The key differences in the battle between vinyl vs ceramic tile center on their maintenance costs, cleaning times, and installation.
Whether it is for a remodel, a repair, or the gloriously rare building from the ground up, choosing tile is rewarding and difficult. for the most part, tile materials function the same, they repel water and keep a surface smooth and relatively easy to clean.
Picking the right flooring adds value to a home and sets the tone for a room. Flooring is foundational to an aesthetic, after all.
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Vinyl VS Ceramic Tile
Both materials are water-resistant and make excellent flooring options for a bathroom, kitchen, or high traffic hallway or entrance.
What sets the materials apart is the upfront investment, the longevity, and the options you’ll find available. The following breaks down their pros and cons.
Pros and Cons of Vinyl Tile
The best feature of vinyl tile continues to be the low price. Additionally, it is easy to find, easy to install, and simple to maintain.
Of course, the ultimate value changes across the types of vinyl flooring. A multitude of designs and styles allows you to create a look that matches your whim.
The initial cost of vinyl is lower than ceramic because the material is easier to produce and easier to transport. Newer plank designs are modular and allow a small section of the floor to be replaced if there is damage.
Stronger vinyl finishes also hold up better to the march of time. A good UV protective layer will keep even sun-soaked tiles from yellowing or discoloring for a decade. Embossing and texturing techniques also produce designs and aesthetics that more closely resemble ceramic tile and wood flooring.
The biggest con to vinyl tile flooring is the longevity. As a manufactured material, it breaks down more quickly than ceramic tile. It also adds less overall resale value to a home.
If you don’t get plank floors, settling of the house can create gaps at the edges of vinyl tile that are difficult to fill or disguise.
Pros and Cons of Ceramic Tile
Ceramic tile flooring is heavier and more durable than vinyl. It is made out of clay and baked to a hardness that rivals steel in some applications. It offers a premium resale value to a home.
Ceramic tiles are default put in piece by piece, which means they can always be replaced piecemeal and it’s possible to fill settling gaps.
Ceramic finds use for flooring, walls, and countertops. It also features longevity with tiles expected to last three or more decades.
Ceramic tile is costly to install as it requires a set of special tools to cut and shape. It also requires skill to lay out in addition to mortar and grout to install. Additionally, it requires time to set once installed before the floor is ready to use.
Keep It Clean
The choice of vinyl vs ceramic tile often comes down to availability. The weight of ceramic tiles typically leaves fewer options that a contractor can get their hands on while vinyl printing can be done to spec with a quick turnaround time.
For a first-time buyer, getting the right home is important. For repairs, budget is often the first consideration.
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