Your home’s flooring has to withstand a significant amount of stress every day from foot traffic, spills and pets, among other things. While flooring is designed to be incredibly durable and long lasting, it won’t last forever, and you will eventually need to consider replacing it. Whether your existing flooring is damaged or you simply want to update your home with something new, you might find yourself choosing between tile and laminate flooring. To determine which material is right for you, it’s important to consider some of the key differences between these options. Read on for more information from the experts at our home furniture store in Houston, MO!
Laminate vs. tile flooring
The primary difference between laminate and tile flooring is the composition of the material. Tile is derived primarily from natural sources like ceramic, porcelain, slate and stone, while laminate is made from layered synthetic material and is designed to look like wood or stone. The differences in the composition of tile and laminate affect several other factors that are important to consider when you want to purchase new flooring:
- Appearance: Most homeowners want to install flooring that’s going to improve the look of their home, so appearance is an important factor to consider. Both tile and laminate can be found in a wide variety of textures, colors and designs to suit your specific preferences.
- Cost: Cost is one of the most significant differences between tile and laminate flooring. Tile flooring, with installation included, costs between $5 and $13 per square foot, while laminate flooring costs between $2 and $8 per square foot. Still, despite the fact that tile flooring is more expensive upfront, it may be more cost-effective over time because of its longevity.
- Lifespan: Laminate flooring usually lasts between 10 and 25, years while tile flooring can last for 50 years or more. When you consider how long tile lasts, it’s the more cost-effective option in the long run, even though it costs more to install.
- Durability: Tile is very resistant to water damage and staining. It is considered one of the strongest flooring options and is often selected for high-traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms because of its durability. Laminate flooring is far less resistant to moisture and can be damaged by water relatively easily.
- Maintenance: The good news about tile and laminate flooring is that they are both low-maintenance flooring options. Laminate flooring simply requires occasional sweeping and mopping to keep it clean. Tile is slightly more difficult to maintain, since you have to scrub and reseal grout at least once a year to keep it in good condition.
Contact our home furniture store in Houston, MO
If you’re looking for the perfect flooring for your needs and budget, stop by Crowleys Homeworks. Since 1993, we have offered an extensive selection of products and services designed to help our customers achieve the vision that they have for their home. You can browse our inventory at our home furniture store in Houston, MO to find the furnishings and décor that are right for your space. If you’d like to find out more about what we have in stock, give us a call or stop by and visit us in person today.