Hardwood vs Tile Flooring for the Kitchen

When designing or renovating a kitchen, the age-old dilemma of hardwood floor versus tile flooring arises. The options and possibilities between the two materials are endless, which makes deciding more difficult. Hardwood floors are beautiful and add warmth, but tiles are durable and budget friendly. To make the decision making a little easier, here are the things we think you should consider for both types of flooring.

photo of a kitchen with hardwood flooring
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Feeling

How a floor feels underneath your feet is important when considering what flooring you may want in your kitchen. The goal is not only to make you and your family comfortable, but you want to use flooring that will also make your guests feel at home too.

Hardwood floors are warmer on the feet, while tiles feel cooler. The climate where you live may affect how cool your floor feels. Hardwood floor will feel cozy in colder climates whereas tile will feel refreshing in hotter climates.

Value

When buying a new home, hardwood floors are usually what home buyers are looking for. There may come a time when you decide to sell your home and hardwood floor can add great value to your home, while making your kitchen look more appealing to potential buyers.

Durability

The durability of your floor is an important factor to consider and this depends on your household. If you live in an all adult household, durability may not be much of a concern, however if you have a busy family with children and pets, a flooring type that is scratch and stain resistant will be key.

Hardwood floors are less durable in comparison to tile, as signs of wear and tear are more visible. Not only can hardwood show signs of wear, but exposure to moisture can damage the floor which is more likely in a kitchen. Hardwood floors can warp in climates that experience a wide range of hot and cold temperatures.

Tile, on the other hand, is more durable especially if you choose a glazed or porcelain tile as the surfaces resist stains and scratches. The best reason to choose tiles for your kitchen is because they are water resistant. Tiles can withstand prolonged exposure to moisture, so if you live in a household with children or pets, you can mop your floors without worrying. Keep in mind that tiles are vulnerable to chip and crack with great force, which may happen if heavy tins or pots/pans were to fall. So too would a dish, if it were to fall.

Maintenance

If you do not want to spend a large majority of your time tending to your kitchen floors, opt for hardwood, as hardwood floors are fairly low maintenance. As long as you avoid harsh chemicals and use manufacturer recommended cleaning products, hardwood floors only require regular sweeping or vacuuming, and prompt spill clean up. 

On the other hand, tiles are also easy to maintain however you may need to clean and mop more regularly to ensure your tiles stay shiny and clean. This all depends of the colour and pattern.

kitchen by Emily Henderson with blue and white tile flooring
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Low Noise

If you are a person who is sensitive to noise, tile floors could be best suited for you. With the proper underlayment, tiles floors transmit less vibration and hence less sound than hardwood floors. Despite hardwood and tiles being hard surfaces, tile floors create less noise as they are dense than hardwood.

Timeless

The style that you want to achieve in your home will help to determine which type of flooring to choose. Think about the styles, colors, and textures you prefer when looking for new flooring for your kitchen.

If you are looking for variety, tile flooring is the way to go. You can find tiles in almost any color that you desire, and pattern can be introduced to your kitchen through the placement of the tiles or having pattern on the tile itself. Tile flooring will help to achieve a modern and clean look; however, a classic style can still be achieved using tiles in traditional colours and patterns.

Hardwood floors also come in a variety of shades and sizes, allowing you to achieve the look you want. Hardwood floors are more subdued and classic in comparison to tiles, giving you a timeless kitchen floor that will never go out of style.