Wood Flooring Vs.Tile

Installing a new floor is a major project that can completely transform the look of your space, so choosing the right material is a big decision. Wood and tile are both popular choices for flooring, but each type has its pros and cons. This guide compares tile vs. wood flooring based on factors like cost, appearance and maintenance so you can make an informed choice for your household.

Key Differences

Tile and wood flooring are very different materials that come in a variety of styles and finishes. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages.

• Wood Flooring

Wood flooring is composed of solid wood or engineered wood. The latter has a thin wood veneer on top of several layers of fiberboard, while the former is one solid wood plank. Both look similar and come in a wide range of hues and finishes, but engineered wood is more budget-friendly than its solid wood counterpart.

• Tile Flooring

Tile flooring comes in a variety of materials, including ceramic, porcelain and natural stone. It also comes in all sorts of different shapes, sizes and hues, so it’s a great option for homeowners in search of a very specific look to complement their aesthetic.

Which Flooring Is Best?

The best flooring for you heavily depends on your lifestyle, aesthetic and budget, as well as the room you’re renovating. Both wood and tile have several advantages and drawbacks, so it’s helpful to weigh their pros and cons to find the right option for your household.

Appearance and Comfort

Tile and wood flooring have distinct looks, so the type you choose can make a big difference in your overall aesthetic

• Wood Flooring

Wood flooring offers a warm, rich appearance that has a knack for making a space feel timeless and elegant. It also increases the resale value of a home. This option comes in many different stains and finishes, ranging from light and bright to dark and dramatic, so most homeowners can find a variety that aligns well with their look.

Plus, wood flooring does a nice job of insulating and retaining warmth, so you won’t have to deal with cold feet as much as you might with tile flooring. 

• Tile Flooring

As mentioned, this option comes in nearly infinite shapes, patterns and styles, as well as a variety of different materials. You can opt for tile comprising natural stone, like granite or slate, or manufactured materials, such as porcelain or ceramic.

As far as comfort, tile is colder and harder than wood flooring, so it’s not quite as comfy to walk on.

Maintenance and Care

Wood and tile flooring both need some maintenance and care to prolong their lifespan and keep them looking great, but they are easier to maintain than carpet.

• Wood Flooring

Wood flooring tends to scratch, so it’s best to put pads underneath any furniture to prevent scrapes. It’s also much more susceptible to moisture damage than tile, which means it may not be a great fit for spaces like bathrooms and basements. When wood flooring is damaged, you can usually fix it by replacing or refinishing the planks.

• Tile Flooring

Tile flooring is quite durable and moisture-resistant, but the grout between tiles tends to collect dirt and grime, so it’ll need a good scrubbing throughout the year to retain its appearance. Tiles do tend to break and chip from hard impacts, like falling objects, but you can replace single tiles with new ones when they incur damage.

Lifespan

The lifespan of tile and wood flooring heavily depends on the materials and type you choose, but both options can last for decades when properly maintained.

• Wood Flooring

Solid wood flooring can technically last a lifetime when properly maintained. However, even very hard wood species will inevitably get scratched and damaged over time, so at some point they will need to be refinished to restore their appearance. Engineered wood flooring doesn’t typically last as long as solid wood, but it can endure for 20 to 30 years if well maintained.

• Tile Flooring

The lifespan of tile usually ranges from 20 to 50 years or more, depending on the type of tile and how well it’s maintained. Natural stone tiles, like marble, slate and granite, tend to last the longest, while manufactured tiles, such as ceramic and porcelain, don’t last quite as long since they’re not as hard and durable as natural stone tiles.

Cost

Cost is a critical factor for most homeowners. Both wood and tile flooring costs vary widely depending on the type and material.

• Wood Flooring

Wood flooring costs heavily depend on the type, quality and species. For instance, engineered wood is usually much more affordable than solid wood. Additionally, exotic or rare wood species will cost a lot more than more common species.

• Tile Flooring

Tile flooring costs are also quite variable. Some natural stone tiles, like marble, can cost much more than solid wood. However, manufactured tiles, such as porcelain and ceramic, are generally a lot more budget-friendly.

Installation

Wood and tile flooring both require specialized knowledge to be installed properly. However, some types are easier to install than others.

• Tile Flooring

Generally, tile is trickier to install than wood because it requires specific tools and precision cuts in order to fit perfectly. It can also be tough and time-consuming to correctly space the tiles so that they’re even and cohesive. However, pre-cut tiles make installation easier, and unlike wood flooring, it can often be installed over your existing floor.

• Wood Flooring

Wood flooring doesn’t require precision cuts and spacing the way that tile flooring does, so it’s typically faster and easier to install. Opting for prefinished and/or tongue-and-groove planks can further simplify and speed up the installation process as well.

Water, Heat and Environment

Not all flooring is suitable for all environments. For instance, wood flooring is susceptible to moisture damage, so it’s not ideal for spaces like bathrooms or basements.

• Wood Flooring

The biggest drawback of wood flooring is that it can warp and discolor when exposed to moisture, so it’s not a great fit for bathrooms and basements. Additionally, very high heat and humidity can cause a wood floor to swell, but that typically only happens in extreme conditions.

• Tile Flooring

Tile flooring is highly moisture-resistant, which is why you find it so often in bathrooms, basements and kitchens. It’s also largely unaffected by heat, humidity and other environmental conditions, so if you live in an extreme climate, tile is a good choice.

Bottom Line

When choosing between tile and wood flooring, the best option for you depends on your lifestyle, aesthetic preferences and priorities. If you’re looking for a timeless option that’s relatively easy to install and that will appeal to many prospective homebuyers, then wood flooring is ideal. But if you’re renovating a bathroom or basement, or you need a very specific color or pattern to enhance your look, then tile might be your best bet.