Should I go with Tile Flooring or Hardwood Flooring?

When the time comes to choose new flooring for your home, it might feel a bit difficult to choose between the various options out there. There are so many types of flooring such as hardwood, vinyl, carpeting, and tiles. How do you know which one is right for you? One of the most common questions is whether to opt for hardwood or tiles. There isn’t necessarily a right or wrong option. It all depends on personal needs and preferences. By understanding what you can expect from each type of flooring, you can make an informed decision that you will be happy with for years to come.

The pros of hardwood flooring

Maintenance

When you enter old buildings, you may notice that many of them still have their original hardwood floors. This is because hardwood is known to stand the test of time. Yes, you will need to maintain them to a certain degree but it will certainly be worth your while. For the most part, all you need to do is vacuum and keep them free of dirt and debris. Spills should be cleaned up as quickly as possible and you can use a wood floor cleaner to ensure immaculate floors.

Selection

Not all hardwood is the same. There are different types of wood, various stains, the option of finished or unfinished and solid or engineered. These varieties ensure that everyone’s needs are catered for. So, no matter your preferences, you will find hardwood flooring for your home.

Versatile

If you enjoy redecorating from time to time, you will love the versatility of hardwood floors. They will not need to be replaced just because you have decided to change the colour scheme or theme of the room. They can be used in modern as well as rustic settings alike.

The pros of tile flooring

Durability

Tiles are extremely durable and they can handle high levels of traffic. Of course, it’s important to remember that there are different types of tiles and there is a clear difference between quality tiles and those that do not live up to expectations. If the tiles are not made from strong materials or if they are not made according to high standards, they are usually more likely to crack, chip and break. High-quality tiles can easily last for as long as 20 years or more.

Affordability

Price is always a concern for any property owner, which is why so many people opt for cheap flooring. The problem with this is that cheap floors are usually not the strongest and usually require replacement sooner rather than later. If you are looking for affordable floors that are not going to let you down, tiles are an excellent choice. They are cheaper than many other types of flooring but quality tiles are very durable.

Easy to clean

If you suffer from allergies, you will know just how important it is to keep your home clean. This includes your floors. The good news is that solid surfaces like tiles are easy to clean with a vacuum and mop. You can also sweep if you like but this can force particles up into the air in the process. Clean floors mean less dust in the home and this is great news for everyone.

Some determining factors

Feel

When you walk around on hardwood floors, they tend to feel more comfortable than tiles. Tiles are harder and, therefore, they can reduce the overall comfort of the room.

Temperature

During the hot months, you will love the coolness of tiles. In the winter, not so much! Hardwood is warmer than tile but, if you really want tiles, you can remedy this by installing underfloor heating.

Installation

All types of floors can be challenging to install. This is why professional installation is ideal. Tile flooring is often thought of as more complicated to install compared to hardwood but this really does boil down to personal opinion and experience.

Noise

Hardwood floors can become noisy over time whereas carpeting is good for areas where you want to keep noise levels down like bedrooms. Tiles are also less noisy since they don’t expand and contract like wood. The noise you make while walking around also depends on your footwear so keep this in mind as well.

Last but not least, you should always consider the conditions of the room before deciding between tile and wood floors. Where there is water, humidity or food preparation, tiles are often the top choice. Where you want to relax and create a warm and inviting environment, hardwood is usually the winner. Consider the strengths and vulnerabilities of each type of flooring before making your choice. At Flooring Liquidators, we have a wide selection of commercial and residential flooring. Call us at 1 (866) 473-7222 for more information and professional advice. Alternatively, you can use our Store Locator to find a location close to you.