Do People Prefer Concrete or Tiles for Their Homes?

Tile Flooring

• Tiles have been widely used in homes for a very long time. A tile is basically a mixture of clay, silica and aggregates that has been glazed and fired at high temperatures to harden into a decorative unit. Tiles are essentially decorative rock. There are many different types of tiles, depending on the clay and materials from which they are made. Some common types of tiles are ceramic, porcelain, natural stone, terracotta, unglazed, quarry, mosaic and even glass.

Concrete Flooring

• Concrete floors are made from cement, water, aggregates and sand. Concrete is a good option for interior and exterior flooring throughout your home. Exterior concrete is usually left unpolished to create paths and surfaces with enough traction to be walked on safely in any weather. Concrete can be molded into decorative shapes, tiles and pavers, to create a surface similar to tile flooring. Interior concrete flooring is often made from highly polished or decorative concrete. Polished concrete is visually appealing, durable and long-lasting and relatively inexpensive to install.

Uses of Tile

• Tiles are used for flooring throughout the home. They are hardwearing, waterproof and usually have a glazed surface, which makes them very easy to clean. They are commonly used in areas of the home that are subject to water spillage or heavy soiling and that require frequent cleaning, such as bathrooms and kitchens. Tiles are used on the floors and walls of these rooms, and sometimes even on the ceiling.

Uses of Concrete

• Concrete is versatile, durable and relatively inexpensive. Due to its mix-and-pour preparation and application, it is preferred for multi-storey buildings where composite-type flooring consisting of lightweight steel decking and concrete is needed. Concrete is used to make stairs and flooring for areas that are to be carpeted. It can be polished to a very high shine and can be embedded with decorative elements to suit the decor of your home. These features make it a popular choice for interior decorators.

Considerations

• Take your decorative needs, personal preferences, budget and the area of your home to be decorated or floored into consideration when choosing between concrete and tiles for your home. The ease and frequency of cleaning is also a factor. Tiles are generally easy to keep clean, especially highly polished ceramic tiles, which can be kept clean and shiny with minimal effort.