Carpeting may have its benefits, but when it comes to cleaning, the whole process gets old fast. If you’ve thought about tearing out that carpeting and putting something else in its place, you’ve got some decisions to make. You might, in fact, be going back and forth – should you install hardwood or tile flooring?
When it comes to your home’s interior decorating, the visual foundation is the flooring. You can contribute to the tone of each room, comfort level, and lighting by choosing the right kind of floor. Once a homeowner has decided the carpet needs to go, what then? Let’s look at a comparison between hardwood and tile flooring.
Tile Floors
When it comes to tile flooring, it’s a good choice thanks to the fact that tile is fashionable, economical, and practical. It is, in fact, a very popular option. It offers a wide range of materials, colors, shapes, sizes, and textures – one or more of which is bound to satisfy any budget and design style.
Cons:
- Installation might be difficult. Tiling requires mortar, grout, tools, etc. It might not be a job for an amateur.
- If weight matters, consider the heaviness of a tile floor. They’re not ideal for every circumstance (i.e., second floors).
- Though easy to maintain and clean, because of its hardness, it also means that standing on it for a long time can get uncomfortable. This can be a problem for some homeowners, though putting down rugs/mats can help.
Pros:
- As with hardwood flooring, tile is a solid, hard surface that doesn’t readily attract allergens like pollen, dust, dirt, etc. On tile floors, small debris stands out so it’s easier to clean and locate, in the first place. In your home, tile promotes cleaner air.
- Though it can vary, depending on the tile you choose, compared to hardwood flooring, tile is less expensive. To your home, it can add long-term value, depending on where it’s installed.
- Frequently, tiles are difficult to crack because they’re extremely tough. If maintained and initially installed properly, you can get 20+ years out of a good-quality tile.
Hardwood Flooring
The aesthetic appeal of your home can be heightened with hardwood flooring. Additionally, your home’s value can increase. But there are pluses and minuses to hardwood floors, too.
Cons:
- Compared to carpet, hardwood floors are noisy.
- Even after many years, hardwood floors can still be functional. However, over time, they will scratch and wear. Areas might have to be fixed and/or refinished.
- Compared to other flooring options, you will need to prepare yourself for a larger investment if you go with a new wood floor. Hardwood is more expensive.
Pros:
- To match the feel and look of your home, there is a wide selection of variations where flooring is concerned. There are numerous patterns, thickness levels, wood types, stains, etc.
- Hardwood floors are extremely versatile and timeless. It’s easy to match them with any style and decorating is a breeze.
- With proper maintenance, these floors will stand the test of time. To keep them free from spills, debris, and dust, some vacuuming, sweeping, and an occasional wipe with a clean damp cloth is all you need.
Shop Materials Inc. For Hardwood and Tile Flooring
What kind of flooring will work best in your home? Whatever you decided on, check to see what we have to offer at Materials Inc. before looking anywhere else. We have a wide selection of mood boards, metals, woods, decoratives, floors, veneers, and more.