Are you planning to upgrade the flooring in your home and are deciding between carpet or tile? Both materials have their benefits and drawbacks. Carpet is known for being warm, affordable, and cozy, though it tends to trap allergens. Tile, on the other hand, is widely appreciated for its durability, ease of cleaning, and longevity. If you’re considering an investment in new flooring, tile could be a great option to explore. Here are five reasons homeowners may lean toward tile flooring over carpet.
Tile Can Be an Affordable Flooring Option
Tile is often seen as a reasonably priced flooring choice, as it offers a variety of materials and styles that cater to different budgets. For example, ceramic tiles are typically one of the most budget-friendly options. Stone tiles tend to be on the pricier side, while glass tiles fall somewhere in between, according to HomeAdvisor. This range of options allows homeowners to select a style that fits their financial considerations without compromising on quality.
Tile May Be More Resistant to Water Damage
Tile is a solid choice for areas like kitchens or bathrooms, as ceramic, porcelain, and stone tiles are known to be more resistant to water damage compared to many other flooring materials. Ceramic tile, for example, is generally glazed after being fire-kilned, which creates a non-porous surface that helps prevent liquids from seeping through. Porcelain tile is naturally dense and less porous, enhancing its water resistance. Additionally, stone tiles can be sealed to improve their water resistance.
Tile Can Be Durable and Have a Long Lifespan
Tile is often designed to withstand heavy foot traffic, and this durability can also apply to households with pets. For instance, porcelain and ceramic tiles are relatively easy to clean and are resistant to scratches, meaning that the claws of pets like dogs and cats are less likely to leave noticeable damage on the surface. With proper installation and maintenance, tile flooring has been known to last anywhere from 50 to 100 years, whereas carpet usually needs to be replaced after 5 to 20 years.
Tile Offers a Wide Variety of Styles and Colors
Tile comes in an extensive selection of materials, shapes, and colors. Common tile materials include porcelain, ceramic, enameled glass, cement, metal, natural stone, terracotta, and luxury vinyl. You can find tiles in almost any color—such as red, black, beige, blue, clear, gray, white, ivory, and even metallic—and in various shapes that suit your home’s aesthetic, including basketweave, botanical patterns, squares, circles, chevrons, hexagons, and herringbone styles. This broad array of design options can help you find something that matches your tastes and complements your living space.
Tile Is Less Likely to Trap Allergens
Tile doesn’t trap allergens, like carpet. The fibers in carpet can trap dirt, pollen, pet hair, dander, food crumbs, and mold, and it can even become a home for dust mites. By contrast, tile doesn’t trap any of that, and it’s easy to clean. When you have tile flooring, you’ll be able to easily see and feel when the floors need to be cleaned. Tile floors can be cleaned with dustpans and brooms, traditional mops, spray mops, and microfiber mops.
If you’re looking for a flooring option that’s relatively easy to clean, pet-friendly, durable, and long-lasting, tile might be worth considering for your home.
