Tiles vs Floorboards: Which is Best for Your Home?

Deciding between tiles vs floorboards can be a challenging interior design decision. Factors like durability, maintenance, comfort, and cost, along with those specific to Australia—such as climate conditions, humidity levels, and regional preferences—all influence the best choice for your space.

To make the decision easier, we’ve balanced the tiles vs floorboards pros and cons, providing you with the insights needed to help you make an informed choice for your next renovation.

Familiarising yourself with the types of floor tiles and floorboards available is crucial for making an informed decision tailored to your specific needs. Different materials offer unique properties, such as durability, water resistance, and maintenance requirements, which make them suitable for various areas of the home. For example, porcelain tiles are ideal for wet areas like bathrooms due to their water resistance, while hardwood floorboards add warmth and character to living spaces.  

Additionally, knowing the cost, longevity, and installation requirements of various options helps you tailor your choice to your budget and lifestyle. Some materials, like laminate flooring, are affordable and low-maintenance, while others, such as natural stone tiles, may require a higher investment but provide a more luxurious and timeless appeal. 

As we shall see, being aware of these differences allows you to balance aesthetics, durability, and practicality, ensuring your flooring decision provides long-term suitability for your home.

Before deciding between tiles and floorboards, it's important to consider their longevity, resistance to wear and tear, and maintenance needs, which may include cleaning, sealing, sanding, refinishing, or future repairs. Familiarising yourself with the specific requirements for each material will help you make a more informed choice. 

For example, while porcelain tiles have a highly durable construction not all of them are suitable for external conditions due to their varying slip ratings. Natural stone tiles, on the other hand, require low maintenance, but to ensure their integrity, some will require resealing after a period of time. 

Cleaning considerations should also be observed. Porcelain and ceramic tiles benefit from regular cleaning with mild detergent and water, while a pH-neutral cleaner is recommended for natural stone, handmade clay, and enamel glass tiles. Engineered timber flooring benefits from regular sweeping or vacuuming with a soft brush attachment to avoid scratching, then mopping with a timber-specific pH-neutral cleaner. 

At ABI Interiors, we have a tiles and flooring care guide that explores all the requirements.

When choosing between floorboards and tiles, comfort and functionality play a significant role in determining their suitability for different areas of the home.

Thanks to their moisture resistance, tiles are an excellent choice for wet areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms. Porcelain and ceramic tiles are particularly well-suited to these spaces due to their durability and slip-resistant finishes, which help ensure safety when exposed to water. Additionally, tiles are non-porous, making them hygienic and easy to clean.

From an insulation and soundproofing perspective, tiles naturally retain less heat, which can make them cooler underfoot—ideal for our warm climates here in Australia or when paired with underfloor heating to provide year-round comfort. However, tiles also have limited sound absorption, which might result in a noisier environment.

Floorboards, on the other hand, offer a warm and inviting feel, making them a popular choice for living rooms, bedrooms, and areas where comfort is a priority. Engineered or solid timber floors are softer underfoot compared to tiles, adding a touch of luxury and cosiness to spaces. Floorboards also tend to retain heat better than tiles, enhancing insulation in cooler climates.

Timber floorboards excel at sound absorption by reducing noise transmission, creating a quieter and more serene environment, especially when paired with an underlay. However, floorboards are more susceptible to moisture damage, so they are less suitable for wet areas unless treated or sealed appropriately.

To achieve the right balance, it’s about prioritising the comfort and functionality each space needs and selecting flooring that matches your lifestyle and personal style.

Naturally, when considering the pros and cons of tiles vs. floorboards, design and aesthetics also play a crucial role in the decision-making process. 

Tiles are highly versatile, offering a range of finishes, patterns, and materials like ceramic, porcelain, and natural stone. Their durability and water resistance make them ideal for kitchens and bathrooms, while various designs cater to both intricate and minimalistic styles.

Floorboards, on the other hand, add warmth and character and can suit spaces where a softer, organic feel is desired. They come in shades from light natural tones to rich, dark hues, complementing styles from Scandinavian to industrial.

From small tiles and large format tiles, to an array of mosaics and up to ten colours to choose from, ABI Interiors has a wide range of floor tile designs suitable for a variety of interior and exterior environments. Consider purchasing individual tile samples or even a Pietra Colour Sample Pack, which includes curated samples from these tile ranges, to help visualise particular styles in your space.  

We also offer Timber Flooring that is suitable for both residential and commercial purposes. It consists of layers of real wood compressed between a tough protective coating and a sturdy plywood base and features a UV lacquer finish for enhanced durability.

Of course, financial considerations are another factor when choosing between tiles and floorboards. These include the costs of materials, installation, labour, maintenance, and potential future replacements. However, it’s equally important to balance these expenses with their long-term value. Whichever one you choose, will have different financial implications. 

Ceramic tiles are generally considered the most budget-friendly option, making them ideal for larger projects or tighter budgets. Their affordability is further enhanced by their widespread availability and lower production costs compared to materials like porcelain or natural stone. Porcelain tiles tend to be slightly more expensive due to their higher quality and manufacturing process and are a more durable and water-resistant variant of ceramic. Stone tiles, including granite, marble, or limestone, are the most expensive but offer a luxurious, natural look that often requires higher upfront investment and increased installation costs. Additionally, stone tiles may incur ongoing maintenance costs, such as sealing, which can contribute to long-term expenses. 

Finally, you should also consider the positive impact tiles and floorboards will have on your property value. Flooring choices can significantly affect your home’s long-term value, with certain materials adding value by enhancing the overall aesthetic and functionality of the home. High-quality tiles and well-maintained floorboards can create a more desirable living space, increasing your home’s market potential.  

Choosing between tiles and floorboards is a decision guided by your budget, lifestyle, and the atmosphere you want to create in your home. Each has its own story to tell, offering unique qualities that can transform a space in different ways.

Timber flooring creates a statement of warmth and authenticity. Its natural grain breathes life into a room, ageing gracefully over the years to tell the story of your home. Whether you prefer sleek modern finishes or rustic charm, timber brings an organic touch, connecting your space to nature in a way that feels timeless.

Tiles, however, are a more affordable option and are the epitome of versatility and resilience. They open up a world of design possibilities with more colours, textures, and patterns to choose from. Perfect for kitchens and bathrooms, tiles offer practical beauty, withstanding the challenges of water, wear, and the passage of time while effortlessly adding personality to your home. Both options are functional and offer a way to express the home you want to create.

To help you decide between tiles and floorboards, book a complimentary design consultation with our friendly consultants. 

Learn more about the world of tiles by exploring these blogs:

Transform Your Space with Bathroom Tiles

Defining Your Space with Mosaic Bathroom Tiles 

Travertine: Everything You Need to Know