You’re contemplating a new floor, and you finally have narrowed your options down to the best for yourself and your family. Ceramic tile. Or maybe hardwood? How is the average homeowner to know what the advantages and disadvantages are for each of the tried and true flooring options? Thankfully, you’re here on our blog, and we have the knowhow! Let us give you some perspective on this decision for your home.
Choose ceramic for the beauty, stay for the timelessness.
Ceramic tile is the modern equivalent of a primordial stone floor. While this choice is one of the most stunning options for entryways and well-lit display areas, there are some serious care concerns that the average homeowner will need to commit to in advance of installing this floor option.
Ceramic tile is made from any one of a variety of clays and is sometimes brittle. The best way to minimize damage down the road is to take great care during the installation process. This usually includes a seriously-sound sub-floor, and great adherence on the tiles themselves. Also, there is a need for specially-mized grout between each of the tiles; if you choose to use a sand-based grout, this grout will also have to be sealed.
Once your new ceramic tile floor is installed, you as the homeowner are obligated to maintain the pristine quality of your ceramic tile. This can include preventing scratches, which can damage the glaze on the top of the tiles and show the tile’s underbody color. Keeping the tiles free of dirt and grit will reduce this hazard, as well as using sliding chair-pads and furniture coasters. Ceramic tile is a good choice for wet areas like bathrooms and kitchens; just make sure to choose a color and style of ceramic tile that you will enjoy for years to come, as replacing existing tile is very costly.
Select hardwood for the cost and love it for the durability.
Hardwood floors come in either solid or engineered planks. These two types have some distinct differences. Solid wood floors should only be used with a wood sub-floor, as the planks have to be nailed in place during installation. Also, solid wood floors should not be used in high humidity areas. Humidity can cause serious warping issues, and then you’re back to square one before you even begin to enjoy your new floor.
Engineered planks can be confusing for the average homeowner. There are a variety of different installation options with engineered planks: glue-down, staple-down, or floating. Engineered wood floors are very versatile and can even be installed over concrete subfloors. This choice is more dimensionally stable, and resists warping better than the traditional wood floor option. In addition, engineered wood floors are a cheaper choice than either traditional hardwood floors, and definitely cheaper than ceramic tile.
No matter what type of engineered floor you choose at the end of the day, you still need a level sub-floor and proper preparation. Also, consider that wood floors are never really recommended for high-humidity or wet areas. However, there are some pre-finished engineered floor choices that do well in kitchens, provided the homeowner utilizes rugs to prevent damage from spills. Chair pads should also be used to reduce scratching, and regular dust-mopping or sweeping should be undertaken to remove grit. In rooms with heavy sunlight, there may eventually be some color-change to the wood, but overall, the greatest hazard is discoloration from water damage, like from patio doors.
The Recap
Ceramic tile is great if you have a slightly larger budget for your flooring job. Hardwood, especially engineered “floating” installation options, are better for those with tighter purse strings. Ceramic does very well in wet, humid areas; wood, not so much. Ceramic tile rarely sees color change, except in the case of heavy scratches; wood can discolor, over time, from either water damage or sun exposure.
Both choices need a well-prepared sub-floor: no dips, no high spot, no mountains and valleys.
For the best dust free flooring removal, which leaves a well-prepared sub-floor in less time and with less damage to your home, contact American Flooring Removal today! We’re industry leaders, and we do the job right the first time! Give us a call or a click today!