields the highest return on investment when you think about selling your home, if you don’t keep it in the best shape possible, it can actually detract buyers who know they’ll have to replace or resurface real wood. Tile that looks like wood is a perfect alternative to expensive wood, and it holds up better over time. Of course, some people don’t like tile because they think it’s too cold, but that’s easy to solve by adding rugs and floor runners to areas you stand a lot, such as in front of a sink or shower, near the stove, and close to seating. Not only will this save your cold feet and your back, but it also helps draw in the colors of the tile you’ve selected and leave the space feeling warm and inviting.

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The fall season is a prime time to check some of those pesky household chores off your to-do list. With the kids back in school, autumn is a time to wrap up all things summer and prepare for winter. This includes fall floor-to-ceiling cleaning, which is tedious but necessary work. Take solace knowing there's at least one quick task, and maybe even a little fun: power washing your home's exterior. With just five quick power washing projects, you can have your house sparkling clean and prepared to survive the winter.

With end-of-season projects in mind, check out the five most important power washing projects you should undertake to keep your home clean, protected, and ready for winter. You'll be surprised how satisfying power washing your house in the fall can be, and we promise you'll love the results.

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These are the best plants to put in your shower for a nature-inspired sanctuary
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Bathroom plants are a rising trend, and for good reason. Who wouldn't want to add a touch of refined nature or create a cozy farmhouse feel in their bathroom? Placing a plant in the shower, however, might seem a bit odd. The truth is, there are many benefits to having a plant in your shower, both for you and for the plant itself. We're going to discuss some of these benefits, and we're going to give you some ideas for the best plants to put in your shower. Once you've added a touch of nature to your shower, you'll wonder why you didn't do it sooner.

Why put plants in your shower?
Above and beyond adding a bit of color to your dim shower, there are some health and environmental benefits to keeping plants in your shower.
Less unwanted moisture
It's no secret that bathrooms tend to be hot spots for humidity. Excessive amounts of moisture, however, can have some adverse effects. Mold can grow around your bathroom, the paint on the walls can peel, and certain nasty bugs are attracted to moist places. A shower plant can help reduce unwanted moisture in your bathroom and minimize some of these issues. Since plants need water, they suck it right out of the air, providing the added benefit of not having to water the plant as often.
Cleaner air
You probably know that plants pull carbon dioxide out of the air and emit oxygen, right? But did you know that while this process is taking place, the plant is also filtering the air and pulling toxins out of it? With all of the cleaning products, hair products, and other nasty molecules that leave toxins in your bathroom's air, having a shower plant will allow you to breathe a bit easier and healthier.
Mental health benefits
Having indoor plants comes with numerous health benefits, but the most significant are the benefits to your mental health. We all know that plants are therapeutic, and studies have shown that plants help with stress relief, energy boosts, and even increased concentration and productivity. Why not reap all these mental health benefits right at the start of your day while you shower in the morning?
Elevated decor
Let's face it, indoor plants are beautiful, and they add so much charm and character to any room. Why not apply that same philosophy to your bathroom and shower? Having a plant in your shower is not only trendy and aesthetically pleasing, but it will leave you feeling like you're showering in the tropics.
The plants love it
Putting a plant in the shower not only benefits you, but it also benefits the plant itself. Many plants thrive in humid environments, so you'll see them flourish in your bathroom. If you tend to forget to water your plants for long periods of time, having them in an already moist area will allow you to feel less guilty about neglecting them.

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If you're thinking of the bathroom as a spring remodel project and are looking to replace your old flooring, there are tons of options on the market. From water-resistant wood to tile to concrete, flooring has come a long way in a room that needs special consideration for materials due to the moisture and humidity in a bathroom. Once you choose the right material, your choices come down to style and budget. If you've been looking for something relatively inexpensive and easy to install, you've likely come across laminate flooring as an option. Before you make a final decision, there are a few things to know about laminate flooring in a bathroom.

How to install laminate flooring in the bathroom
Before you begin the work, here are a few things to keep in mind.
How to lay laminate flooring in the bathroom
Laminate flooring is essentially a multi-layer synthetic flooring fused together with a lamination process. Laminate flooring has an outer layer under a clear protective layer, and the inside is made of a melamine resin or fiberboard. In a bathroom where there is a lot of water, laminate flooring should have glued-in seams to prevent water from seeping into the floorboards. Laminate floors that lock into place are not ideal for a bathroom because water is able to seep through.
What to put underneath laminate flooring
Use a waterproof silicone caulk when installing laminate to add another layer of protection against water and humidity. If you don't, the floor can buckle and tear, meaning you'll have to rip up and replace the flooring down the road.
Try it in a small bathroom
Laminate floors are ideal for half-bathrooms that don't have a tub or shower. Because these bathrooms tend to be used more often, you will be more apt to care for and maintain your floor. The lack of water spillage from a shower or tub will also make maintaining the floor much easier.

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