Tiles versus timber: choose wisely

You’re renovating or building a new home and you’ve reached that crucial question in the design phase: which flooring material should you choose? If you’ve narrowed down your options to tiles and timber, you may have a battle on your hands. Is timber the toughest material for your household needs? Or are tiles the right no-fuss material?

Timeless timber

Timber flooring is a natural choice for many homeowners given its many pros. It’s tough, durable, easy to install and looks great once it’s sanded and stained. There are colour options to consider, such as white oak for those who prefer a lighter floor colour, or jarrah for those who want something darker.

If cost is a factor, faux timber flooring or floating floorboards are another option. Faux timber floors, or laminate, look remarkably similar to structural timber floors but are actually made from high-density fibreboard and not natural wood, which brings the cost down significantly.

Timber flooring can be used in hallways, living rooms, bedrooms and even outdoors, but what about wet areas like the kitchen and bathrooms? If sealed correctly, timber flooring isn’t a problem in the kitchen, as long as water spillage on the floor is minimal. Unfortunately, timber flooring is not recommended for bathrooms given the high moisture levels.

The tile files

If timber isn’t to your taste, tile flooring is another popular option. Ceramic, porcelain, granite, marble, slate, polished, unpolished… the options are endless when it comes to choosing tiles.

Tiles are strong enough to weather years and years of household wear and tear, making them a great choice for family homes. When compared to timber flooring, tiles come in a larger variety of colours and styles, and can even be made to replicate timber flooring. Tiles can be a lot easier to lay and can be shaped to fit just about any space. They can also be laid in high-moisture areas like the bathroom and even around the pool.

On the negative side, tiles are a lot colder than timber. Get up in the middle of the night in the depths of winter and your feet get a nasty shock. Tiles are also a lot harder to keep clean, especially lighter coloured tiles that show every spill and speck of dust.

Choosing between the two Ts of flooring materials is a tough one. Remember to consider costs, maintenance, room traffic and moisture levels before making a decision.