Laminate Wood Flooring or Wood-Look Tiles?
If you are thinking about new flooring and can't choose which one is best, we offer some advice on the choice between laminate wood flooring vs. wood-look ceramic tiles.
09/07/2020
With the introduction of wood-look ceramic tiles, many homeowners are tossing a coin as to whether they should install laminate wood flooring or wood-look ceramic tiles. We take a look at some of the pros and cons of both of these options so that you can make an informed decision for your home.
All laminate wood flooring and wood-look tiles options shown on this page are courtesy of CTM. Prices accurate at this date.
The Cost
Laminate wood flooring is far cheaper than the real thing, but it doesn't even come close as far as durability is concerned and you will be surprised to note that cheaper varieties of laminate wood flooring do cost less than wood-look ceramic tiles. But who wants to install a cheap product that isn't going to last, just because it's cheap.
Wood-look ceramic tiles, or any tiles for that matter, might be more expensive than many laminate wood flooring suppliers, but then again if you buy from companies such as CTM, you're sure to get a good price even on a quality tile.
At the end of the day, you may find that doing a price comparison on laminate wood flooring vs. wood-look ceramic tiles will end up being a hard one, as there are so many different brands of both laminate flooring and ceramic tiles, and both can be had at a comparable cost. However, when you look at the installation cost, wood-look ceramic tile will work out more expensive.
Durability and Longevity
When you are looking at durability and longevity, there can be no comparison between laminate wood flooring and wood-look ceramic tiles. Ceramic or porcelain tiles, when installed professionally, will add value to a property. They are easy-maintenance and tough enough to withstand the daily wear and tear of a family - even with pets.
Laminate wood floors are not considered as durable or tough as tiles. You must ensure that you install a specific product suitable for high-traffic areas, especially for a family home, and there is always a risk of scratching and fading over time.
Colour Range and Designs
As far as colour and design are concerned, laminate wood flooring definitely has the edge over wood-look tiles in this particular category. That's not to say that there aren't plenty of wood-look tile options to choose from, just not as many.
If you are still uncertain as to the choice between laminate wood flooring and wood-look ceramic tile, consider your lifestyle and what would be the best option from this point of view. Do you have children? Are there pets in the home? Once that step has been taken, you can then shop around for the best prices on a quality product that meets with your requirements.