Floors in areas prone to moisture or stains should be chosen carefully. Solid wood, carpet, and laminate flooring aren’t usually suitable for these areas.

Homeowners have two great alternatives: vinyl tile and ceramic tile. Both types of flooring have the capability to keep away moisture and avoid staining. This decision is frequently made for areas that are used frequently or are exposed to a lot of moisture such as kitchens and full bathrooms.

Vinyl floor covering is frequently created to simulate the appearance of timber, rock, or even ceramic tile. Vinyl and ceramic tile, since they are two distinct materials, display different traits in regards to laying down, upkeep, and the impact they may have with regards to the re-sale of property. Gaining knowledge on the distinctions between ceramic tiles and vinyl flooring will assist you in deciding correctly.

Vinyl Tile vs. Ceramic Tile: Major Differences

Vinyl tile is a thin, artificial material crafted from PVC plastic featuring a bottom layer consisting of felt or fiberglass, accompanied by a printed outline layer, and additionally covered with a clear wear layer. It is similar to sheet vinyl flooring. For floor tiles, vinyl is cut into pieces that measure between nine and eighteen inches on all sides. Certain kinds of vinyl tile, referred to as composite tiles, are made with a certain amount of pulverized stone dust in their manufacturing. Vinyl tiles that are made up of both plastic and other materials offer a more realistic look than tiles that are all plastic.

Luxury vinyl tiles are another kind of vinyl flooring. They are much thicker than the average vinyl tile and are designed to interlock with each other using a click-lock method of installation, rather than needing to be glued onto the floor using a mastic. Luxury vinyl is produced in both planks and tiles, which are normally referred to as LVT (luxury vinyl tiles). This type of vinyl tile has a higher status than the basic versions and is more costly.

Clay and additional substances are blended together to create ceramic tiles, which are then coated with a glazed finish before being heated in an oven to be hardened. Porcelain belongs to the ceramic tile family, but it is crafted from finer clays and is put through an elevated level of firing, resulting in a stronger, more long-lasting tile.

Ceramic tiles may be employed for various purposes ranging from floor coverings, countertops, walls, and showers.

Appearance

Vinyl Tile

In spite of its design to imitate ceramic or stone tile, vinyl floor tile can usually be distinguished from the real thing; nearly everyone has the capacity to differentiate between a vinyl floor and a ceramic floor tile. Nonetheless, there is a vast range of colors and styles of vinyl floor tiles. From an aesthetic standpoint, you will have every potential choice available.

Ceramic Tile

You can purchase ceramic tile in many different hues and types; however, the more decoration oriented kinds tend to be expensive. Porcelain tiles offer a vast selection of appealing designs and can be used to create an eye-catching floor.

  • Best for Appearance: Ceramic Tile

Water and Heat Resistance

Vinyl Tile

Because vinyl tile is created by humans and is not natural, it is not subject to water damage. However, water can leak through the gaps between individual tiles. Therefore, vinyl tile is not as resistant to moisture as sheet vinyl. Extreme temperatures can melt and char vinyl, leading to its destruction. Additionally, if vinyl combusts in a residential fire, it can produce poisonous fumes.

Vinyl planks or tiles classified as luxurious may pose a greater challenge when it comes to moisture seeping in, as the spaces between them are not as tightly fitted as what is typical for standard vinyl tiles. Despite this, vinyl is unharmed by water and leakages should not occur unless liquids and moisture are cleaned up immediately.

Ceramic Tile

Ceramic tile is also impervious to water damage. The flooring will remain waterproof if its grout lines are sealed and maintained properly. Ceramic tile is also impervious to heat damage.

  • Best for Care and Cleaning: Vinyl Tile

Durability and Maintenance

Vinyl Tile

Vinyl tile typically lasts for no more than 10 years, however under special circumstances it can stay intact for up to two decades. Vinyl is a robust substance with a bit of a soft texture, making it vulnerable to indentations and scratches. However, replacing a broken tile isn’t a strenuous task. It is not a difficult procedure to warm the tile to detach the adhesive, remove it, then use a scraper to make the surface smooth and adhere a replacement tile.

Ceramic Tile

Ceramic tiling is incredibly sturdy and usually has a longevity of 40 years or higher. Damaged tiles can be removed and replaced. The grout that is found in between the ceramic tiles should be re-sealed each few years, and if it becomes soiled or starts to develop mildew, it needs to be cleaned.

  • Best for Durability and Maintenance: Ceramic Tile

Installation

Vinyl Tile

Installing vinyl tile typically requires bonding it to the floor with a mastic adhesive. This is achieved by spreading flooring mastic across the surface with a trowel, then pressing each individual tile into the mastic. But self-adhesive tiles now dominate the market. The tiles are pre-glued with a special adhesive in the manufacturing process and then covered with a protective sheet. This sheet should be removed when you are ready to start laying the tiles. DIYers especially enjoy working with vinyl tile flooring due to its simple setup.

Floating floors made of various luxury vinyl planks and tiles are put together using a snap-lock system which links each individual piece together around the outside edges. Putting in the flooring is similar to what you would do for laminate flooring, and it is very simple to do for those who are comfortable with DIY projects.

Ceramic Tile

Tiles made of porcelain or ceramic should be put in place by way of a special adhesive, which is spread over an underlayment of cement board for securing them. Tiles can be divided into smaller parts using either a manual device which creates a fracture line and breaks the material apart, or an electric wet saw may be used. Once the glue has set, a mortar-based grout is put into the gaps between tiles and is sealed following complete drying. Despite the fact that creating ceramic tiles requires extensive effort, many individuals who decide to do it themselves are successful.

  • Best for Installation: Vinyl Tile

Cost

Vinyl Tile

Generally speaking, vinyl tiles are a more affordable type of flooring. Buying self-adhesive vinyl tiles from a larger home improvement store would normally cost around $1.50 to $3 per square foot, while professional installation of these tiles can add an additional fee of $3 per square foot. Vinyl tile, however, is quite easy to install yourself.

Ceramic Tile

Material prices for ceramic tiles generally vary between $1 and $20 per square foot, with the average cost per square foot being around $5. Plain white tiles are usually the most affordable, while porcelain tiles that have been designed by professionals will cost you more. Expert setup can cost anywhere from $5-$17 per square foot, which depends on the labour fees in the location and however complicated the task needs to be.

  • Best for Cost: Vinyl Tiles

What is the Best Flooring for Bathrooms?

Astounding as it may seem, the restroom is one of the most powerful places in your house. Bathrooms are essential for daily living and can be a vital element in any house, whether you intend to stay there permanently or sell it. When renovating, bathrooms are usually among the first things people focus on, which is why it isn’t shocking that it’s placed near the top of the list of priorities.

The flooring requires extra consideration when it relates to the finishing of these important spaces. And the main fulcrum for these considerations: water. It is true, moisture in all its forms has the potential to cause a great deal of damage to a home, with most of the liquid usually ending up on the restroom’s ground.

No matter what the source of the water is – whether it’s over-spraying, dripping, leaking, or children just generally being careless – inevitably it will find its way onto your bathroom floor, walls, and even ceiling. It’s completely inescapable, and your restroom must be able to face up to that onslaught of liquid.

It’s worth taking the time to consider what kind of flooring will be best suited to your bathroom renovation before making a choice. Research all the options to be sure you’re making the right decision. There may be more to it than you think!

Best Bathroom Flooring

When selecting material for a bathroom floor, it is essential to use something that is resistant to water, as has already been made clear. Generally this implies harder surfaces rather than materials that will hold water. Absorption should be avoided – this especially applies to carpets.

Ceramic or Porcelain Tile

The most popular choice for bathrooms is tile. Specifically, bathrooms are an ideal choice for ceramic and porcelain tiles. Tile floors are quite sturdy, cannot be damaged by water, come in many different hues and patterns, and are usually less costly compared to other hard surface choices. Porcelain tiles have a lower absorption rate of water than any other kind of ceramic product. Tiles made out of ceramic or porcelain can withstand puddles and even pools of water, making them suitable for showering areas.

Tile does have certain qualities that may be viewed as negatives by some purchasers. Tile is referred to as “hard,” “cold,” or even “sterile” since it is a tough surface. Though it’s true that keeping one’s feet in the same spot on a tile floor for a long time may be bothersome, this may happen with any hard floor and this issue can be fixed by installing radiant flooring systems that work well with both porcelain and ceramic tiles. As for sterile, that’s great! Tile is an excellent choice for places that require sterilization because it does not take in moisture or microorganisms and is easy to clean.

A disadvantage to using tile in a bathroom is that when it’s wet, it can be quite slippery and this is something that generally happens in bathrooms more often than other areas. This does not just apply to porcelain or ceramic tile. Many surfaces may be hard, however tiles made of porcelain or ceramic are baked to create a very smooth end and are thus percieved to be more slippery than other surfaces. Look for a tile that has an uneven surface when trying to install tile flooring, especially in a shower, for additional safety.

Natural Stone Tile

Another great bathroom flooring option is natural stone. There is an abundance of different types of natural stone, including granite, marble, and limestone. Natural stone tile boasts many of the same advantages as ceramic and porcelain tiles do. Stone has a quality that allows it to be highly enduring, waterproof, and sporting a variety of naturally occurring shades and designs. Stone is utilized in the form of tiles, boards and even mosaics, which are then reinforced by a mesh to connect the minuscule tiles together.

When deciding on stone for the bathroom floor, there are a few things to think about. Stone can be difficult to install for the do-it-yourselfer. Beware of this if you try to do this project on your own. Stone can be slick, just like tile, however modifying the surfaces by using grout patterns and different treatments to create an uneven surface can minimize slipperiness. Stone products may call for more frequent upkeep than other options, such as the periodic application of a sealant to keep the stone finish, stopping the intrusion of dirt and particles, or the absorption of moisture.

The chief downside for many patrons when considering natural stone is expense. Using natural stone as a material for your bathroom can provide a luxuriously elegant end result, however, it may be quite expensive. Stone is among the priciest types of floor covering available. Stone flooring is a finite resource, so it costs more to obtain and make it.

Waterproof Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl is one of the more economical choices when it comes to bathroom flooring. Plenty of different kinds of flooring made of vinyl have been growing in demand lately, and have become some of the widely preferred choices in the market. WPC and SPC Vinyl are ideal choices for bathrooms and areas prone to humidity and heavy foot traffic. They are fully waterproof. Vinyl has the appearance of wood planks, stone, and in some cases, ceramic tile.

WPC and SPC Vinyl flooring combine the elements of sturdiness, scratch-proofing, and being waterproof to form a rigidcore product. These products are usually sold in planks, but can also be found in tile form. The center is made out of either wood or stone polymer, and it is wrapped in a wear layer which makes it an ideal waterproof choice for bathroom floors.

Due to its affordability, waterproof vinyl is becoming more popular amongst homeowners who may otherwise choose stone or hardwood floors, particularly in rooms other than the main living spaces. This product is resistant to scratches and has more color and pattern options compared to the materials it attempts to replicate.

Stained Concrete

It is possible to stain and polish the concrete floors if you have a concrete base or subfloor in a given area or structure. Remember that concrete will not be waterproof unless it has been sealed off in the proper manner. This sort of project usually requires acid etching of the concrete so that it can be stained, as well as often entails extensive filling, mending and grinding. Doing it yourself is not really an option. Stained concrete provides a low-cost and attractive choice for floors, providing an array of shade finishes, specific to the concrete, so no one else will have the same floor. Despite their appeal, slippery surfaces when wet like tile can make them a bit too dangerous and require a special non-slip additive. This can be a turn-off for many homebuyers, so if you are remodeling to sell, you should consider how this may affect the property’s value. The Good Guys team can assist you in selecting the right option!

The Verdict

One of the primary benefits of vinyl tile are that it is cost-effective and can be installed simply by DIY-ers. Ceramic tile is superior in many aspects compared to other flooring surfaces, as it provides a more attractive look, a longer lifespan, and potential increased worth when being sold.

Jonathan
Author: Jonathan