Tile or Vinyl: How to Choose the Right Option for Your Home
Are you renovating your home? Perhaps it’s just time to replace your aging carpet with something that will look better. Whatever the case might be, you have a number of options available to you in terms of floor coverings. Two of the most popular choices today are vinyl tiles and ceramic tiles. Which is better for your needs? How do you choose between them? What are the differences?
Cost
One way to choose between vinyl and ceramic tile is by cost. If you’re on a tight budget, then you’ll find that vinyl tile is the better option. Not only do the individual tiles cost less, but the installation will also be less expensive. However, the initial cost is not the only consideration that you’ll need to make. There’s more to the equation than just the bottom line.
Lifespan
Both vinyl tiles and ceramic tiles can last for a very long time. However, when it comes to pure lifespan, ceramic wins. In fact, if everything else was equal, high-quality ceramic tiles would actually last a lifetime. Vinyl tile, on the other hand, will eventually succumb to things like UV light exposure and humidity.
Durability
You want to choose a flooring option that is both cost-effective and durable. You’ll find that while tile is definitely very durable, it is not quite as durable as vinyl. Understand that durability in this sense does not imply lifespan, but resistance to damage. Ceramic tile is very strong, but it is also easy to damage, particularly through items with any weight dropping on them. A dropped butter knife could crack a tile. A dropped hammer could shatter one. Vinyl is relatively impervious to these types of damage.
Beauty
Once upon a time, there was no contest between vinyl and ceramic when it came to beauty. Ceramic was the hands-down winner. Today, things have changed. You’ll find vinyl tile that is just as beautiful as ceramic tile, complete with designs and different colors. However, there are a few areas where ceramic still trumps vinyl. Specifically, that applies to dimensionality and reflectivity.
Compare a ceramic tile with a vinyl tile and you will find that the ceramic tile is slightly bulkier, while the vinyl tile is more two-dimensional. That has an impact on the overall appearance of your floor (or wall). Ceramic tile also takes a high-gloss shine and can be quite reflective, whereas vinyl tile usually has a more matte appearance.
Maintenance
When it comes to maintenance, the situation becomes a bit trickier. Technically, ceramic and vinyl tiles are both easy to care for. However, there are different concerns that apply to each type of flooring. For example, modern vinyl tile has an exterior wear layer that requires only minor cleaning and no waxing. However, this layer will wear down over time. Ceramic tile has a higher gloss shine and are largely impervious to dirt and staining, but can be scratched, chipped and cracked, and there is the issue of caring for the grout between tiles.
There is no simple answer to the vinyl tile vs. ceramic tile question. Working with a flooring expert can help ensure you make the best choice for your home, your tastes, and your budget.
