A Comparison of Concrete & Tile Negatives

Slippery Surface

• Both tile and concrete can be slippery, especially when they're wet. However, each has workarounds. Tile is available unglazed and with smooth or textured matte surfaces that reduce the risk of falls. Concrete can have a texturized finish as part of the design, or the installer can mix in texturizing additives that make for a rougher surface when the concrete dries. Tile and concrete both can be made less slick after they're installed with an application of an anti-slip product that etches the surface. However, etching products may alter the appearance of your flooring's finish.

Stains

• An important maintenance challenge for both concrete and tile flooring is protecting them against staining. Although glazing protects most tile, unglazed porcelain and ceramic tiles and some stone, such as marble, can stain. Even when the tile is stain-proof, the grout is not. Stain-prone surfaces must be sealed periodically to protect them. For concrete floors, this means resealing the entire floor. Only the grout needs resealing when flooring tile is glazed or nonporous.

Cracking

• Tile and concrete are both prone to cracking. Replacing a cracked tile with a new one, preferably a leftover you save when your flooring is installed, is a fairly quick do-it-yourself project. Concrete can be repaired to minimize the appearance of surface cracks, but the repair may have to be done by a professional for best results. On the other hand, minor cracks can add to the character of a concrete floor, in much the same way as wear and creases often add to leather's appeal. Cracked tile is almost always considered a flaw.

Cost

• This Old House estimates the cost of replacing a floor with ceramic tile to be $11 to $22 per square foot -- about double the price of carpeting. If you can do the work yourself, however, the cost drops to $4 to $8 per square foot, according to This Old House. Relatively speaking, concrete can be inexpensive if you begin with an existing concrete floor. Basic surface preparation and staining costs $2 to about $15 per square foot. Custom staining, stamping, engraving and polishing can drive the price up considerably. Pouring a new concrete floor in an existing home, rather than during construction, is a major project with a price tag to match.