Advantages and Disadvantages of Tiles

Installation

• An advantage of choosing tile for your home improvement needs is ease of installation. Ceramic and vinyl tiles are examples of tiles that are usually easy to install. Many of them are as simple as peel-and-stick. Mosaic tiles can be laid on uneven surfaces. Tiles with designs and patterns may require a little more care, because designs need to be matched and lined up. Certain types of tile, such as stone or marble, may require installation by professionals, which can make them more costly.

Maintenance

• Tiles are often easier to maintain than other surfaces. Most types of tiles don’t require a lot of maintenance other than routine cleaning, such as using a quick wet mop routinely and wiping up spills with a sponge. More expensive choices, such as marble, may require special care. For example, marble tiles need to be cleaned and sealed regularly and require the use of cleaning products designed especially for marble.

Advantages of Tiles

• Tile can be very affordable. Ceramic tiles are a good choice for budget-conscious consumers, because they are usually inexpensive, easy to install and require minimal maintenance. When you consider the wide variety of colors and styles available, tiles offer almost unlimited decorating possibilities. Most tiles last for years and years and resist both stains and moisture. High-quality tiles that are installed and maintained properly can last a lifetime. Choosing tile helps to keep your home allergen-free.

Disadvantages of Tiles

• Some types of tile can be cold on bare feet and can be slippery when wet. Tiles made of hard material such as porcelain can cause items dropped on the tile floor to break. Porcelain tiles can be prone to cracks and may be difficult to repair. Low-quality tiles may chip or crack, especially if they have been laid on a floor that isn’t perfectly level. While most types of tile retain their color for many years, the grout used between tiles may become discolored.