The incomparable look and feel of hardwood floors make it a very attractive option here in Austin, Texas. However, hardwood is also one of the more expensive types of flooring on the market today. And here in Texas, the fluctuations of weather, along with constant activity from kids or animals, can make other, easier flooring options more appealing.
We often are asked if hardwood floors or a more practical option, like tile, is better suited to stand the test of time – and budget. To help you decide, here are a few key factors to keep in mind when debating between hardwood and tile flooring:
Temperature and Humidity
When you live in a hot and occasionally humid climate, moisture naturally builds up in your home. Bathrooms and kitchens are particularly vulnerable to excessive moisture, which can lead to mold.
While hardwood – specifically types like mahogany or teak – is fairly resistant to moisture, there’s a reason so many bathrooms feature ceramic or porcelain tiles. The dense composition of tile flooring prevents it from absorbing water, whereas hardwood is more porous by nature. So, tile is significantly less vulnerable to moisture-related damage. You won’t have to worry about any cracking or fading due to changes in humidity.
With hardwood flooring, it’s recommended to keep your home’s humidity and temperature levels steady to prevent your flooring from warping or expanding. This can be as simple as turning on a humidifier during particularly dry months, and using a de-humidifier when it gets humid again.
Durability and Maintenance
Both hardwood and tile are considered highly durable. Tile just so happens to be particularly tough on scuffs and scratches, making it a popular choice for busy households or households with pets. Specifically, porcelain is considered the most durable type of tile. Your pet might also prefer tile flooring because of its ability to dissipate heat, creating a cool surface that can help them beat the heat in the summer months. For this reason, among others, families with higher trafficked households tend to opt for tile over traditional hardwood.
However, it’s entirely feasible to maintain hardwood flooring’s appearance in a busy and pet-friendly household. You might just have to take extra measures to protect your floors, such as using rugs in more locations and adding mats outside doors. There are even options to apply a scratch-resistant finish should you wish. And of course, some species of hardwood – like oak or cherry – are much more dense than others, making them a better fit for a high-traffic household.
Price and Affordability
If you’re considering which flooring option will provide the biggest impact on resale value, we have to admit that hardwood floors are commonly viewed as more desirable for home buyers and real estate agents. So, if one of your top priorities is increasing the resale value of your home, hardwood flooring is the clear choice. On average, homes with hardwood flooring typically see a return on investment (ROI) of approximately 70-80% and 99% of realtors agree that homes with wood flooring sell faster.
If you’re not sure if tile or hardwood flooring makes the most sense for your needs and preferences, our experts at Flohr are happy to help. We can walk you through the pros and cons of all your flooring options, including the many options that can be designed to capture the appearance of hardwood. Give us a call today and let’s give your home the flooring it deserves.