A well-installed and well-maintained tile floor can last 20 years at minimum. — Dreamstime/Tribune Content Agency
If you’re looking for a flooring material that checks nearly every box on durability, affordability and design, ceramic tile easily comes to mind.
It’s been a classic choice for hundreds of years, and with good reason. Ceramic tile doesn’t just hold up under the daily grind, but thrives on it.
A well-installed and well-maintained tile floor can last 20 years at minimum, and in some cases, people are still walking on tile that’s been in place for a century. That’s staying power most other materials can’t claim.
The appeal of ceramic tile isn’t just about numbers and lifespan; it’s about the sheer variety you can put on your floors.
From polished neutrals to bold mosaics to tiles designed to look like wood or marble, ceramic tile can be as understated or as dramatic as you want it to be.
Advances in printing technology have turned ceramic into a chameleon of flooring options, giving you near-limitless design flexibility.
Functionally, ceramic has plenty of advantages as well. It’s nearly impervious to water once sealed properly, which explains why you see it in kitchens, bathrooms, mudrooms and entryways.
In warmer climates, it often makes its way into living areas and even bedrooms. The smooth, nonporous surface makes it resistant to allergens such as dust, pollen and mould, which is welcome news for anyone in the household with asthma or seasonal sensitivities.
And when it comes to cleanup, tile is about as low-maintenance as it gets. A sweep and a mop usually handle the worst of spills, and it doesn’t soak up stains the way wood or carpet might.
But of course, no flooring option is without its drawbacks, and ceramic has a few that are worth thinking about before you commit. The biggest maintenance task with ceramic tile isn’t the tile itself, but rather the grout.
Those thin lines between tiles can absorb moisture, stain or even harbour mould if not sealed and resealed on a regular basis.
Most people assume a one-time seal is good enough, but experts recommend resealing annually to keep grout in peak condition. Skip this step, and you may find yourself scrubbing grout lines more often than you’d like.
Comfort is another trade-off. Ceramic tile is notoriously hard underfoot, which is both a blessing and a curse. On the plus side, it doesn’t dent or warp easily. On the downside, if you’re standing at the sink or stove for an hour, you’ll probably feel it in your legs.
Tile’s hardness also means it’s less forgiving to your belongings. Drop a plate or a wineglass, and odds are you’ll be sweeping up shards instead of setting it back in the cupboard.
And while ceramic is tough, it’s not indestructible. A hard enough impact can crack a tile, and while replacing one or two tiles is doable, it’s still a hassle.
Another consideration is safety. The smooth surface of ceramic tile can become slippery when wet, especially in bathrooms and kitchens. Some homeowners solve this by choosing textured tiles that offer a little more grip, but texture also tends to trap dirt, which means more scrubbing.
Alternatives exist if ceramic tile doesn’t feel like the perfect match. Porcelain is denser, stronger and more water-resistant, though usually more expensive and harder to install. Natural stone provides a unique and luxurious look, though it comes at a higher price point and often requires more upkeep.
Vinyl and laminate tiles mimic the look of ceramic or stone at a lower cost, and wood offers classic warmth, though it demands more maintenance.
Cost-wise, ceramic tile is generally friendly to your budget. High-end or custom tile can climb higher, but most homeowners find that ceramic tile provides a sweet spot of value compared to stone or hardwood.
It’s also more forgiving to the DIY crowd than porcelain or natural stone, although you’ll still need plenty of patience and the right tools if you decide to tackle it yourself.
At the end of the day, ceramic tile represents one of the most balanced flooring options available. If the trade-offs don’t bother you, ceramic tile can be a floor that looks great, performs reliably and potentially lasts longer than you’ll own your home. – Tribune News Service
