What if there was a flooring that combined the durability and easy care of tile with the classic beauty of hardwood flooring? With MS International’s wood look tile, you can have the best of both worlds for updating your home or business.
MS International – or MSI, as it is also known – has been a distributor of flooring, countertop, and wall surfaces since 1975. The distributor offers traditional flooring materials such as marble and travertine tile. However, one of its most unique products is its wood look porcelain tile flooring.
In this post, we’re going to take a deeper look at the wood look tile products offered by MS International. We’ll look beyond the claims of the distributor to get the inside scoop on these products directly from the consumer.
Before you pull out your wallet or checkbook to make that big flooring purchase, read on to learn more about MS International wood look tile to determine if it’s right for your next project.
Is MS International Wood Look Tile Durable?
One of the drawbacks of traditional hardwood flooring is that it can be easily scratched or dented just through typical use. You also can’t forget that getting hardwood wet is out of the question, so forget about bathroom installations.
The good news is that you can get the look of hardwoods meshed with the durability of porcelain tile with MS International’s wood look tile flooring.
MS International wood look tile looks just like hardwood flooring. However, it has the strength of tile.
This tile doesn’t easily scratch, so it’s perfect for homes with children or pets. You also don’t have to worry about denting or fading that is common with wood flooring.
Because the tile is sealed, it is waterproof. That means you can install it in bathrooms, laundry rooms, kitchens, and basements. You won’t need to worry about warping, staining, or other damage.
MS International’s wood look tile flooring can easily last a lifetime with proper care. However, it is important to note that this material isn’t completely invincible.
Porcelain tile can chip or crack over time. That can happen when something heavy is dropped, or under the weight of heavy furniture or appliances.
The good news, though, is that you can simply replace the damaged tile. You won’t need to pull up the entire floor.
To back up the quality of its products, MS International offers a one-year limited warranty. That protects your flooring from manufacturer’s defects.
This warranty does not cover damage from misuse or from improper installation. While a warranty is available on all MSI flooring products, there are other brands in the industry that offer far superior warranties.
Is This Flooring Budget-Friendly?
If you’re on a budget, MS International wood look tile flooring is a great option for you. Compared to the average price of hardwood flooring, MSI’s flooring offers the classic look of wood at a fraction of the price.
It’s important to note that the price you pay for your new tile depends on a number of factors. This includes what retailer you make your purchase from and the style of the tile you purchase. On average, you should expect to pay anywhere from around $1 to $4 per square foot for MSI’s wood look tile.
One last thing to note about pricing is that this only covers the cost of the flooring. Additional tools, materials, and supplies are required if you complete the job yourself. You also have the option to hire a professional installer, which could potentially add hundreds or thousands of dollars to your total project cost.
What Styles & Colors Are Available?
No matter what type of wood look you desire, MS International has a tile product that fits your needs. Whether you favor the rustic, reclaimed look that’s currently on trend or a more classic look that never goes out of style, there are options for you.
There are also a variety of colors to choose from, including shades of gray, beige, white, and even stylish colors like blue. There is no shortage of colors and styles when you purchase MSI’s wood look tile flooring.
One interesting thing to note is that MSI’s wood look tile isn’t just for floors. You can also use this material on your walls. This is an easy and affordable way to update your kitchen backsplash or add a modern touch to your bathroom.
How Do I Care For My New Floors?
One of the best things about MS International wood look tile is how easy it is to clean and maintain. You won’t have to worry about purchasing special products to clean your tile floor. Daily cleaning and even deeper cleaning is quick and easy, and you likely have everything you need already in your cleaning closet.
To keep your floors dirt-free on a daily basis, you can use a broom or a vacuum cleaner designed for use on tile floors. To clean up spills and other messes, you can use water and a soft sponge or tile mop. For additional cleaning, you can use a neutral-pH cleaner.
At times, your tile may become heavily soiled. If this is the case, you can hire a professional to clean your floors. To prevent staining of your grout, make sure that you seal it.
Do I Have To Hire A Professional Installer?
MS International offers detailed instructions for installing its wood look tile flooring. The steps are similar to the installation of any other porcelain tile flooring. While the job isn’t necessarily difficult, you should remember that installing tile can be time-consuming.
Steps to install your tile properly include cleaning and prepping the subfloor, laying out your tile, using spacers for grout lines, and affixing your tile to the subfloor using mortar or another approved adhesive. You will need additional materials, supplies, and tools including a wet tile saw for proper installation.
If you don’t feel like going the do-it-yourself route, you can always hire a professional installer. While you won’t have to provide additional materials and tools to installers, you will have to cover the cost of the flooring, in addition to labor costs which start at about $4 per square foot.
Of course, these costs will vary based on where you live, the installer you select, and the size and difficulty of the job.
Final Verdict
MS International’s wood look tile flooring offers you the best of both worlds by combining the beauty of wood flooring with the strength of tile. This results in flooring that is easy to clean and maintain, is cost-efficient, and comes in a variety of colors and styles.
It is important to keep the drawbacks of this flooring in mind before you make your purchase. You may have to pay additional costs to hire a professional installer if you don’t have the know-how, time, or tools to tackle the task yourself.
The warranty for MSI’s wood look tile flooring is also not quite as good as other warranties offered for similar products on the market.
Overall, though, MSI’s wood look tile flooring is stylish, affordable, durable enough for busy households, and is designed to last a lifetime.
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