Tiles vs. Hardwood in a Living Room

Tile Overview

• Tiles are made from a variety of materials, including porcelain, travertine, ceramic, granite, marble and slate, to name a few. Tile is often reserved for kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, entryways and mudroom floors. In some parts of the country, though, such as Florida, tile is commonplace in the living room. One reason tile is not common in the living room elsewhere is because it can be cold to the touch during cooler weather. This is a problem in much of the country and can be solved by installing radiant heating before laying the tile.

Benefits of Tile

• Tile is usually easier to clean and maintain than hardwood floors. Water does not harm tile, and it usually resists scratching more effectively than hardwood. In addition, tile does not expand and contract as the weather changes the way hardwood does. Tile is available in a variety of colors and shapes. You can design the tiles in any pattern you choose to create a one-in-a-kind look in your living room.

Hardwood Overview

• Hardwood floors are usually the preferred choice for flooring in living rooms, according to MSN Real Estate. Pine, maple, oak and mahogany are just a few examples of the types of hardwood floors you can install. Cost varies greatly depending on the type, stain and finish. If hardwood floors are our of your price range, consider engineered, or composite, wood flooring instead.

Benefits of Hardwood

• Hardwood floors are often desired in the living room by potential home buyers. Because of this, you’ll most likely get a good return on your money spent, especially if you select a high-quality hardwood. You can also select a light-colored wood and stain it a darker color to give it a higher-quality feel. Many prestained and prefinished floors come with a warranty, sometimes up to 35 years.