Floor Tile Installation

Tile or Laminate Flooring? Which Is Best?

by Guy Azouri
June, 2018

Tile flooring

The right flooring is an outstanding choice, so it might help to consider some pros and cons of laminate flooring vs tile. Our flooring experts are here with honest advice to help you weigh up your options.

You have to consider cost, durability, interior design, and suitability for your needs. We are here to help you make informed decisions about flooring that can last for years to come with no regrets.

Laminate flooring

Choosing cost effective flooring

When thinking about the pros and cons of laminate flooring vs tile, the cost is a prime consideration. Laminate is undeniably cheaper than tile initially, but it does not last as long. A smaller initial outlay might not be cost-effective over time. You are likely to find that wear and tear on a laminate floor can result in further costs down the line when you need to repair or replace it.

Laminate designs vary much more widely than other types of flooring. From mock floorboards to mock tile, the laminate is available in various styles and colorways to complement your decor.

Tile floors are a more permanent choice, but changing your laminate flooring can be a quick and economical way to shake up your interior design. You would not choose to do this with a more expensive type of floor.

Many people would rather not have to undergo the hassle of having to update flooring on a regular basis. Tile is a longer-term option and can be one less thing to think about when you are redecorating.

For those who would like their flooring choices to last, tile floors can certainly be worth the initial effort and investment.

Installing and maintaining your flooring

Different types of flooring have different advantages during installation and while they are in place. Some of the pros and cons of laminate flooring vs tile concern their ease of use. When putting down new flooring, the laminate is relatively easy and quick to lay. It only needs to be cut to size and then fixed over the correct underlay. Laying tile is a long process that requires more time and effort. To cut tiles to size around room edges or fixings involves the use of special tools and takes particular skill so as not to smash the tiles. However, once they are in place, the tiles should not slip or raise.

Once laid, laminate flooring is easy to clean. Superficial dirt and everyday marks do clean away without too much effort. Take care not to stain your laminate floors, however.

Once a stain has permeated laminate flooring, no amount of scrubbing can’t help. You might damage a laminate floor if you use abrasive cleaning methods or harsh products.

Tiles, on the other hand, do not pick up stains, and even stubborn dirt won’t hold. A regular mop or steam can work on any hard flooring, but you can also use a firm scrubbing brush and more powerful cleaning products on tiles if you wish. A bit of elbow grease can keep tiles looking as good as new for as long as they are in place.

Tile flooring is cooler underfoot than laminate, making it a popular choice in countries with warm climates. The idea of having cold feet do not fit with everybody’s vision of creature comforts. However, this can be easily fixed. Tiles are perfect for use over underfloor heating.

An underheated tile floor can add warmth to a room in a way that other central heating systems just cannot. Alternatively, a sumptuous rug is a cozy finishing touch to any tiled floor.

Durable hardwood flooring

We all want our floors to last, of course. Flooring needs to be able to withstand much use, day after day. There are areas of some rooms that get more traffic on a daily basis than other areas.

Tile flooring is exceptionally durable and hardwearing. While discussing the pros and cons of laminate flooring vs tile, it is essential to note that tiles may not show signs of wear in the same way as laminate.

Over many years, the tile may become smooth or worn down slightly in places that see much activity, such as in front of a fixture like a kitchen sink, but it may not wear out or wear through.

Then again, tile is more unforgiving than laminate flooring. If crockery or glassware is dropped on a tiled floor, it is unlikely to survive. A dropped item or a heavy piece of furniture do not leave a mark on tiles.

Tile floors are resistant to the chips, scratches, and dents that naturally might affect a less hardy laminate floor during everyday use. Be especially careful not to tear any laminate flooring. An advantage of the laminate is that it is light and flexible. However, moving bulky furniture items can be risky business on a lightweight flooring material that may quickly move and tear.

Flooring fit for purpose

In small rooms or upstairs, you might consider flooring that is quick and easy to install, and laminate might be an ideal choice in these areas. Another advantage of using tiles, though, is that they are waterproof. Tiles make an ideal choice for flooring in the downstairs kitchen, bathroom, or utility areas. With the addition of comfortable and warming, rugs tiles can also work very well in other living areas such as a reading room or a sitting room.

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Having considered the pros and cons of laminate flooring vs tile, you should be ready to make the right choice. Here at Rhodium Floors, we are expert providers of tile flooring.

Contact us today, and we can help you find the best flooring for your needs.

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