Is It Cheaper To Install Tile Or Laminate?

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    Choosing between tile and laminate flooring affects your home’s aesthetic and practical aspects. Each option has its strengths, with tile offering a more durable, long-lasting solution, particularly for wet areas like kitchens and bathrooms. 

    Laminate, however, provides a more affordable, DIY-friendly alternative that mimics the look of wood or stone without the higher price tag. In this guide, we’ll compare the key differences in cost, installation, durability, and environmental impact to help you decide which flooring best suits your home. 

    Let’s get straight to the point.

    When comparing tile and laminate flooring, several key factors include cost, durability, style, and installation complexity. Laminate is generally the more affordable, ranging from $25 to $50 per square metre, and has easier DIY installation. 

    Tile, particularly porcelain, is more expensive (up to $100 per square metre) and requires professional installation, but it offers superior durability, especially in moisture-prone areas like kitchens and bathrooms. Due to its water resistance and ease of maintenance, tile is ideal for long-term use and high-traffic areas.

    Laminate may warp in wet areas but suits dry spaces like living rooms. Aesthetically, both materials offer a variety of styles, but tile provides a more luxurious and premium appearance. Tile is also more eco-friendly, especially when made from natural stone, compared to laminate, which is less sustainable.

    Material Costs

    Laminate

    Laminate flooring is generally more affordable than tile. Good-quality laminate costs between $25 and $50 per square metre, depending on the brand, design, and quality.

    Tile

    The cost of tiles depends largely on the type you select. Ceramic tiles are the more budget-friendly option, ranging from $30 to $100 per square metre. 

    However, higher-end options such as porcelain or natural stone can significantly increase costs. Porcelain tiles, known for their durability and water resistance, are more expensive than ceramic but provide longer-lasting value.

    Installation Costs

    Laminate Installation

    One of the benefits of laminate flooring is the ease of installation. Many homeowners choose laminate because it is designed to be DIY-friendly. 

    The interlocking system of laminate makes it straightforward to lay, which can reduce labour costs if you’re hiring professionals. Professional installation costs for laminate flooring range from $25 to $40 per square metre.

    Tile Installation

    On the other hand, tile typically requires professional installation, which is more labour-intensive due to the need for precision and expertise. Tile installers must prepare the surface, lay the tiles, and apply grout, making it more labour-intensive. 

    The installation cost for tile flooring can range between $50 and $100 per square metre, depending on the complexity of the job and the type of tiles used. Additionally, if the floor needs levelling or the old flooring needs to be removed, that can add to the expense.

    is it cheaper to install tile or laminate

    Durability And Maintenance

    Choosing the flooring that withstands your household’s daily wear and tear is essential. Durability and maintenance requirements will vary depending on the area’s foot traffic and sensitivity to moisture and spills.

    Laminate

    While laminate flooring can handle heavy foot traffic, it is less moisture-resistant than tile. Spills or water exposure can cause the laminate to warp or swell, particularly in bathrooms and kitchens. 

    That said, high-quality laminate floors with a water-resistant core can offer some protection, but they’re still not as moisture-friendly as tile.

    Tile

    Tile flooring, especially porcelain, is incredibly durable and can last for decades with minimal wear and tear. It is also highly resistant to water and stains, ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor spaces. 

    While the tiles are very durable, grout can become discoloured over time and may need periodic cleaning or sealing to maintain its appearance.

    Maintenance

    Laminate

    Laminate is relatively low-maintenance. Regular sweeping and occasional mopping are needed to keep laminate floors clean. However, excessive water or harsh chemicals can damage the surface.

    Tile

    The tile is also easy to clean, and its water resistance makes it ideal for areas where spills are common. You can mop tile floors with water and household cleaners without worrying about water damage. 

    The primary maintenance concern for tile is the grout, which can discolour over time and may require occasional sealing or deep cleaning to stay looking fresh.

    Aesthetic Options And Style

    Flooring is a major element in a room’s overall design, so the style and appearance of your chosen material are key factors.

    Laminate Flooring Styles

    Laminate flooring offers various styles, from wood-look finishes to stone or tile effects. Advances in printing technology have made laminate options look increasingly realistic, providing homeowners with the look of natural wood or stone at a fraction of the price.

    However, the laminate texture sometimes matches its appearance and may provide a different depth or feel than real wood or stone.

    Tile Flooring Styles

    Tiles come in various materials, colours, and patterns, allowing endless design possibilities. Whether looking for a sleek, modern look with large-format tiles or a more classic feel with intricate patterns, tile offers the flexibility to achieve your desired aesthetic. 

    Natural stone tiles, such as marble or travertine, provide a luxurious, timeless look. In contrast, ceramic and porcelain tiles are available in a wide variety of styles that can suit any design preference.

    Installation Difficulty: DIY Or Professional?

    Your DIY experience level and the installation process’s complexity are also factors to consider.

    Laminate Installation

    Laminate flooring is designed to be easy to install, thanks to its click-and-lock system, making it a popular choice for DIY enthusiasts. 

    The floating installation method requires little more than underlayment, and no glue or nails are needed, simplifying the process and reducing the need for professional installation.

    Tile Installation

    Tile installation is far more complex and typically requires professional expertise. It involves surface preparation, cutting tiles to fit around edges, applying mortar, laying the tiles evenly, and grouting. 

    The process is more time-consuming, and the materials and tools required (such as a wet saw) make it only suited to DIY projects if you have prior experience in tiling.

    Environmental Impact And Sustainability

    If environmental impact is a concern, there are notable differences between laminate and tile flooring.

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    Laminate Flooring

    Laminate is made from compressed wood fibres, often sourced from recycled materials. However, laminate flooring is not biodegradable, and the production process may involve chemicals such as formaldehyde. 

    Additionally, laminate cannot be refinished, and once it wears out, it needs to be replaced, which adds to waste.

    Tile Flooring

    Tile, particularly natural stone, is a more environmentally friendly option. Tiles are long-lasting, and many are made from natural materials that do not emit harmful chemicals. 

    Ceramic and porcelain tiles are also recyclable, making them a more sustainable option in the long term. Although the production of tiles requires significant energy, their durability and recyclability offset the environmental impact over time.

    Conclusion

    When deciding between tile and laminate flooring, you must weigh your priorities regarding cost, durability, aesthetics, and installation complexity. If budget is your primary concern and you’re looking for an easy DIY installation, laminate is a cost-effective solution that offers a stylish appearance. 

    On the other hand, tile is a more durable, long-lasting option, particularly for areas exposed to moisture, though it comes with higher installation costs and complexity. Ultimately, both materials have their benefits and drawbacks, and the best choice for your home depends on your specific needs and preferences.

    FAQs About Tile

    What Is A Common Issue With Tiles?

    Mould. Moulds are common in tiles exposed to moisture. One of the biggest issues with bathroom tiles is that the bathroom creates an ideal environment for moulds and bacteria to grow.

    What Causes Tiles To Move?

    The tile grows in all lateral directions, inevitably pushing against one another, causing stress and tension once upon the other. With no room to move, the adhesion breaks, resulting in tenting.

    What Are The Purposes Of Tiles?

    Tiles often form wall and floor coverings and range from simple square tiles to complex mosaics.

    Are Tiles Good For Home?

    Tile floors are considered one of the best flooring options for pets and kids, and for good reason. Floor materials like porcelain tile are resistant to scratches, stains, cracks, and chips.

    Are There Different Qualities Of Tile?

    Unlike other graded materials, the tile grading system does not indicate the quality of the tile; it just categorizes the tile according to its ideal usage. For example, tile with a PEI grade of 1, which is the lowest, can last for years and look gorgeous when installed as a decorative wall tile.

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