Ceramic Tiles Pros and Cons

Senior Member Joined: Oct 11 2007 Posts: 143

We are buying a "fixer upper" house. I am getting mixed messages about ceramic tile floor. What are pros and cons?

Platinum Member Joined: Jan 01 2006 Posts: 48223

What are your options?

Diamond Member Joined: Dec 26 2006 Posts: 4317

I love them. They look great. I picked out ones that don't show dirt right away. Easy to clean.
They feel nice and cool under your feet. If you live in a cold weather place, I would imagine it might be really cold in the winter. Another con - if a dish, glass, plate etc drops on the floor, not only will it shatter but you find pieces all over, even where you are sure they couldn't have gone.

A nice touch, if you use them, have them installed on the diagonal. It really adds to a room.

Silver Member Joined: Apr 27 2009 Posts: 737

I like the look of it, BUT get used to having shattered bottles of mayo,jam, grape juice and dishes....

Gold Member Joined: Feb 14 2007 Posts: 1203 Location: NY

There are also safety concerns. My SIL tripped on a toy in her ceramic-tiled LR and had a minor concussion. She was holding her newborn, who BH was ok, but it was scary!

If you have little kids (or grandkids) who are learning to walk, like to climb on furniture etc., I would not go that route.
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Posted: Thu, Jun 04 2009, 12:17 pm Post subject:

I lived in apt with stone tile and hardwood floors I think that I like tile better. you don't have to worry if someone spills. it does get dirtier than wood. white sock test, it is darker with a tile floor. I had to put down a rubber mat for my babies b/c it is a lot harder than wood. it is cold in the winter. but you could put in floor heating or wear socks. its cool in the summer though! and we broke a lot of dishes!

Platinum Member Joined: Nov 17 2008 Posts: 5070

I have very large areas of ceramic through the main floor of my home, with the same tile in kitchen, breakast room, large dining room, office and 2 bathrooms. I love the look, but there are some drawbacks:
1) it is extremely slippery when wet (even with just damp shoes) -- I've come close to major falls numerous times
2) if you drop anything on that is remotely breakable, it will shatter big time
3) the tiles themselves can chip or crack -- my floor is 17 years old and I have a number of cracked and chipped tiles

All in all, though, were I doing it again, it would do the ceramic again.

Silver Member Joined: Dec 24 2008 Posts: 500

Ceramic Tiles are installed into the floor as opposed to vinyl and laminate which can come off the floor easier than ceramic. Ceramic is much nicer than vinyl/laminate. Some people do say that ceramic hurts thier feet if they stand on it too long.
Another note if this is for your kitchen you should put in porcelain instead of ceramic - Porcelain is much stronger

Diamond Member Joined: Dec 26 2006 Posts: 4317

Posted: Thu, Jun 04 2009, 4:36 pm Post subject:

anybody with varicose veins will tell you ... standing on a tile floor all day cooking & cleaning - your legs will be in severe pain and agony ... it has no give ...

aside from all the chipping/breaking/falling hazards ...

there are other options ...

what is the floor like now - is there wood hiding underneath whatever is there ...
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