Ceramic Tile vs Hardwood Flooring: Part 2

Our last blog article took a look at the impact of Florida’s climate on flooring choices, as well as the cost, installation time, and durability of hardwood vs ceramic tile flooring. As promised, we dive deeper into the subject to highlight two of the best flooring choices for Florida: Engineered Wood and Ceramic Tile.

The Best Wood Flooring in Florida: Engineered Wood

Engineered hardwood floors are made up of numerous layers of wood that are glued together. Each board typically includes five to seven layers that are crushed and cemented together to create a stronger, more moisture resistant board. The top layer is made of a more durable wood, such as oak, maple, or hickory, which can withstand wear and tear and be sanded.

Engineered wood flooring resemble solid hardwood floors due to the top layer. This provides Floridians with the opportunity to have attractive, refined, and classy flooring while also increasing the value of a home that must withstand Florida's harsh climate. Installing hardwood in your home can potentially result in a return of up to 80% in terms of resale value.

Hardwood floors are a beautiful option that can really enhance the look of any room, especially if they're carefully maintained and kept clean. They also tend to last longer than ceramic tile, which may need replacement more frequently due to general wear over time. However, they can be a bit more expensive upfront than ceramic tiles, although their overall cost-effectiveness is greater since they don't need to be replaced as often as ceramic tiles do.  

Ceramic Tile: Why it’s a Good Choice for Florida Homes

Ceramic tile is a great option for rooms that see a lot of water or moisture, such as kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and other humid or messy areas because it is very water resistant. Due to this, if you’re considering tile vs hardwood in the kitchen or bathroom, ceramic tile wins out. Additionally, ceramic tile is a long-lasting material. Tile is typically easy to clean and takes minimal care aside from re-grouting every now and again. It's also less susceptible to dents and scratches! There’s a wide variety of colors, styles, and finishes that are ideal for nearly any room in your home.

Another benefit of ceramic tile is that is is free of allergens. The nonporous surface of tile prevents dirt, dust, and allergies from adhering to it. If you suffer from allergies or asthma, tile is one of the greatest forms of flooring for improving your indoor air quality.

Ceramic tile can be more difficult to install than hardwood floors. One of the biggest disadvantages of ceramic tile is that it can crack or chip more easily than hardwood, which means you may need to replace it more frequently.

What Maintenance is Needed to Care for Ceramic Tile and Hardwood Flooring?

When choosing between hard wood and ceramic tile, you'll need to consider how much maintenance each of the two materials requires. Each flooring type requires different methods of cleaning and care.

Hardwood:

• Use only a damp cloth or mop to clean, only using cleaners specified for engineered wood

• Practice daily dusting and sweeping to avoid buildup

• Avoid scratches in your flooring by keeping pads under furniture and pets nails trimmed

• Wipe up spills immediately to prevent staining

• Close your blinds to avoid direct sunlight damaging the wood

Ceramic Tile:

• Avoid using abrasive cleaners to prevent damage

• Sweep, mop, and vacuum every few days, if not daily

• Use vinegar and baking soda solutions to cut through grime

• Apply sealer yearly if unglazed porcelain

So Which Should You Choose: Engineered Hardwood vs Ceramic Tile Flooring

Overall, the choice between hardwood floors and ceramic tile depends on your budget, lifestyle, and personal preferences. When it comes to hardwood flooring and ceramic tile, one is not one “better” than the other. Both are excellent materials that can really enhance the look and feel of any room, so it comes down to what you value most in a flooring option. Whatever you decide, be sure to maintain your floors regularly so they last as long as possible!

Both hardwood and ceramic tile flooring requires a high level of experience and precision to install. It’s typically best to leave flooring installation to the professionals.

Interesting in new flooring for your home in Central Florida? Contact us to learn more or to request a quote!