%20inspired%20renovator%20%20%20%20Melissa%20McCreight%20to%20go%20for%20the%20no-thresholds%20look%20in%20her%20Euclid,%20Ohio,%20house.&media=https://www.thisoldhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/blending_wood_tile-1-scaled.jpg.optimal.jpg&url=https://www.thisoldhouse.com/kitchens/21015642/blending-wood-and-tile-in-an-open-plan){kind=link}
We asked Melissa how she meshed tile and hardwood. Here is what she recommends:
Level the subfloor first
Melissa’s tile contractor accommodated areas where relatively thin tile met relatively thick floorboards by using cement board and thinset to build up the area under the tile.
Choose an out-of-the-box shape
Ten-inch hex tile has a more interesting silhouette than 90-degree rectangles and squares, and its exaggerated size gives the irregular border an intentional look. Keeping tiles whole plays up the free-flowing transition to wood. After laying out her tile pattern on the floor, Melissa snapped a photo for her installer to follow. As the tiles went in, floorboards were cut to fit around them.
Match the finish
Melissa opted for matte tile and a matte floor finish to help unify dissimilar materials.