Tiles vs Carpet: Why Tiles Are the Superior Choice
If you've ever walked into a high-end luxury home, you may not realize that there is little wall-to-wall carpeting. The fact is that durable, quality, homes are usually built with better materials, like tiles, rather than woven fabrics, like carpet. When you compare tiles vs carpet, it becomes obvious why they are the superior choice. Here are some of the reasons tile is better than carpet for luxury homes and businesses.
#1 Tile Is Actually More Cost Effective
Depending on the type of tiles you get, the cost of certain tiles can be comparable to carpeting in material costs. Stone tiles are more expensive, but are far more durable than ceramic tiles, so often are the best choice in a luxury home or business, despite additional material costs. Tiles are more complicated to install than carpeting, and require professional installation, however the tiles can last up to 50 years or more. In comparison, you are lucky if you get six years out of your carpeting before you have to rip it out and re-install a new carpet. Thus, even stone tiles are more cost effective than carpeting. This limestone entryway is built to last a lifetime, unlike carpeting.
Mosaic Tile Borders - View Details »
#2 Tile Is Far More Durable than Carpet
Would you even consider carpeting in a hotel lobby? It makes no sense. Carpet wears out easily, whereas tile can withstand plenty of foot traffic without tearing or being worn down and is easily repaired. Stone tiles are much harder than ceramic tiles and make the best choice for heavy duty foot traffic. That's why hotels use stone tiles for their sitting areas in their grand lobbies too, like this one.
Waterjet Tile - View Details »
#3 Tile Designs Appeal to Modern Tastes
Shaggy carpets are a thing of the past that quickly date a home. You can get sleeker carpets like Berber, but it doesn't even compare to the clean-cut, sharp, designs possible with tiles. Even if you only opt for a beige tile, the fact that it is cut and laid flat makes everything look crisper and sharper, which appeals to modern tastes. This travertine floor gives a very neutral and clean look to a contemporary kitchen design.
Abstract Mosaic Tile - View Details »
#4 Tile Is Easier to Keep Clean
Carpets tend to hold onto dirt that sinks deep within it. If you drop liquids on them, they stain or discolor easily. Pets that aren't housebroken or have a small accident, can lead to permanent staining and smells, if not taken care of immediately. Carpets need to be vacuumed regularly and deep cleaned with shampoo and carpet steamers. Things like pet hair tend to stick to carpeting, whereas tiles can be swept clean in a jiffy. Tiles are water resistant and don't soak up smells, so they are more suitable for households with pets. This is probably the number one reason people like tiles more than carpeting. That's why tile is also excellent in the dining and living areas, where pets and visitors tend to congregate with food and drink.
Waterjet Medallion - View Details »
#5 Tile Can Reduce Exposure to Allergens
It isn't just pet hair that sticks to carpets and gets buried deep within it. Outdoor allergens can be brought into the home on the bottom of shoes and then get lodged in the carpeting, making exposure much more likely with carpeting inside the home. Tiles, on the other hand, are impervious and can be swept clean to keep them allergy-free, and so are perfect for entryways and hallways.
Waterjet Mosaic Borders - View Details »
#6 Tiling Is Water Resistant
All tiles are water resistant, and some are even waterproof. Those that need some extra protection against liquid spills can be sealed to keep moisture out. However, most are impervious to water, but still need some care around other types of household liquids, like cleaners or wine, which can pit or discolor unsealed stone tiles. The fact that water doesn't pose much of a threat to tiles makes them ideal for uses in kitchens, bathrooms, and even around a pool or bathtub.
#7 Tiles Can Be Used in Bathrooms and Kitchens
You would never consider using carpeting in the kitchen or the bathroom. It is simply a bad idea to have carpeting in these areas because they would quickly get moldy, due to the high humidity. You can even have colorful patterns, just like carpets, in the bathroom using tiles and waterjet technology.
Arabesque Mosaic Tile - View Details »
#8 Tiled Homes Have Better Resale Value
Even if you add high-end Berber carpeting to a home, it doesn't increase the value of your home that much. However, tiles, both porcelain and stone ones, add to the resale value of a home significantly and make it stand out when it comes time to sell it. Tiles can give you a 70% or more return on your investment when it comes to resale value, according to Realtor.com. Imagine the impression a home buyer gets when entering into this luxury sitting area, versus if it had been carpeted.
#9 Tiles Are Fully Customizable
No matter what design you have in mind, it can be realized in tiles. Carpeting, since it is manufactured at a factory, is limited in design potential. Tiles come in an assortment of materials and a wide color, texture, and grain range. With water jet technology, even intricate curves can be cut from the hardest of stones, like marble. You can even insert a business logo on them to strengthen your brand.
Custom Waterjet Designs - View Details>>