If you’re looking to spruce up your home, or are just looking for a change, redoing your floors can be an excellent way to add value and aesthetics without necessarily breaking the bank. While most people may opt for carpet or hardwood, tile is a good, relatively inexpensive option. Why choose tile over other flooring types? Here are the top reasons tile is the ideal choice for your floor:

Durability

You will be living in your home for years, possibly decades to come. Because of this, you don’t want to have to replace your floors too often, nor do you wish to pay for any damage and repairs that come from basic wear and tear. Thus, when it comes to having a floor that will last, tile is an excellent choice, as it can withstand years of punishment without showing significant signs of wear. Depending on the type and style you choose, a tile floor will last much longer than a comparable hardwood floor, saving you money in the long-term.

Maintenance

The issue with having carpet is that it can trap all kinds of allergens and debris. Sure, you can vacuum and clean it as often as possible, but most of the time routine cleanings don't do a sufficient job of getting rid of everything. This is especially true if you have pets, as messes and parasites can seep into the floor, underneath the carpet, making them impossible to remove. Carpet is also a great place for things like mold to thrive, especially in humid environments. Finally, carpet stains easily, making it much quicker to show signs of age.

Tile, on the other hand, has none of these problems. When it comes to pet messes, you can clean them up with ease. The same thing works with allergens and mold. Just sweep any of that stuff up, and you’re ready to go. You can also say goodbye to the vacuum. However, this is a trade-off, as you will instead need to mop. Whether this is better or not is up to you.

Environmentally Friendly

The carpet business is notorious for its negative impact on the environment. From the creation of carpet to the constant cleaning and steaming it requires, the carpeting industry creates a lot of waste. Similarly, to get a nice, clean hardwood floor requires the chopping down and processing of trees, which also produces waste, both in its creation and in the transport of materials. Tile, however, has very of these problems. Most tile companies are what’s known as a “closed loop” system, meaning that they recycle most of their materials and waste, making them much better for the ecosystem. Additionally, many tile manufacturers are locally based, meaning that you don’t have to import material from other parts of the country, reducing the environmental impact even further. Finally, tile itself is hypoallergenic and free of most toxins and chemicals, meaning that it is a safe option for you and your family.

Customizable

When it comes to hardwood or carpet, you are pretty limited in the options from which you can choose. Sure, you can decide the type of wood or the thickness of carpet, but, no matter what, you have to pick one that will be used for the entirety of your home (or for whatever space you’re using it). Tile, on the other hand, has many different options to choose from, from designs and patterns to materials and thickness. Additionally, since everything is modular by design, you can pick different sets of tile for various rooms. Ceramic for the kitchen, clay for the dining room, etc. If you are someone who likes to personalize your space, or just wants to be able to have something a bit more vibrant, tile is an excellent option for you.

Wood-Look Tiles: Best of Both Worlds?

If you like the benefits of tile, but want the pristine, classic look of hardwood, this can put you in a bind. However, with the advancements in technology, there is now tile that is made to look exactly like hardwood, but with none of the downsides. Hardwood can fade, warp, and age much faster than tile. By getting wood-look tile instead of traditional hardwood, you can maintain the image of a hardwood floor at a lower price, with material that is far more durable and easier to maintain than wood. Additionally, since the wood design is printed into the tile, you can customize your look without significantly changing the price. This makes wood-look tile far superior to traditional hardwood.

If you’re curious about getting a tile floor, or just want to get an estimate, you need to consult with a local contractor to find out what your options are, as well as get an idea of the total cost to install or replace your current flooring. Thankfully, our site is designed to put you in touch with a contractor in your area, making your planning stage all the easier. Click here to find a licensed contractor who will work with you to get you the floor of your dreams.