The pros and cons of ceramic tile flooring: a guide for 2023

Ceramic tile flooring has been a popular choice for homeowners in New Zealand for many years, especially in spaces like the kitchen, laundry and bathroom. It is a robust form of flooring, that offers great design versatility too. However, with many competing options to choose from, it pays to know all its characteristics and qualities before making the final call for your home.

There are many positives to begin with when looking closely at ceramic tile floors, many of which will be known to you but a few might surprise you.

1. Durable and long-lasting

Ceramic tile floors are incredibly robust and durable making them great for both residential and commercial settings. They can withstand high foot traffic and are resistant to stains, scratches and wear. With natural longevity, there’s no reason ceramic tiles won’t last a lifetime with minimal maintenance and care.

2. Versatile and easy to maintain

Ceramic tiles are extremely versatile and can be used on the floors, as discussed here, but also on the walls, ceiling, countertops and in outdoor settings. This presents all sorts of interesting opportunities for mixing and matching your decorating style. On top of this, their often glazed surface makes them very easy to maintain with occasional sweeping and mopping and they won’t trap any allergens either.

3. Plenty of designs and styles

There’s a huge range of designs and styles in the New Zealand market, meaning you can explore any aesthetic you desire. Variations include sizing, colour, pattern — you’ll even find differently shaped ceramic tiles like square, rectangular and even hexagonal options too.

As with any type of flooring, there are some reasons that might not make it the best choice for your project. Some of these may or may not be relevant to your own situation but should be addressed all the same.

1. Can be expensive to buy and install

The cost of ceramic tiles for flooring can vary, depending on a number of factors like branding, size, quality, the number of tiles ordered etc. They tend to be priced higher per square foot than alternatives like vinyl and laminate but are usually less expensive than natural stone tiles. Installing tiles is a labour-intensive job, however, requiring the expertise of an experienced tiler for the best results. You’ll need to get quotes and factor this into your budget when considering it as an option.

2. Cold surface during the winter months

Ceramic floor tiles conduct heat very effectively, making them cold to the touch, more so a problem during winter. For those that are concerned by this, there is the solution of underfloor heating which can help warm the tiles up when required. Others just use area rugs or bath mats for a bit of relief jumping out of a hot shower.

3. Grouting can stain

The grout lines between tiles are porous in nature which makes it susceptible to staining and the accumulation of dirt and grime. Proper sealing can help mitigate this but they will need to be cleaned properly every now and again to keep them looking their best.

Having covered the pros and cons of ceramic flooring, you might also wonder what's involved from a care and maintenance perspective so we've included a few tips below to paint a clearer picture.

1. Regularly sweep and mop your ceramic tile flooring

As with any type of flooring, you should regularly clean it as part of your home’s cleaning routine to keep it at its best. For ceramic tile flooring, using a soft-bristle broom or a vacuum with an attachment for hard floors will be more than enough to remove loose dirt and dust from its surface. Mopping with a mild, pH-neutral cleaner will also prevent damage to the tile surface and grouting.

2. Place rugs or mats in high-traffic areas

Another recommendation, already briefly mentioned, is to use rugs or mats in high-traffic areas. This is good for warmth in the colder months but will also protect the tiles from cracks and scratches. It’s not completely necessary but is a good precautionary measure to take to ensure their longevity.

3. Seal tiles on a regular basis

For tiles installed in moist environments like the bathroom, laundry, kitchen or outdoor settings, the best practice is to seal these regularly, often every 1 - 3 years. This will depend however on the manufacturer's advice as some options, like high-quality glazed tiles, might not require it at all so it pays to check. For unglazed tiles, it will offer a bit extra all-around protection and prevent water seepage and the damage that can occur from that.

Last but not least, there are a few final things to take into consideration, besides the points already discussed, before making your decision. These aren't necessarily pros and cons but are important nevertheless.

1. Suitability of the area

Tile flooring is often chosen for particular areas of the home, like the kitchen, bathroom and toilet for good reason. The water-resistant properties of a ceramic floor tile and its tough surface make it an ideal flooring solution. It is however less common in bedrooms and communal areas where a softer surface is generally preferred. The suitability of tiles is also dependent on the quality and condition of the subfloor beneath it. It needs to be clean, level and structurally sound or you will likely have issues with cracking and unevenness further down the line.

2. Size and layout

The size and layout of your tiles are important and your decision should be made in the context of your space as a whole. Certain design rules can also help guide you, for instance, large tiles can make a space feel more open and spacious. Small tiles, on the other hand, allow you to add more detail to your design which can help you achieve a more decorative look and something that is unique to you.

3. Picking the right professional

The success of your tile flooring, no matter what the type, will be largely determined by the calibre of the installation. Picking the right professional for the job is therefore crucial to having tiles installed properly. Consider only the best tiling professionals that service your area with an extensive track record and portfolio of completed projects. Discuss your project with them in detail and get quotes to plan appropriately.

Related article: 11 exciting bathtub tile surround ideas

With the advantages and disadvantages of ceramic tiles comprehensively covered as well as a few other useful snippets of information, you're hopefully in a great position to make an informed decision for your project. As you can see, a ceramic tile floor has many things going for it but you need to be absolutely sure about the qualities you want as a solution as well as the requirements you need met.

Related article: How to choose kitchen wall tiles that look great and last