Tiles Vs. Timber Laminate
Choosing the right flooring for your new home is no easy task—should you go with tiles, or is timber laminate flooring the better choice? It can be overwhelming, especially when so many options are available. Both laminate flooring and tiling are durable, budget-friendly options, but both flooring materials offer different benefits. The good news is both options are included as standard in our Onyx Inclusions!
To help you make an informed decision for your new dream build with Icon Homes, we’ve decided to explore the pros and cons of laminate flooring and tiles. At the end of the day, both flooring options achieve different looks within a home, so consider the space you’re looking to fill. If you’re still unsure after reading our guide, simply reach out to us via the contact page, and we can help you plan and customise your dream home.
The pros and cons of tiles and timber laminate
Tiles
Choosing the correct tiles for your home
When selecting the right tile for your home, consider which aesthetic you’re looking for in your home. The size, colours, shapes, and material of tiles you install will affect the overall feel of your space.
If you’re looking to make a statement, feature tiles are a great way to add character to the space. Make an area look larger with lighter colour tiles. Likewise, a darker tile will help create a feeling of intimacy within a room.
Pros
- Easy to maintain: tiles are easy to clean, unaffected by sunlight and chemicals, and relatively low-maintenance. They are an excellent option for areas of high foot traffic within the home.
- Durable and long-lasting: ceramic tiles are incredibly durable and tough and, when installed correctly, can last 20 years or longer without cracking. If a tile breaks, you can replace the single tile without removing the entire flooring.
- Moisture and stain-resistant: water-resistant and stain-resistant, most homes in Australia have tiles installed in bathrooms, laundries, kitchens, and other high humidity environments. However, if you choose to install unglazed tiles or the grout lines surrounding your tiles are unsealed, you’ll need to be cautious of trapped moisture and mould growth.
- Suitable for a wide range of budgets: tiles come in all shapes and sizes, with prices to suit a wide range of budgets.
Cons
- Poor heat retention: tile flooring does not hold onto warmth or moisture well—a blessing in hot climates but uncomfortable in cooler climates. To combat this issue, speak with one of our team members at Icon Homes about installing underfloor heating.
- Noisy: with little ability to absorb noise, tiles can be incredibly loud. A possible solution to help dull noise is a well-placed rug that offers slip protection.
- Grouting can be difficult to clean: while the tiles themselves are sturdy and easy to clean, the grouting surrounding the tiles can be tricky to maintain.
- Slippery: tiles are notoriously slippery and can pose a hazard for many people, especially if spilled water is on the floor. Some families will avoid using tiles in larger spaces for this reason. Again, rugs with slip protection are a solution to prevent this issue.
Timber Laminate
Choosing the correct timber laminate for your home
Timber laminate comes in various colours, grains and sizes. Timber laminate also comes in different thicknesses, ranging from 7mm to 12mm in thickness. We always recommend choosing higher quality, thicker laminate for areas of high foot traffic to ensure the longevity of your flooring.
Depending on your space and preferences, different laminates will achieve different things. There are fewer seams with larger planks, making the room look bigger. Some interior designers suggest laying laminate floor
ing diagonally to make the room look bigger and add character to the space.
Pros
- Affordability: timber laminate flooring is made from composite wood pressed together at high temperatures. This makes it a budget-friendly option for families looking for a hardwood look without the associated high costs.
- Durability: timber laminate is another incredibly tough, highly durable material.
- Easy installation: timber laminate is incredibly easy to install within the home. The tongue-and-groove edging can be snapped together with little effort, and with the addition of adhesive backing, it makes for a seamless flooring option.
- Eco-friendly: timber laminate is often made from recycled or sustainable products. Choosing a timber laminate with low-emission glue, lacquer, and oil will not only do its part for the environment but also help to ensure the health of your family.
Cons
- Cannot be refinished or sanded back: timber laminate cannot be refinished or sanded back if there are scratches or deep gouges in the flooring. Unlike hardwood which can be sanded and refinished, damaged timber laminate will need to be replaced or covered up.
- Slippery: Like tiling, timber laminate can pose a slip-hazard within the home. Again, rugs with slip protection are a solution to avoid this issue.
- If installed incorrectly can warp: the importance of sound installation of timber laminate cannot be understated. Improper installation of flooring can lead to warping or swell.
Still unsure which flooring option is best for your home? We’d love to help you make your dream home a reality with either tiling or timber laminate flooring. Let us know via the contact page, and one of our dedicated team members will be on hand to help.
