If you are considering a new floor you may be struggling to make the decision between wooden flooring and ceramic tiles. You may even be considering choosing the wood effect ceramic tiles that are now on the market. It’s a tough decision – there are benefits to both types of flooring – and that’s why we have put together a definitive list of the many advantages that wooden flooring has over tiles.
Why Consider a Wooden Floor?
A wooden floor is one of the most beautiful and natural materials you can bring into your home. Wood flooring is available in a huge spectrum of colours, a wide array of varieties and thanks to innovations like engineered wood, you can enjoy all the quality of this beautiful material in every room in the home. It’s hardwearing, easy to clean and can transform a room instantly.
Wooden Flooring vs. Floor Tiles
There are many reasons to choose wooden flooring over floor tiles, but here are some of the most compelling:
Installation: Floor tiles take a lot of preparation to lay, and will need a skilled tile fitter to install them to the highest standard. A wooden floor, on the other hand, can be laid very quickly, especially if you choose a style that uses a tongue and groove system that can be easily slotted and glued into place without the use of any other fixatives. With just a little research and the right tools you could have your own floor fitted in a few hours or over a weekend.
Warmth: Unless you are prepared to pay for underfloor heating, ceramic tiles are cold on the feet. Wood, on the other hand, maintains a comfortable ambient temperature and will not make you catch your breath the moment you step onto it.
Durability: Floor tiles, even the most durable, can crack under the weight of heavy items being dropped or placed on them. If you opt for cheaper tiles these will crack much more easily and will be difficult to repair retrospectively. Wooden floors offer excellent durability, especially if you opt for solid wood, and will stay looking their best for many years to come.
Versatility: Thanks to innovative wood design and manufacturing techniques, wooden floors can be installed in any room in the house. This means you don’t have to compromise with tiles in the kitchen or bathroom – wooden floors can be used here too.
Cost: If you are considering ceramic tiles in order to keep costs down, there are many affordable wooden floor options to choose from. From laminates to engineered wood floors, you can choose from a number of different styles and finishes to suit your budget.
The Natural Choice
With wooden flooring the advantage is clear. Whether you are looking to create a brand new floor in a newly built room or extension, or you are considering replacing carpet or floor tiles in an existing room, wood flooring offers durability, beauty, warmth, versatility and affordability in one.