Ceramic tile flooring has been a popular flooring choice for decades thanks to its durability, ease of maintenance, and stylish appearance. However, ceramic tiles aren’t ideal for every situation. Here is an in-depth look at the pros and cons of ceramic tile flooring to help you decide if it’s the right option for your home.
Pros of Ceramic Tile Flooring
Durable and Long-Lasting
One of the biggest benefits of ceramic tile is its durability. Properly installed ceramic tile can last 50 years or more, even in high-traffic areas of your home. The dense composition and tough glazed surface allow it to withstand heavy use without showing substantial signs of wear. Ceramic withstands scratches, stains, and moisture better than many other types of flooring. It won’t fade, warp, or peel like other surfaces can.
Ceramic tile is harder than materials like vinyl, laminate, and hardwood. The durable surface holds up well to pets, kids, and heavy furniture. Dropped objects are less likely to harm ceramic tile than more delicate flooring.
With proper care, ceramic tile floors will retain their beauty and withstand heavy use for decades. If a few tiles become damaged or discolored over time, you can easily replace them without having to redo the entire floor.
Easy Maintenance
One of the most convenient benefits of ceramic tile is that it is very easy to clean and maintain. The impervious glazed surface repels dirt, dust, and liquids. A simple sweep or mop keeps the tile looking fresh. There is no need for special cleaners or professional deep cleaning services.
Ceramic tile’s durability also makes it stain-resistant. Spills and messes can be wiped up without leaving a trace. The tile prevents stains from seeping in and becoming permanent like they could on carpeting or wood.
You don’t have to worry about waxing, oiling, or refinishing ceramic tile floors as you would with some other materials. Simple, routine cleaning is all that is required. The low maintenance needs of ceramic tile make it ideal for busy households.
Moisture Resistant
Ceramic tile contains very little moisture and is unaffected by humidity or damp conditions. This makes it an excellent choice for bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, basements, and any other area prone to water exposure.
The dense, nonporous quality prevents water from penetrating the tiles. As long as the grout lines are properly sealed, the tile will not warp, peel, or become discolored from moisture. Ceramic retains its shape and appearance even with routine exposure to water.
Areas of the home that occasionally get wet are no match for durable ceramic tiles. You don’t have to worry about water leaks or flooding damaging your flooring. Ceramic tile resists mold and mildew growth, too.
Healthy Choice
Ceramic floor tiles are hypoallergenic and do not support the growth of mold, bacteria, or microbes. This makes them a great choice for people with allergies or respiratory issues. The tiles will not trap dust, pollen, pet dander, or other allergens.
Compared to carpeting, ceramic tile doesn’t accumulate dust and particles over time. Sweeping and mopping are usually sufficient to remove any allergens and keep the floors clean. The tiles don’t absorb liquids or spills either, which prevents staining or odors.
Ceramic tile doesn’t contain any VOCs, formaldehyde, or other compounds that are found in some flooring materials. Overall, it is considered one of the healthiest flooring options.
Stylish Design Options
One of the best features of ceramic tile flooring is the wide variety of colors, textures, patterns, and designs available. Ceramic tiles come in different shapes like squares, hexagons, and even mosaics. The options are practically endless.
You can install ceramic tile that looks like natural stone, marble, or hardwood. Or you can choose vibrant, glossy colors and bold patterns. Matte, textured tiles are available for a more subtle look. No matter your design style, there is a ceramic tile option that will match.
The pattern and layout possibilities are another advantage over materials like hardwood or carpeting. You can create custom designs, accents, borders, and focal points. Combining different colors and designs allows you to be creative and make each floor unique.
Ceramic tiles are ideal for contemporary, modern spaces as well as traditional looks. They can complement a variety of architectural styles and color palettes. Durable ceramic tile floors are a great way to add lasting style to your home.
Resists Temperature Extremes
Ceramic is naturally resistant to heat and cold. The dense, fired clay composition is not prone to expansion and contraction issues when the temperature fluctuates. This makes ceramic tile suitable for radiant floor heating systems, which work by warming the floor with hot water pipes or electric wiring underneath the tile.
The tiles hold in heat from radiant systems well without any cracking or peeling issues. Ceramic also feels comfortable underfoot in basements, sunrooms, and solariums that may experience temperature swings between hot and cold.
Outdoors, ceramic tile patios and walkways maintain their beauty season after season despite heat, cold, and frost. You don’t have to worry about the tile cracking, chipping, or fading in extreme temperatures.
Cost Effective
Ceramic tile provides lasting beauty, durability, and easy maintenance at an affordable price point. The average cost to install ceramic tile flooring is $7-15 per square foot depending on the tile you choose. This cost includes labor and materials.
Although ceramic tile has a higher upfront installation cost than some flooring options like vinyl and laminate, it typically lasts much longer. So you get a better return on your investment in the long run. Properly installed tile won’t need replacement or refinishing over the years like other surfaces, saving you money.
There are ceramic tiles available to meet different budget levels. You can find quality ceramic tile for under $5 per square foot. Overall, ceramic delivers excellent value, especially considering its longevity.
Home Value
The National Association of Realtors lists ceramic tile as one of the most desirable flooring choices among home buyers. The classic, elegant look of ceramic tile floors can give your home an impressive, updated feel.
Ceramic tile flooring is a smart investment if you are aiming to increase your home’s value. The durable material, ease of maintenance, moisture resistance, and visual appeal make ceramic tile a selling point.
By installing new ceramic tile flooring before listing your home, you increase the chances of selling quickly and for top dollar. It is an affordable renovation that offers big returns.
Environmentally Friendly
Most modern ceramic tile contains at least some recycled content. There are also companies that now make tile containing up to 70% recycled glass or porcelain. This makes tile an eco-friendly flooring choice.
In addition, ceramic tile is inert and non-toxic. It won’t release harmful compounds into the environment during installation or while in use in your home. Ceramic tile doesn’t require the use of adhesives or chemicals either, unlike some other flooring materials.
When properly installed, ceramic tile floors can also help reduce dust and allergens in indoor air. The minimal maintenance needs are another plus for the environment. Overall, ceramic tile is a green flooring option.
Cons of Ceramic Tile Flooring
Hard, Cold Surface
Some people find ceramic tile to be too hard and cold underfoot. The solid composition and glazed surface don’t have any “give” or softness. Prolonged periods of standing can become uncomfortable. The hard tile also doesn’t absorb sound well, so you may hear more echoes and noise.
Ceramic lacks the warmth and quiet that comes with softer materials like cork, vinyl, and carpeting. Rugs and slippers can help improve the feel. But the solid tile itself remains hard and cold.
Slippery When Wet
Polished and glossy ceramic tile can become extremely slick when wet. Moisture creates hazardous, slippery conditions that can lead to falls. This is especially dangerous in bathrooms.
Using mats, installing textured tile, and proper sealing of grout lines can improve traction. Still, ceramic tile requires caution when cleaning and when exposed to spills. Anyone who is unsteady on their feet to begin with could have trouble walking safely on ceramic when it gets wet.
Grout Issues
Grout is the cement-based material used to fill the seams between ceramic tiles. While grout allows for customized tile layouts, it can be prone to staining, cracking, and discoloration over time. Dirt and moisture work their way into the grout, leading to unsightly darkened lines on the floor.
Grout also needs routine sealing to prevent staining and moisture damage. Neglecting this maintenance can allow the grout to become discolored. Re-grouting may ultimately be needed if the sealant breaks down. Grout takes extra care to keep it looking white and intact.
Potential for Cracks and Chips
Although ceramic itself is extremely durable, it can become compromised if the substrate or foundation below the tile is uneven or unstable. Movement or sinking in the subfloor can lead to cracked or chipped tiles. Hollow sounding areas indicate that the tile has become unbonded from the subfloor.
Poor installation practices also commonly lead to cracking. Proper thinset application and tile spacing is essential to prevent this. Damage is more likely to occur if the floor framing is bouncy or deflects too much. Ceramic’s brittle nature also makes the tile prone to cracking if heavy objects are dropped.
Slow Heat Conduction
While ceramic withstands very high and very low temperatures well, it does not readily absorb and conduct heat. The dense, nonporous material maintains its own temperature rather than taking on the surrounding temperature.
This means that even with radiant heating systems, ceramic floors often feel chilly because they don’t absorb the warmth being produced underneath by the piping. Rugs are recommended over ceramic tile in rooms with radiant heat.
Outdoors, ceramic pavers may stay cool well into the morning, causing dew to linger instead of evaporating. The potency of radiant heating is somewhat diminished when using ceramic tile.
Risk of Lead Exposure
Some ceramic tile produced decades ago contains small amounts of lead that could potentially leach out. In most cases this is only a concern if the old tile is pulverized during removal. The intact fired glaze encapsulates any lead in vintage tile.
Still, it is advisable to take precautions when demolishing potentially lead-containing ceramic tile. Avoid using power tools that create dust. Wear proper respiratory protection. Care should also be taken during disposal to prevent environmental contamination. Testing can determine if your tile contains unsafe lead levels.
Difficult Installation
Installing ceramic tile correctly is more complex than working with vinyl, laminate, or wood flooring. Substrate preparation, mortar mixing, tile cutting, proper thinset application, aligning grout lines, and grouting techniques all take skill. Rushed or sloppy installation leads to failed floors.
Hiring a qualified tile setter is highly recommended, especially for large scale jobs or intricate patterns. Attempting ceramic tile installation as a DIY project if you don’t have experience increases the chances that something will go wrong. There is an art to achieving a perfectly flat, aligned floor.
Higher Upfront Cost
Ceramic tile installation averages $7-15 per square foot, including labor and materials. This cost is 2-3 times higher than DIY-friendly flooring like vinyl and laminate. For a larger home, installing tile throughout can be quite expensive.
There are some low-cost tile options starting around $1 per square foot. But higher grades of ceramic with intricate designs can also cost up to $50 per square foot. If going with professional installation, make sure to get quotes from several tilers.
Even though it lasts for decades, the initial investment for porcelain or ceramic tile is higher than many other types of flooring. Carefully calculate the project cost if you are on a tight budget.
Ceramic vs. Porcelain Tile Comparison
Porcelain and ceramic are often used interchangeably when referring to tile flooring. But porcelain tile specifically refers to a subtype of ceramic that is denser and even more durable than standard ceramic. Here are some key differences:
- Composition – Porcelain contains finer clay particles that create an extremely dense, impervious product through a higher firing temperature. The lack of pores gives it superior strength.
- Durability – Porcelain rates a 5 on the Mohs hardness scale, while ceramic is slightly lower at 4. Porcelain withstands heavy traffic, weather extremes, stains, and scratches better than basic ceramic tile.
- Water resistance – Porcelain has essentially zero water absorption, making it ideal for wet areas. Some ceramic can absorb a small percentage of water which could lead to damage.
- Color and pattern – Porcelain tiles tend to have more color consistency. Some ceramic can show slight variations between tiles. Intricate designs are easier to form on porcelain.
- Cost – Due to the high-quality composition and production process, porcelain tile costs $2-3 more per square foot on average than ceramic.
- Uses – Porcelain is suitable for just about any application, indoors and out. Some ceramic has more limited uses where water resistance is crucial.
Both offer benefits, but porcelain stands apart with its rock-like qualities that allow it to better resist moisture, weather, heavy impacts and scratching. For commercial applications or wet areas, porcelain is usually worth the extra cost.
How to Choose the Best Ceramic Tile
With the huge variety of styles, sizes, colors, and finishes available, selecting ceramic tile can feel overwhelming. Follow these tips to make the process easier:
- Consider the room’s size and architecture to determine appropriate tile dimensions. Small rooms appear larger with smaller tiles like 12″ x 12″ or mosaics. Larger tiles help open up small spaces.
- Match the tile style and color to your interior design tastes, whether traditional, modern, rustic, retro, or eclectic. Bring home samples to see how colors look in the space.
- Choose tiles rated for the appropriate use. High foot traffic areas need tiles with a PEI Class rating of 4 or 5. Bathroom walls do fine with standard PEI 2 tiles.
- For kitchens and baths, look for tile with anti-slip properties, or use smaller grout line widths. This improves traction when wet.
- Calculate how much tile you need based on floor dimensions and tile size selections. Having 10-15% extra tiles allows for cuts, defects, and future repairs.
- Feel the thickness and density of tiles at the store. Well-fired tiles should have some heft and make a clear “click” sound when knocked together.
- Test stain resistance by dripping water, oil, ketchup and other substances onto a floor model tile. See how readily they wipe away.
- Review manufacturer warranty terms. Many quality ceramic tiles come with 20 year or lifetime limited warranties.
Taking the time to evaluate your needs, room layout, design style, and tile qualities helps ensure long-lasting satisfaction.
Ceramic Tile Installation Guide
Proper installation is crucial to creating ceramic tile floors that will endure for decades. DIYers can tackle tile setting successfully by following these key steps:
Step 1: Surface Prep
The substrate surface must be completely clean and flat to start. Any adhesive residues, paint, wax, oils or uneven areas will prevent proper bonding of the tile mortar.
Concrete substrates should be scored with a grinder to improve adhesion. Wood and sheet goods require extra layers of cement board or backer board for stability.
Any subfloor movement will eventually transfer up through the tile, causing cracking or loosening. Stiffen wood with extra screws or glue decking.
Step 2: Layout Pattern
Map out your tile layout to determine optimal placement and any cuts needed. Avoid narrow slivers of tile around the edges. Adjust to have the smallest tiles along the walls. Mix tile boxes during installation to blend color.
Use spacers between tiles to achieve consistent grout line widths. Some tiles have spacer lugs molded on the sides. Allow room for expansion gaps near walls and obstructions.
Step 3: Mix Thinset Mortar
Follow the product directions for mixing the thinset powder with water to a toothpaste-like consistency. Only mix what can be used within its working time of 30-60 minutes.
Spread the thinset onto the floor using a notched trowel to achieve the proper adhesive layer thickness needed for the tiles.
Step 4: Set the Tile
Apply a skim layer of thinset to the back of each tile as well (known as “back-buttering”). Then firmly press each tile into position, twisting it slightly. Use spacers to maintain alignment.
Check corners periodically with a level to ensure the tiles remain flat. Any divots must be lifted and re-leveled before the thinset dries. Clean any squeezed-up thinset immediately.
Step 5: Grout Application
After the thinset cures 24-48 hours, mix grout and work it into the tile seams with a rubber grout float. Hold the float at a 45 degree angle to force it into gaps. Wipe and buff off residue.
Curing takes 72 hours before light foot traffic. Avoid wetting or soiling grout during this initial curing. Apply grout sealer 1-2 weeks later following label directions.
With caution and attention to detail, homeowners can have gorgeous, durable ceramic tile floors. But when in doubt, hire a professional installer for best results.
Ceramic Tile Maintenance Tips
Keeping ceramic tile floors looking like new for decades relies on consistent care and maintenance:
- Sweep, dry mop, or vacuum routinely to prevent dirt buildup in grout lines or textured surfaces. Use damp mopping only when needed.
- Apply grout sealer every 1-2 years to protect against staining. Re-seal sooner if water absorption occurs.
- Address re-grouting or cracked, missing grout promptly to prevent further damage from moisture issues.
- Use floor mats, area rugs, and felt pads under furniture legs to prevent scratches and chips. Lift heavy objects when moving them.
- Test cleaning products on inconspicuous tiles first. Avoid abrasive cleaners that could dull the surface over time.
