If you're pondering whether or not tile floors are right for you, there are a few important factors to keep in mind.
Read on to learn more about the pros and cons of installing tile flooring in your home, so you can decide if it's the right option for your home and your lifestyle.
Pro: Tile Floors Increase Home Values
If you're planning to sell your home, installing tile flooring is a smart move. Most homebuyers strongly prefer tile over other options including carpet or laminate.Beautiful tile can instantly make your entire home look more sophisticated, modern, and high-end. When it comes to getting a higher asking price, adding tile flooring is a good way to do it without breaking the bank.
When you look at your tile flooring options, keep in mind that this material comes in a wide range of textures, colors, materials, and sizes. Stick to basic, neutral tiles if you're having them installed before you put your home on the market. It's the best way to ensure that your home appeals to a wider range of prospective buyers.
Con: Grout Lines Can be Difficult to Maintain
Most tile flooring requires a small line of grout in-between each tile at installation. Grout is a lightweight, porous material which means that it's vulnerable to a variety of issues like staining, cracking, and damage.In order to keep your tile and your grout looking new, you'll need to monitor it and replace damaged grout as necessary. You can also apply a special grout sealer to lock moisture out so that it stays bright and free of marks or stains.
Make sure you know what type of grout you have so that you can clean it the right way. Fortunately, it is possible to clean your grout lines, but it does make maintaining your tile floors a bit more labor intensive.
Pro: Tile is Easy to Keep Clean
While grout requires some TLC, most tile floors are a cinch to keep nice and clean. Thanks to their smooth surface, tiles are resistant to water, spills, and moisture. Mop your floors with water and a mild soap or tile cleaner solution regularly to keep them clean.Many homeowners choose to install tile in the kitchen and bathrooms. That's because tile is water-resistant and won't get damaged if any moisture comes in contact with it.
Spills also clean up nicely on tile floors. Unlike carpet which can soak up stains quickly, tile is simple to clean by simply wiping or blotting spills with a soft microfiber cloth or paper towel.
Con: Tile Floors are Hard and Cold
Some people prefer other flooring options to tile since the material is hard and cold underfoot. People who like to walk barefoot around the house might not like the way that tile feels.One way to remedy the issue is to install radiant heating under the tile, especially in the bathroom. You can also warm up your floors by adding thick, soft area rugs throughout the rooms in your home.
Because of its hard nature, tile also doesn't do a very good job of muffling common household noises like footsteps or rambunctious pets. If this is a concern for you, it might be best to avoid installing it in rooms on the second floor.
Pro: Tile is a Durable and Long Lasting Material
Many homeowners prefer tile to other flooring options due to its durability. Tile can withstand a lot of foot traffic and years of use without showing many signs of damage or wear and tear.When tiles are installed the right way, they can become a long-term flooring solution that will last for many years. Practice regular maintenance to protect your tile floors and keep them looking beautiful and new.
If your tile floors are cleaned and maintained the right way, they can last as long as 20 years or more. Overall, this makes choosing tile a wise investment in your home.
Look at the different class ratings for tile to ensure you choose the right option for your lifestyle. Class V tile is the most durable, but Class III or IV will also work fine in the average home with moderate traffic.
Con: Tile is Difficult to Install
When it comes to ease of installation, tile floors are some of the most difficult to install, which means they may cost more than other materials. In fact, you should always hire a professional tile installer to ensure that your new tile is installed correctly.Installing tile DIY requires a lot of skill and special tools. It's also a rather complicated and time-consuming process since so much cutting and so many steps are required.
Look for professional installers in your area and compare a few estimates to help you choose the right company. With careful, professional installation, your new tile flooring will be a long-lasting option in your home.
Find Your Perfect Floors Today
Weigh these pros and cons of tile flooring to help you decide if it's the right choice for you. With professional installation and proper care, your new tile floors will last for years to come.If you're interested in getting new flooring in your home, contact us today to find out more and to schedule your free in-home estimate.
