Tiles Vs. Hardwood (Durability, Cost and Resale Value)

Last Update:

We use affiliate links and may receive a small commission on purchases. Learn more

tiles vs hardwood

Are you unsure what the best material to use on the floors in your home is? If you are not a fan of cleaning carpets, then tile and hardwood flooring are some of the top choices. However, if you don’t know the benefits and negatives of each option, then you could end up choosing the wrong option for you. 

Each option will offer some caveats, but they both also come with some great reasons to use them too.

So, with tiles vs. hardwood, how are you to choose? Well, we will go over all the biggest differences between the two flooring types and ensure that you have all the facts to be able to make a decision about which one is the better choice for your floors. 

The Benefits and Negatives 

pros and cons of tiles and hardwood

Flooring is made to fit the home and those who live in it. For those who have a hectic household with lots of people in it, something durable and affordable might be the best choice. However, for someone who lives alone, the focus might be on the style and pattern. 

Each person and homeowner will likely be looking for something different, so using tiles vs hardwood floors for every house will depend on what kind of lifestyle you live, and if you have lots of pets and children or others in the home with you. 

Whatever you are looking for, there are pros and cons of every choice. So, we will discuss the good and the bad about both tile and hardwood floors so you can make your final decision quicker.

Hardwood Floors 

hardwood flooring

This type of flooring is definitely an option that has become a popular choice in the last decade or so. This is likely because it is strikingly beautiful on the floors of a home. Also, it is a top choice for homes that have an open floor plan because the wood is on full display.

Having hardwood floors can also be a great upgrade to do to your house if you are planning on selling it soon because it raises the value of the home. Houses with hardwood floors tend to sell faster than others, and they also have higher selling prices. So, it could also work as a future investment for when you decide to sell. 

Benefits 

Hardwood floors are not only a beautiful option, but it also has a classic look that never goes out of style. The value of hardwood floors is maintained over time better than other options, which means that you will have a good investment for the future no matter what style you change the house to.

You also get routine maintenance that doesn’t require very much. Many homes from decades ago will still have hardwood floors that are still intact, so it isn’t unusual that these floors last a long time. This means that a little bit of maintenance will go a long way.

Hardwood is also a good choice for those who want lots of options to choose from. Wood floors have a wide variety of colors and textures to choose from that make it a versatile option that will allow you to find something that is exactly what you want. 

Negatives 

One of the main issues with this type of flooring is the fact that it costs more than a lot of others. This is especially true when it comes because some pretty cheap options are much more affordable.

Hardwood floors are durable and last, but wood does need some care because they will get scratched over a long time. You will have to fix small areas as there is damage. There is also the factor that hardwood floors will make the house a bit louder. Wood makes an echo and usually needs rugs and furniture to help dampen the noise.

Tile 

tiles flooring

This type of flooring can be used for so many different things because it comes in a large variety of styles that fit in all different rooms of the house. Although rooms like the bathroom and kitchen and known for having tiles, it can also be used in other areas of the house.

Tile flooring also makes an affordable and can be removed a bit easier than other flooring types. If you like changing the style of your home, then this might be a better option than other kinds of flooring options. 

Benefits 

Like hardwood floors, tile comes in many different styles that allow you to choose a colorful or patterned choice that will add some flair. This also means that you can choose several different options for each room of the house that you want to be a different style. 

Tiles are also one of the longest-lasting options that will usually last around 20 years. This makes it a great option for those with lots of people in the home or with lots of animals since it can be cleaned easily and will last a long time.

Another great benefit of tile is that they can be replaced easily. If one tile cracks, you don’t have to replace the whole floor. Instead, you just take out that one tile and replace it. This is a huge benefit.

Negatives 

One of the issues that come with tile is the fact that it is still one of the toughest floors to install. With so many tools and materials required, it is not easy to do yourself, so you will likely spend more on professional installation.

The weight of the tiles can also be a problem. If you wanted to put tile all over the house to make it easier to clean, you won’t always be able to. If you have a two-story house, the top floor is usually unable to have tile because it is so heavy. 

Tiles Vs.: Final Thoughts 

If you are looking to have your floors replaced with something new, tile and hardwood were probably both on your list. And, with both of these options being very popular among homeowners, it is easy to see why. 

However, there are positives and negatives to whatever type of flooring you choose. So, you should take a look at the details of this article before making your final choice so that you get the flooring that works best for your home. 

Photo of author

AUTHOR

Nora has more than 5 years experience in the floor covering industry, acquiring vast knowledge about installation and material selection. She now enjoys working as a writer and an interior decorator. Her work has been featured in The Spruce, Homes & Gardens, Southern Living and Real Homes. See full biography here.

Leave a Comment

14 − two =