Timber Flooring Vs Tiled Flooring

Timber flooring or tiled flooring? Which one do you choose? When you build or renovate, deciding the flooring is one of the most important decisions.

If you’re tossing up between timber or tiles then have a look at each of their advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages of timber flooring in residential design

• Timber looks aesthetically pleasing in most homes or spaces, adding warmth and character to a room and doesn’t date.
• It’s a tough, durable material and long lasting.
• Timber is easy to clean and has low maintenance.
• There’s a wide variety of timber colours, finishes and styles.
• Timber can be used in hallways, living areas, kitchens, dining rooms and bedrooms.
• It has great insulator properties.
• Timber is environmentally friendly with newer timber harvesting methods and the presence of rules and regulations followed by tree cutters and controlled foresting practices. Timber flooring is one of the most eco-friendly flooring options available in the market, as they have a minimal effect on the environment.
• Having timber floors can add value to your property.
• If you’re already sold on timber, have a look on how to choose the right timber flooring.
  

  Timber flooring in the kitchen

Disadvantages of timber flooring in your space

• The cost of timer is high initially.
• It’s not recommended for wet areas.
• Some maintenance may be required i.e. standing, staining, waxing and polishing.
• Can be slippery.
• Vulnerable to humidity and moisture.
• Noisy to walk on.
• The added cost of rugs, to add softness and warmth also to help reduce the noise.

Advantages of tiled flooring in homes

• Tile flooring comes in a wide range of options for example, ceramic, porcelain, granite, marble, slate. The choices are endless.
• They are a strong material making them a great choice for family homes.
• Tiles are moisture and stain resistant.
• They come in more variety of styles, colours, shapes and sizes compared to timber, some designs replicate timber.
• Most types of tile are eco-friendly. For example, ceramic tile is considered a green product since it is made with clay and glass tile in most cases are made from recycled glass.
• Tiles are easy to lay and they can be made to fit any space.
• They’re ideal for wet areas such as bathrooms, laundries, kitchens, en-suite, swimming pools.
• Tiles are an affordable flooring solution also installation.

Disadvantages of tiled flooring in your space

• Tiles can be hard and cold on the feet.
• They can crack and chip over time especially in high traffic areas.
• Tiles can be slippery when wet. So care must be taken in wet areas depending on your tile choice.
• The grout between tiles can discolour over time and is hard to maintain and keep clean.
• Some tiles types need to be sealed yearly for example vinyl and marble.

To make a decision that is right for you by considering your space and how it will be used before choosing your flooring options.

If you need some further advice, please contact the team of Inspired Spaces.