“Tile is the highest-rated flooring among the categories we test,” says Enrique de Paz, who leads flooring testing at Consumer Reports. “It doesn't wear out, scratch, or stain. Its color doesn't fade, it's waterproof, and it is surprisingly slip-resistant, even when wet.
While both ceramic and porcelain are good heavy-traffic flooring options, porcelain tiles are the more durable of the two. This is because porcelain tiles are denser, making them more resistant to wear and tear. Porcelain tile is also able to withstand drastic temperature changes without cracking.
1. Porcelain Tiles. Among the different types of ceramic tile flooring, there is a clear winner when it comes to sturdiness and that is porcelain.
CERAMIC AND PORCELAIN TILE
Tile made from ceramic or porcelain is the most scratch-resistant flooring. Ceramic tile is made of fired clay, and it's a hard and durable substance. Porcelain tile is a type of ceramic, but they make it from a more cultivated clay and bake it at higher temperatures.
Porcelain Tiles
Of all the tile types available, porcelain is the strongest, beating wood and even cement, so it's easy to see why so many households choose it.
Good choices are linoleum, ceramic tile–both very common–and wood. Linoleum is inexpensive and provides an easy-to-clean surface and comes in countless designs. Ceramic tiles are even better. Also easy to maintain and available in a huge range, they offer superior durability, resisting most dents, dings and scratches.
If you want to use tile in a commercial environment, or in a high traffic location, porcelain tile is likely the better option. This highly dense material is much more difficult to break, and it will withstand heavy use over time well. Porcelain tile can even stand up to heavy furniture better than ceramic tile can.
Porcelain floor tile is hard and dense enough that it can even be used outdoors, though it's mostly recommended for mild climates. Porcelain is even more heat-resistant than other types of ceramic, and it's also less likely to chip or crack over time.
Natural stone tiles like granite, marble, and limestone are extremely durable. They can also come in various forms and colors, giving you more decorating options. These are perfect for bringing some character and personality to your living room and bathroom!
Polished tiles are a great choice for high-traffic areas because they don't show dirt and are easy to clean. You can use them in the kitchen or bathroom, on floors or walls.
Vinyl: Vinyl is softer than many hard-surface floors and easy to clean. If you use a cane or any medical aid, it'll be easier to keep the floor surface tidy. Laminate: Laminate is softer and has more “give” compared to wood and tile. It is also slightly warmer, which can help you avoid aggravating the pain.
You may have already guessed it, but the floor with the highest resale value is hardwood. Since hardwood is always in demand, it is an easy choice to up level your home.
'Porcelain tiles make a good choice for sunroom flooring as they are hard wearing, easy to clean and won't fade in the sunlight, says Colin Lincoln-Evans, buyer at Tile Mountain.
Acid-Cured (Swedish) Finish
They're among the toughest of all hardwood flooring finishes, and the most expensive. They're sometimes called conversion varnish sealers. Acid-cured finishes have extremely high VOC content; you'll have to bunk elsewhere for a few days after finishing to give the odors a chance to clear.
Porcelain or Ceramic Tile
Ceramic tiles or porcelain tiles are a wise choice for kitchens and bathrooms. The average lifespan of tile flooring is about 20 to 25 years. They are resistant to scratches, dents, stains, flooding, and discoloration from sunlight.
Cost of Porcelain vs. Ceramic. While both ceramic and porcelain are less expensive than most renovation materials, their price differences are due to their density differences. Porcelain tiles are therefore more expensive than ceramic tiles.
Ceramic tiles are extremely hard. While the hardness of ceramic is considered to be an added value, as it makes them easier to clean and maintain, there is also a downside. The hardness makes it uncomfortable to stand on them, while the kitchen is an area where the user has to stand for a prolonged period.
Density & Durability
Porcelain tiles are denser than ceramic, and therefore less porous. Meaning they're harder, therefore more durable and absorb less water. This makes them more suited to high footfall areas which will see heavy use.
Large format tiles are also easier to maintain than smaller tiles. With fewer grout lines to clean, it's easier to keep these tiles looking their best. Additionally, large format tiles are less likely to chip or crack than smaller tiles.
Porcelain tiles are the go-to choice because they boast the best water resistance since they feature the lowest absorption rate.
Healthier flooring options include solid wood, natural linoleum, cork, bamboo, tile and stone. A key feature of all of these is that they are easily cleaned of dust and dirt.
So, what flooring looks cleanest? Typically, lighter color woods show less dirt and dust. Dark floors can easily show dust, while lighter floors mask it. Similarly, matte floors show less smudges, foot and paw prints than high gloss flooring.
1. It keeps the house looking consistent. If you have a color scheme or style that you love, having the same flooring flow from room to room will allow you to extend that feel throughout your entire home. Using the same flooring material ensures your home will have an elevated and cohesive design.