I'm sure you've done a lot of research online when choosing a floor for your next project to find out which one is best? Then you should have seen the term laminate tile, right? But do you know anything about it?
First introduced by the 1980s, laminate tile is a cost-effective wood-look product with a particleboard substrate, usually high-density fiberboard (HDF), with an image layer and a clear wear layer on the surface for aesthetic and protective purposes.
And ceramic tile has been used for centuries in a variety of environments - and with good reason. Not only is ceramic tile extremely durable, but it is also associated in people's minds with luxury, art and aesthetics.
Both laminate tile and ceramic tile are popular and stylish flooring options for the modern home. Below we will discuss the similarities and differences between these two products to help you make an informed decision.
Laminate tile or ceramic tile is a great alternative to natural hardwood or stone.
If you like the look of wood, then laminate tile is your better choice.Laminate tile comes in a variety of colors and textures to choose from. Common laminate tiles are typically brown, tan, or goose yellow. Aged, embossed and hand-scraped effects are also available in the market and they give the floor a vintage look.
Ceramic tiles are available in more colors, textures, sizes and styles than laminate tiles. They also support customization, just like the special intricate designs you see on hotel lobby floors, they are often custom effects. The many options for looks such as marble look, concrete look, terrazzo look, etc. make it easy to adapt the ceramic tile to a wider variety of scenarios.
One of the biggest advantages of the laminate tile is its comfort. Since its core is made of a flexible particle board or cork mixture, and it is usually mounted on a thin foam pad, it makes laminate tile quite soft and comfortable underfoot. In addition, a plate or glass dropped on a laminate tile is generally less likely to break because of the cushioning and bounce provided by its composition.
Although ceramic tile always gives a cold feeling and is not popular for that reason. However, if your project is in an area with a year-round warm or hot climate, then ceramic tile is a better choice. Because ceramic tile provides an effective heat sink, it can stay cooler in the heat. But fragile objects that fall on ceramic tile usually break because of its hard surface.
Laminate tile is easy to maintain and clean. All you need is a broom or vacuum cleaner and a mop for daily cleaning. Unlike ceramic tile, it does not require regular resealing and grouting, thus reducing cleaning costs. However, care needs to be taken as it is not completely waterproof, so laminate tile must be dried quickly after cleaning to prevent it from warping when exposed to moisture over time.
Ceramic tile is also easy to clean. For daily cleaning, all you need is a broom and wet mop. One of the benefits of ceramic tile is its superior water resistance. It is resistant to spills and splashes and is suitable for wet areas such as kitchens, bathrooms and laundry rooms. However, to present a timeless look to the ceramic tile, the grout should be resealed and grouted annually. If there is damage to the grout, it will need to be removed and replaced again.
The way the laminate tile is made gives it a good wear resistance. Most laminate tile surfaces have a very hard layer of wear that can withstand scratches, dents and scratches, which is a benefit for families with pets and children. In addition, the laminate tile is usually not broken by heavy objects. However, the laminate tile is very vulnerable to moisture damage. Water will penetrate into the joints of the laminate tile, resulting in its warping and swelling.
They say that the most durable flooring option is ceramic tile.Ceramic tiles are known for their strength and resistance to scratches, wear-and tear from heavy objects like children or pets; this makes them perfect in busy families where everyone needs something they can rely on!
In fact if we're honest here: these strong material choices may mean they're at risk from getting broken into pieces by something heavier than themselves - but only usually happening during accidents where there has been substantial force applied.
Easy installation is one of the major benefits of laminate tiles. Laminate tiles installation does not require any professional glue or firmware or any tools. You can do it yourself, you can just put the laminate tiles together like a puzzle. They are joined together by interlocking grooves, which is why it is called "floating floor". It requires underlayment for installation, some for noise suppression, some to enhance underfoot feel, etc.
The installation of the ceramic tiles requires more preparation, and they need to be cut and grout. A cement mixture is needed to fix them to ensure they stick well to the floor. The ceramic tiles attach directly to the ground floor, and therefore it must be ensured that the plane is horizontal. Ceramic tiles need to be spaced to ensure the same distance between them. In short, the installation of ceramic tiles is labor-intensive.
Undoubtedly, price will be the determinant of which type of flooring to use. Usually, laminate tiles cost $1- $5 per square foot, while installation costs $1- $2 per square foot . While laminate tiles is very easy to install, you can completely install it yourself as long as you have the time. This saves you the cost of the installation. So if the budget you are the most concerned about, then you can choose laminate tiles.
The price and installation cost of ceramic tiles are relatively high. The price of ceramic tiles can range from $2 to $20 per square foot while professional installations cost from $5 to $10 per square foot. Because the ceramic tile installation process is labor-intensive and requires specialized techniques and tools, it is best done by experienced installers. Although the price and installation cost of ceramic tiles is much higher than that of laminate tiles,ceramic tiles increase resale value, but laminate tiles does not.
No matter how durable your flooring is, it will need to be replaced over time or if it gets damaged. But unfortunately for laminate tiles, its replacement is difficult and a big job. Because laminate tiles are put together when they are installed, you may need to replace the entire floor of the space, but sometimes it is not necessary because it depends on the location of the damage. You can just replace the damaged laminate tiles, but the replacement part will be very visible. This is a point that many people mind very much.
The damage replacement for ceramic tiles saves people a lot of trouble. You can just fix the damaged part. Just hire a professional, buy a new tile or two, remove and replace it with a new one directly.
To sum up, choosing laminate tiles or ceramic tiles for your floor is great, and each has a different purpose. The laminate tiles are cheaper and easier to install, but not as durable. The ceramic tiles are fully waterproof, more durable, with high resale value, but are more expensive. Anyway, before making a decision, you need to be clear about what your goals are and your budget. You better also talk to a floor expert who can give you a saving money while maintaining quality end results.
For more information about choosing the right floor for you, check out:
Tile VS Vinyl Flooring：What's Best for My Job?
Tile VS Wood Flooring：We Put Them Head-to-Head
Guide：Know Which to Use Hardwood vs Wood Look Tile
