Tile vs. Wood: Which is the Better Flooring?

Your home’s interiors make up most of its aesthetic value. And, the core of your home’s interiors is your flooring. It is then your moral obligation of some sort to your home to pay attention to the type of flooring that you will install.

The common materials used in most homes are tile and wood. Each home owner has his own take on why they used either tile or wood flooring in their homes. You might find it difficult to choose between the two and you wonder which the better flooring is.

To help you decide whether to go for a tile or wood flooring, we gathered some known facts about each type and the pros and cons of using either one.

Factors to consider when deciding

It is not just gut feel that you have to trust when deciding on the type of flooring to install in your homes. There are different factors to consider and study to ensure that the type of flooring that you will install is the right one for your home. Here are some of the major considerations:

Ease of installation

You have to study how each type is installed in homes. You have to know how long it takes to install either tile or wood flooring and which other tools, materials or solutions to use to help you install. This will affect somehow your decision especially since it gives rise to another factor to consider.

Cost

Each tile or wood panel has a cost attached to it. The more tiles or panels you need to use, the higher your cost will go. Not only that, you have to add the cost of labor in installing the flooring should you decide to have the professionals come in to do the job plus other floor treatments.

Floor Base Material

The floor base or the subfloor material should also be considered when choosing the type of flooring to use. Is it concrete or plywood? Your subfloor material will also somehow determine the right type of flooring to install.

Maintenance

Each type of flooring demands a different kind of maintenance process. Unless you are willing to stay committed to the specific maintenance requirement of a certain type, say tiles, for example, then you might as well go for wood. Also, you have to check the frequency of cleaning required to ensure that the type of flooring you will install can last a long time.

Durability

Above everything else, this should be the main consideration. You have to consider the foot traffic and the use of the space to check against the guaranteed durability of either the tile or wood flooring. You need tougher materials in rooms or spaces that can encounter harsh elements from time to time. The more durable the type of flooring is, the longer it will last.

Tile Flooring

Most homes are going for tiles for their flooring. Offices and other establishments too are installing tile flooring in their buildings. To know why, you have to look at the pros and cons and see if they apply to you.

The Pros of Tile Flooring

Affordable. It is no wonder why most home owners go for tiles because it is more affordable than the other types of flooring. There are cheap ones but with lower quality. And, the higher quality tiles can be more expensive, but still more affordable than other types of flooring.

Durable. Tiles, once installed, cannot be easily broken unless there is a severe impact. If at a rare time that a certain tile can be broken, it is easily replaceable and you wouldn’t have to replace everything. Most tile flooring can last more than 20 years.

Easy to maintain. Tile flooring is water-resistant and not absorbent. Any stains, slime, liquids that can be poured on it can be easily wiped down. It doesn’t need any special tool or solution to keep it clean. You can use the broom to sweep dust and debris or use a vacuum. Almost all cleaning solutions can be used without causing damage to the tiles.

The Cons of Tile Flooring

Heavy. Tiles can weigh very heavy that you can’t use it on just any subfloor material. You cannot also easily use it for upper floor installations unless your upper floor structural make-up can withstand the added weight of tiles.

Can get slippery. While tiles can be easily cleaned, it can get very slippery. It might cause accidents, slipping or falls. As it is also a hard surface, a bad fall can lead to dangerous injuries and sometimes, death especially if it is the head that comes in contact with tiles. Running children? Well, you might need to take a second look before deciding on tiles.

Can get cold. This is one of the main complaints of those who prefer other types of flooring. Tiles can get cold on your feet. As it is not absorbent, it doesn’t absorb heat. It gets very cold especially during winters. It will be another story though during summer when heat is high.

Wood Flooring

Other home owners have a special liking for wood. They say that it gives a different vibe in your home. But vibe isn’t just the only factor to consider when deciding on wood flooring. Let’s take a look at some pros and cons to help you decide if this is the right flooring for you.

The Pros of Wood Flooring

Multiple variety. You can choose from different wood varieties available in the market. Each variety comes with its own wood stain, thickness, grain. You can find red wood, brown, tan and even dark hardwood. Depending on which color and thickness will go with your interiors, there’s a wood variety available.

Classic and rustic feel. The wood pattern has long withstood the test of time. It is a classic and the rustic feel it gives out is that of warmth, a perfect environment for a family home.

Acts as Insulator. Unlike the tiles, wood flooring retains heat and therefore cannot get too cold for the feet. This will work well especially during winters when you turn on the heater.

The Cons of Wood Flooring

More expensive. Wood flooring, particularly hardwood floors can cost much. It is more expensive than your regular tiles or carpet. It has a subfloor requirement which can be an added cost to your installation if your subfloor is not the right material to accommodate your wood flooring.

Termite-prone. Termite infestations are a common problem in wood flooring. If it is not treated, there is a big tendency that your flooring can get infested with termites. It is not also easily detected unless you see some small damages as the termite damage wood from the inside. If you hear a hollow sound when you pound on wood, then a termite colony might be lurking inside.

Scratch prone. When you have furniture that you move around often, wood flooring may not be the best option as it is prone to get scratches.

Every home is unique

As every home is unique, each requires a different kind of theme and material to add to its own aesthetic value. Depending on your purpose, location, types of activities being done at the home, how many people are living in, and all other factors, you can choose either wood or tile flooring. One is not generally better than the other. But surely you get to decide which is better.