Choose Between Hardwood Flooring and Tiles

Often times hardwood flooring and tiles seem like they have nothing in common except the fact that these two are types of flooring. However, you will be surprised at how many projects could be in front of the dilemma of whether to choose tiles or hardwood flooring as a flooring option since the two could be installed in the same room where the project is planned.

Whether hardwood flooring or tiles is the better choice is a question that is influenced by a number of factors, the leading one of them being your own requirements and preferences as a homeowner, as well as the specific conditions of the room and the purpose. So if you are wondering whether to choose a hardwood floor or purchase tiles for your next home improvement projects, here are some aspects to keep in mind.

Price Difference Between Tiles and Hardwood Flooring

Of course, a big part of every home improvement project is the budget you have to work with and how much you are willing or able to invest will influence your final choices in many ways. Of course, when it comes to the price difference, it is mostly down to the quality of products.

Don't forget that you get what you pay for, therefore, we recommend you to invest as much as possible in high-quality flooring if it is possible to cut down the cost of something else. Now, while the price difference between different tile offers is not that dramatic, different types of hardwood flooring and their prices definitely fluctuate more significantly. Therefore, when you are choosing between tiles and hardwood flooring, make sure to have a good idea of exactly the type of wood flooring you are interested in.

The Cost-Benefit Ratio for Hardwood Flooring

Whenever you are considering prices of both hardwood flooring and tiles, always consider them in the context of the quality you will get and the benefits you will be able to experience, don't just compare the prices between the two flooring options. One of the main benefits of hardwood flooring is how durable, long-lasting, and hard-wearing it is.

More and more people invest in hardwood flooring simply because they know that good upkeep can help them enjoy the floor for many decades. In fact, hardwood floors are designed to last up to a whole century and even beyond. In addition, hardwood flooring, depending on its thickness, can be re-sanded and refinished many times in its lifecycle, which means you will be able to enjoy the improved appearance, condition, and durability of your floor up to six times.

One thing you want to keep in mind that renovating your hardwood floor comes at a certain cost and professional wood floor sanding services can be costly. But then again, sanding is not something you will have to pay for every year and good and regular wood floor maintenance and an effective cleaning routine can help you avoid sanding and renovation treatments for long. Take a note that cheaper solid wood floors and engineered wood flooring cannot be sanded many times too.

The Cost-Benefit Ratio for Tiles

Now, tiles are also a type of flooring that will last for many decades. In fact, good quality tiles are designed to last up to sixty years and maybe a bit longer if take proper care. High-quality tiles usually come with impressive hardness and durability. The lower the hardness of the tiles is, the lower the shelf life will be. However, one of the main advantages of tiles is that they are practically maintenance-free.

You don't need professional services or investing too much elbow grease, energy, time, or money to keep your tiles in good condition and clean, so no renewal costs are required if you are an owner of tile flooring. However, keep in mind that the cheaper the tiles are, the faster you will start spotting signs of wear and tear.

Tiles or Hardwood Flooring - Comparison

Now, if the price is not the main factor that determines your choice, you may be interested in all other details that could be factors when you are making your final decision. In fact, there are many differences between these two types of flooring as well as many different reasons why to choose one option over the other.

Atmosphere and Comfort

The advantage of hardwood flooring over tiles is very clean when it comes to atmosphere and comfort. In fact, there is no other type of flooring that can create such a unique atmosphere of cosiness and warmth and add so much character to each space as much as hardwood flooring.

In addition, hardwood flooring feels more comfortable to walk onto and is definitely the warmer and cosier option, especially in the winter months. In comparison, tiles remain very cold to the touch and make it very uncomfortable to walk barefoot during the winter.

Unique Style

There is no doubt that both hardwood flooring and tiles are manufactured industrially and by people in factories. However, unlike tiles, hardwood flooring still remains a product made out of natural materials and definitely feels more natural and unique. Thanks to its natural origin, no two pieces of hardwood flooring will ever be the same, so when you own a hardwood floor you know you have a unique piece of art under your feet, something so beautiful only nature can create.

Of course, tiles are beautiful and elegant too, however, since they are a man-made product, they ensure colour and design consistency which is not necessarily the thing everyone is going for. Hardwood flooring adds a lot more character and charming style to every room.

Durability and Resistance

When it comes to hardwood flooring and its durability, it is overall considered a durable and strong flooring option. However, keep in mind that wood flooring can be manufactured from different wood species. Some of the wood species are naturally harder and stronger, while there are also softwoods that are more prone to faster wear and tear and issues such as dents, scratches, and other similar.

Even with the stronger and harder wood species, tiles still remain the harder and stronger option. So when it comes to areas of really high traffic and heavy footfall, tile flooring could potentially be your better option. In addition, the main downside of hardwood flooring is that it is prone to moisture and water damage.

Thanks to the innovation and progress in the wood flooring industry, engineered wood flooring is designed to be less prone to these factors so you are able to experience and enjoy the beauty of wood even in rooms with increased moisture content and temperature fluctuations. However, tiles still remain a popular choice for areas of the house such as the bathroom, basement, and kitchen because tiles are resistant to water, moisture, stress, and impact.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Now, it is important to mention that looking after and cleaning both tiles and hardwood flooring is neither complex nor time-consuming. However, if you have a really busy lifestyle and practically no time and energy to invest in the maintenance of your floor, make sure to choose tiles because they practically do not need any sort of specific maintenance other than cleaning them when you spot dirt starting to build up.

However, when it comes to hardwood flooring, more in-depth maintenance and care would be required every few years. Despite that fact, services such as re-sanding, refinishing, and renovation that are available for real wood flooring can bring the floor back to its initial beauty, durability, and perfect condition.