Have you ever heard of petrified wood flooring? This was created from hundreds to millions of years old wood and has changed its shape to stone due to the change process of organic matter into minerals.
Even so, wood grain still looks even more attractive with various color variations. That is why petrified wood is widely used as a flooring material, especially for living rooms.
Apart from offering a variety of beauties, fossilized wood flooring also offers unmatched durability.
No wonder the selling price is also so high. Instead of being curious, let’s find out more about petrified wood floor tiles. Who knows, by any chance, you have to install it in your home later.
What is petrified wood mean?
Petrified wood, referred to as fossil wood, is hundreds to millions of years old and has changed its shape to stone due to changing organic matter into minerals.
Uniquely, even though the constituent material has turned to stone, the wood structure is still there. So, the wood grain will still be visible while the specific gravity increases.
It can be found in various parts of the world, namely land and water, which causes different types of wood fossils.
Identification of tree species also affects the characteristics of wood fossils that will or have been formed.
Differences in the area of the location found and different types of trees result in differences in pattern, color, level of hardness, texture, and the uniqueness of each fossil wood.
The different characteristics of fossil wood from one determine the creation of the right creative industry product designs, including petrified wood flooring.
How is petrified wood formed?
The formation of petrified wood usually occurs in the lowlands with a tropical climate and is covered by dense forests.
The origin of its occurrence is because the trunks and branches of fallen trees are covered by sedimentation of river water.
Later, volcanic eruptions, which brought volcanic ash, precipitated high silica content. Covering the wood material with various layers keeps it from breaking down in the soil.
Being in an environment with high silica content on an ongoing basis makes these plant residues turn into fossil or petrified wood.
Petrified wood processing as creative industry products
Petrified wood goes through a long process, from cutting the logs to installing complementary materials to become part of your home’s interior design.
The combination of two different materials: Fossilized wood and its complementary materials, such as resin, fiberglass, aluminum, brass, or wood, are of particular interest.
This makes the concept and style that will be displayed on the product more flexible and broad.
In general, fossil wood tends to be processed more into creative industry products such as furniture, home decor, accessories, and petrified wood floors.
In addition, the shape, color, and natural pattern that are the main attraction of fossil wood are an added value.
Pros and cons of petrified wood flooring
Are you interested in using petrified wood flooring in your home? Before deciding to replace the floor of your house with fossil wood, let’s find out the advantages and disadvantages first. Check this out!
If you’re thinking about getting petrified wood flooring, it’s important to be aware of the pros and cons of this unique type of flooring.
Petrified wood flooring advantages
Using fossil wood as your floor, of course, will beautify your home. Because of its prestige and unique beauty, having petrified wood flooring can impress guests and add to the overall aesthetic appeal of a home.
Petrified wood is waterproof
Another advantage of petrified wood flooring is that it is water-resistant, making it ideal for use in bathrooms or other areas where water may be present.
You don’t have to consider the special maintenance needed to prevent this floor from being damaged by water.
Durability
One of the most touted advantages of petrified wood flooring is its durability.
As previously explained, this is wood that is hundreds to millions of years old and has changed its shape to stone due to the change process of organic matter into minerals.
No wonder it is a durable flooring material. Using fossil wood as your floor material, you don’t need to worry about your floor being damaged, at least shortly.
Unique and artistic
Another advantage is the beauty that is offered. Until now, nothing can match the beauty of this wood fossil, unique and artistic.
Fossilized wood has a unique and striking appearance that is not found in other flooring materials. Many people find it to be more beautiful than traditional hardwood flooring.
Increase in resale value
The high cost of petrified wood flooring can be offset by the fact that it can increase a house’s resale value.
If you decide to sell your home in the future, the presence of petrified wood flooring can make it more attractive to potential buyers and help to sell the home quickly.
Petrified wood flooring disadvantages
High cost: One obvious disadvantage we know is the super high price. Petrified wood flooring is generally more expensive than other types of flooring.
Difficult installation: Another disadvantage is that it will require more effort to install. Unlike most hardwood floors, which are easily removable, sanding will be more difficult.
Limited flexibility: On the other hand, petrified wood flooring is not as flexible as traditional wood flooring. It can’t be nailed or used in floating floors; it comes in tile form and should be cemented together.
Special maintenance required: Additionally, it requires a different level of maintenance; this type of floor also needs to be polished occasionally, so its look keeps shiny.
How to care for petrified wood flooring?
Caring for this type of floor is not difficult. To clean petrified wood flooring, you can use a soft cloth and warm soapy water, but be sure the floor’s surface is not too muddy while mopping it. Keep this in mind!
Never use floor cleaners that contain chemicals, yes, because this can damage the coating on the floor.
Petrified wood must be polished regularly to maintain its luster and is prone to staining. Sanding it down is also not an option.
Recommended applications and requirements
Petrified wood tiles can make a beautiful addition to your home, but choosing the right location is important.
They’re great for indoor spaces like shower walls, residential floors, and high-traffic areas.
However, they’re not recommended for outdoor use as UV rays can discolor the epoxy.
Additionally, they don’t meet the slip requirements for wet environments set by the ADA, so they’re not a good choice for bathrooms or other areas that may get wet.
And it’s not recommended to use in areas exposed to high heat, like fireplaces or cooktops, so you might want to consider other options for those spaces.
Final Thought
Some people choose to install petrified wood flooring simply for its prestige and aesthetic appeal, despite its high cost and maintenance requirements.
Petrified wood flooring is incredibly popular for living rooms. It’s made by using real wood fossils to create solid floor tiles. It’s a great choice if you want to bring a touch of nature into your home.
But, considering the extraordinary beauty and undeniable durability, it is only natural that petrified wood flooring has such a high selling value.
Overall, weighing the pros and cons of petrified wood flooring is important before ensuring it’s the right fit for your home and lifestyle.