As the Spring season approaches, many homeowners are gearing up for a home renovation. Whether a kitchen expansion or bathroom remodel, Spring is the perfect time of the season to tackle that long-awaited home project. For many homeowners, the process can be daunting and confusing. Many families might have a budget in mind but struggle when it comes to deciding on which solution is best for their home renovation.
Exploring Flooring.
One of the most important aspects of a home renovation is deciding on the type of flooring. While traditional retail flooring companies provide many options, two of the most popular choices are tile and laminate flooring. Both options come in a wide range of colors and textures.
Some things to consider:
- Longevity
- Durability
- Consistency
- Placement
In this article we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of laminate flooring vs tile.
What is Laminate Flooring?
Over the last ten years, laminate flooring has become a popular choice for home renovations. Similar to hardwood, laminate flooring is a composite flooring option that mimics real wood. The last decade has expanded color and textural options, providing even more colors to choose from. Laminate flooring is designed to float above the subfloor, often laid under a vapor barrier. This vapor barrier is designed to alleviate moisture, especially if the subfloor is a concrete slab. The vapor barrier is designed to protect the flooring from underlying moisture.
After a vapor barrier is applied, the installation can begin. Most laminate flooring is tongue and groove, designed to be snapped into place one piece at a time. Because the floor floats on top of the subfloor, there is no need for glue or adhesive. This means that the individual boards are held together only by applied pressure from surrounding pieces. As the laminate expands and contracts with temperature, this often leads to warping and tearing of the joints.
Because Laminate flooring is made of composite, it is prone to water damage. A leaky sink or toilet can often soak into the flooring, creating damage that can only be amended by replacing the area. This goes the same for pet stains and ceiling leaks. Ideally, laminate should be placed in bedrooms or hallways where water has little chance of accumulating.
Light exposure is also tricky. As the sunlight shines on laminate flooring, it will change the contrast and color over time. It is common for laminate to fade, especially in spots where area rugs have been used to cover the sun exposure. As time goes on, sunlight can transform the color of the laminate, impacting the overall aesthetic appeal.
Tile is Timeless.
Just like the title says, tile is timeless. The largest advantage of using tile in a home renovation is the durability, consistency, and ease of installation. Unlike laminate flooring, tile is adhered to the floor by using grout and metal mesh. By adhering the tile to the surface area, it creates a uniquely lasting selection that can endure water exposure, temperature change, light exposure, and high traffic area exposure.
Depending on the grade of tile, it allows for multipurpose use making it great for basements, bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor patio areas. Because tile comes in many forms, a wide variety of options are available. Because tile is so versatile (no pun intended) it can be set to compliment granite countertops, kitchen backsplashes, even shower floors and ceilings. While tile is traditionally cold to the touch, this can be offset by area rugs to add warmth and pattern separation.
Tile comes in many different forms. Ceramic tile is often used for kitchens and bathrooms, while glass tile can be used for showers and backsplashes. Marble tile can grace an entryway, while granite tile can be multipurpose. Other natural tiles include natural stone tile.
Grace your Home with Tile this Spring.
If you are interested in learning more about how tile can grace your home, visit us at www.idealtile.com.