Tile Floors vs. Wood Floors: A Head-to-Head Comparison

Deciding between tile and hardwood floors can be a challenge. Both materials produce surfaces that are long-lasting, easy to clean and visually stunning. Yet there are distinct differences in a tile floor vs. wood floor that draw homeowners to one surface or the other. Here’s a brief look at the how tile and wood floors compare on the points that are most important to homeowners.

Appearance and Style

Appearance is perhaps the biggest difference in a tile floor vs. a wood floor. Tile floors come in a wide range of colors, textures, shapes, patterns and materials, making it easy to suit the needs of any interior design and any budget. From ceramic and porcelain to cement and stone, the amount of variety in tile choices can almost be overwhelming. Wood floors are fashioned in a broad array of timbers that produce floors of different colors and personalities. Wood floors can also be stained to virtually any color, providing a great deal of variety for interior design. Additionally, wood floors may be made from older timbers or from new boards that are textured to look old, providing another level of design choices. Overall, tile tends to have a cool personality, while hardwood floors tend to add visual warmth to a room.

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Tile Floors vs. Wood Floors: Which Are More Durable?

Hardwood floors come in a wide range of densities. Floors made from Hickory are nearly twice as hard as Cherry floors, which are quite soft and can be dinged or dented easily. And almost any wood floor will wear more quickly than a tile floor. Because tile is made from denser materials, it tends to have more protection from dents and scratches. It’s possible to chip or crack a tile, especially if a heavy weight is dropped on it. But if a single tile cracks, it’s usually fairly easy to replace. Tile is also less affected by moisture, humidity and by changes in weather. Hardwood, on the other hand, may buckle or warp if the changes in relative humidity are too great. Tile is almost impervious to moisture, making it a perfect choice for rooms like kitchens, bathrooms and laundry rooms.

Safety Considerations of Tile Floors vs. Hardwood Floors

Wood floors and tile floors offer much less protection for falls and slips than a carpeted floor. Tile can be especially dangerous and slippery when it’s wet, but hardwood floors can be equally challenging for individuals in stocking feet. And while falling on a hardwood or tile floor offers no cushion, tile can be especially painful because its surfaces much harder than hardwood.

The Cost Difference in Tile Floors vs. Wood Floors

While the cost of tile and hardwood floors varies greatly, tile is generally slightly less expensive than installing a new hardwood floor. However, hardwood floors tend to offer greater return on investment and can increase the selling price of a home.

Comparing the Underfoot Feeling

Walking on tile will feel cooler under your feet, while hardwood floors have more warmth to them. The choice of a tile floor vs. wood floor may come down to the climate where you live. In very hot climates, the coolness of tile can be a relief. But in colder climates, you may prefer the warmer feeling of hardwood floors.

Care and Maintenance of Tile Floors vs. Wood Floors

You can easily keep wood floors clean by sweeping and vacuuming regularly. A light mopping with a cleaning solution recommended by the manufacturer can wash away stubborn grime. Tile flooring may need to be swept and mopped more regularly to prevent the grout lines from becoming caked with dirt and grime, and you may need to scrub the grout lines regularly to keep them free of dirt. Both tile and hardwood will need attention to keep them looking pristine over time. Hardwood floors may need to be sanded and refinished, while tile may need to be re-grouted.

The Noise Factor

Both hardwood and tile are reflective surfaces, meaning sound will echo and bounce more easily off these floors. But footsteps on hardwood floors will tend to be louder than on tile, which is somewhat quieter because of the density of its materials.

A Tile Floor vs. Wood Floor: Which is Right for You?

Essentially, the choice between a tile floor and a wood floor comes down to which material appeals to you more. Do you prefer the cool look and feel of tile or the warm appearance of hardwood? At Carlisle Wide Plank Floors, our design consultants can help you explore all the pros and cons of tile vs. wood as well as vinyl vs. wood floors and wood floors vs. carpet. Our experts can help you choose the best wood species for kitchen hardwood flooring as well as wine cellar flooring or dining room flooring. And we’ll walk you through your options for the grade of your wood, the widths and finish of your floorboards, your preferences in stain color and texture, and the many other choices you have when designing a one-of-a-kind wide plank floor.