When it comes to flooring, there are so many options that homeowners often struggle to reach a decision. Each choice comes with its own list of pros and cons to weigh.
The decision often boils down to tile floors versus wood floors versus carpet. So which one will you have installed? Below you will find a summary of the positives and negatives of each style from the perspective of the home renovation professionals at True Builders in the Plant City, FL area.
Tile Floors Are Cost-Effective and Water Resistant but Don’t Always Work on Upper Floors
The classic look of tile is alluring for many homeowners. Their neat geometric design produces a sense of organization and cleanliness. But just as with any flooring, there are some pluses and minuses to consider.
Tile floor pros:
- Low maintenance - Most dirt and grime can be wiped clean with standard cleaning products. Even if a deeper stain sets in, industrial chemicals can usually do the job.
- Plenty of choices - Tiles come in many different designs and colors which allow homeowners to select the most appealing style for their project.
- Cost effective - This particular flooring material carries a relatively low cost if you stick to lower-priced tiles. If you delve into the designer choices, your cost can rise considerably.
Tile floor cons:
- Cold factor - Even in central Florida, we experience a few cold weeks out of the year. On those days, the tile under your feet can feel very cold to the touch and may cause some discomfort.
- Tiles are heavy - Each tile carries more weight than many other flooring choices. As a result, sub-flooring will need to be sturdy. You may be prohibited from installing tile on second floors or find yourself installing backer board to support the weight.
Wood Floors Add Value and Natural Beauty but May Require Refinishing in the Future
Wood floors offer a soothing natural look and can be sealed with a gloss or semi-gloss finish with a gorgeous shine. As with tile and carpet, there are a few things to consider before deciding to begin the installation of these floors.
Wood floor pros:
- Added value - Wood flooring carries considerable value when installed correctly. Home buyers often pay more for homes with hardwood installed.
- Natural beauty - Flooring options include oak, bamboo, and walnut. Each style has its own naturally beautiful qualities with appealing details that create interesting variations between each floorboard.
Wood floor cons:
- Refinishing - After several years and many footsteps, finishings can fade, which may lead to damage to the wood itself. To bring back its original shine, homeowners often find themselves paying for a refinishing job, which can include heavy sanding and the application of a seal or polyurethane.
- Creaking - It may seem trivial, but wood floors tend to creak and croak under the weight of footsteps. Areas with higher traffic can eventually become quite annoying as they sound off under your feet.
Carpet Is Soft Under Your Feet and Offers Plenty of Options but It Can Stain and Shows Wear More Easily
Carpet provides lots of options with regard to color, texture, and design, but is prone to staining. The soft feel can be appealing to families with young children, but there are additional pros and cons to consider.
Carpet pros:
- Soft and cozy - Carpet is soft and cozy under your feet. It can be a nice place to snuggle up with a book on the floor with children and protects little ones when they fall.
- Variety of options - Carpet comes in lots of colors, textures, thread depths and designs, giving homeowners an entire world of options to choose from.
Carpet cons:
- Stains - Carpet is definitely high maintenance. They require regular vacuuming, and especially in homes with pets and children, are prone to staining. Some stains are stubborn and won’t completely clean out. Steam cleaners and industrial chemicals can usually do the job, but come at a high cost.
- Wear and tear - After trampling on a carpet, the threading tends to sag. It will be especially evident in hallways or other high traffic areas. There is really not much you can do to fix it other than having a section cut out and reinstalled.
