Thoughts on faux tiling
This is a topic that really stems from the bigger and constant struggle in rehabilitation which is whether or not it’s okay to source reproduction instead of authentic materials, especially for old homes where the original product is still available but perhaps cost prohibitive. What does is mean to be a good steward of a home while not breaking the bank?
Stealthily dipping our toe into the subject, let’s talk about tile flooring where in the last 30 years or so there’s been a boom in reformatting classic styles into inexpensive materials - namely porcelain.
Source: Heidi Caillier
Let’s take terracotta for example. This is a classic and appropriate material for a lot of early 20th century homes. It’s a durable and beautifully neutral tile that could have been originally installed in a lot of different shapes and patterns - so home owners can feel a lot of expression in installing these floors.
However, terracotta tile is not without it’s downsides. Your average flooring contractor may not be able to work with these, and you may find yourself hiring a specialty installer, especially because they require careful leveling, multiple (up to ten) layers of sealing, and specialty grout. Plus, the maintenance may be frequent in resealing, tile replacement due to cracks, and re-grouting from time to time.
8” Hexagon terracotta tile in Antique Satin
$48 per sq. ft.
8” Hexagon porcelain tile in Marron Brown
$8 per sq. ft.
Not to mention the cost per square foot is substantial compared to the porcelain alternatives out there, the natural clay option above is listed at $48 per sq. ft. So, if you have an 170 sq. ft. kitchen, you’ll spend around $8k on tile alone, not including installation or accessory products.
Source: Heidi Caillier
Here’s where I believe you’ll need to do some meditating on the subject. At the end of the day, will you sleep better knowing that you sourced the materials in your home as authentically as possible? Or can you adjust your expectations to save money in certain applications, like flooring material, to be able to splurge in other (more satisfying) areas of your home. I’m more likely to lean in the direction that if you find an affordable reproduction material that pays homage to and does not detract from the home’s history, then it can be a respectable choice.
