Setting up the right flooring plays an integral part to presenting your property to another level. We often use this analogy… Would a man/woman look sophisticated wearing a suit/blouse with a pair of thongs on their feet? This is a rhetorical question, of course not.
The right flooring can turn your home into something special, but making the decision between timber flooring or tiled flooring can often be a more complex decision that one first thinks.
In this article we discuss and highlight some of the advantages and disadvantages of both flooring types.
The two most commonly used flooring types are natural timber and tiles, however many variations are also regularly chosen. Apart from their very distinct looks, natural timber and tiles each characterise the home in a special way.
What are the advantages of timber flooring:
- It’s sophisticated appearance will not out-date easily.
- Timber flooring is generally softer to walk on.
- During winter, the timber retains heat.
- It’s natural look, blends very well to most property types and often compliments the furniture.
- Timber flooring has quite a good expiry date. It can last quite a long time, and be easily sanded back several times to bring the floor back to life.
What are the advantages of tiled flooring:
- Tiled flooring has a large variety to choose from. From size, shape and colour, there is something for every property.
- Given the diverse choice range, tiles can suit every budget.
- Tiled flooring can offer a home a beautifully clean look.
- Hard wearing and long lasting. Tiles may date before they wear out.
- Easy to clean and less maintenance than timber.
What are the disadvantages of timber flooring:
- Unfortunately the timber can scratch easier than tiled flooring.
- Timber flooring can be more noisey. This is more noticed when they are new and need time to compress.
- Their are a variety of timber flooring types to cater a budget, but timber flooring is generally more expensive.
- The floors can slightly fade over time given the sunlight and foot wear.
- It requires sealing and regular maintenance to ensure it keeps longer.
What are the disadvantages of tiled flooring:
- The colour scheme may out-date. Often colour choice is important with tiles.
- It is not uncommon for a tiled colour scheme to be discontinued. This is difficult if you are replacing broken or uneven tiles over time. Perhaps buying some excess tiles would help reduce the risk.
- The floors can be slippery, regardless if they are wet or not. This can be a hazard if you have running children. Tiles have slip ratings, so you should ask before buying.
- In many cases, if you drop something onto the floor, it often results into a broken item. Fragile items will literally shatter to pieces.
- The tiled floors are colder on your feet. This can help cool a property in summer, but they are freezing on the feet during winter.
- The natural sunlight can shine off the tiles and enter your vision. This is quite distraction and unpleasant during summer time.
- The grout, which holds the tiles to each other often attracts dirt. This dirt can be quite difficult to clean. It requires a hand/knees clean which can take time.
Timber flooring vs tiled flooring:
There is no right or wrong answer in deciding which flooring type is right for you. Both types are well suited to both many property types and works well for both an investment property and/or owner occupier.
To help narrow your choice, ask yourself the following questions:
- What is your budget?
- What is more important – its appearance or its practicality?
- How much traffic comes through your home?
- What type of traffic comes through your home?
- How durable does the floor need to be to handle the traffic?
- How much tolerance do you have on maintenance?
- Do you want the flooring to be comfortable?
We have enjoyed participating in this conversation with our buyers. When buying off the plan, it’s a great incentive to have the option to choose between the two. We have experienced a good volume of choice going either way, but we would love to hear your preferred option!
While we have taken care to ensure the information above is true and correct at the time of publication, changes in circumstances and legislation after the displayed date may impact the accuracy of this article. If you want to learn more, please contact us. We welcome the opportunity to assist you.
Oct 2018
