Tally up the pros and cons before installing
Ceramic tile floors can last at least 20 years, and many last up to 100 years with proper maintenance.
Ceramic tile flooring installation costs $2 to $10 per square foot.
The average installation cost for ceramic tile floors is $1,300 to $7,500.
Grout lines for ceramic tiles should be 1/8 to 1/4 inches.
When choosing a new floor for your kitchen, you need an option durable enough to withstand all that foot traffic to the refrigerator, but modern enough to give the heart of your home the upgrade it deserves. Ceramic tile floors surely fit this bill: they’re versatile, durable, and affordable.
Deciding whether ceramic tiles are best for your new floors will ultimately come down to your style preferences and budget. Here are the key pros and cons of ceramic tile to help you make the most informed decision about your next floor update.
Bake or fire fine clay in a kiln at an extremely high temperature and you’ll get ceramic tile. Most tiles also adorn a glass-like-colored glaze, which creates unique pieces in various tile shapes, colors, and patterns. More modern options include natural stone and wood finishes, perfect for homeowners who yearn for a custom floor design.
Tile floors are also impervious to water, thanks to the grout that’s sealed between the joints. This feature has made them popular in kitchens, bathrooms, mudrooms, and entryway foyers. In warmer climates, you’ll often find it in living areas and even bedrooms.
Tile offers many versatile features that make it a good choice for your next floor covering. Explore some of the advantages of ceramic tile floors below.
If you're DIYing a tile floor, consider using ceramic tile because it's easier for DIYers to cut.
The intense firing process makes ceramic tiles harder to crack than porcelain or stone tiles. They stand up well to dirt, mud, spills, splashes, and heavy foot traffic in your kitchen or bathrooms. A quality tile flooring installation done by a tile installation pro near you, when properly maintained, should last at least 20 years, which could add long-term value to your property.
Tile tends to be more cost-effective than alternatives like natural hardwood. While you can find low-end ceramic tiles for as little as $0.50 per square foot and high-end tiles for as much as $15, most quality tile products cost $2 to $10 per square foot. When finalizing your budget, be sure to account for additional installation costs such as labor, tools, and supplies.
Ceramic tile comes in countless colors, patterns, and finishes, from subtle neutrals to bold mosaics. Modern printing technology has also led to styles that mimic concrete, wood, and marble. You can create a truly custom look by cutting your tile into planks or larger squares to make your space feel more open.
The extremely hard, solid surface of ceramic tile makes it easy to wipe clean dirt and grime with a duster, vacuum, or mop. Sugary drinks and other liquids won’t absorb into the tile, either. This is especially important on a bathroom or kitchen floor, where spills and splashes are common.
Water resistant flooring also withstands high-humidity, so you won’t have to worry about your floors warping during muggier seasons.
Whether or not ceramic tile is glazed, it’s usually sealed with a protective layer after installation. For the same reason tile is resistant to water, stains, and spills, it is also resistant to pollen, dust, and mold. Allergen particles are easy to spot and remove, making tile a great choice for family members with allergies or asthma.
The durability and moisture-resistant features of ceramic tile come at a price. It’s important to also be aware of the drawbacks of ceramic tile before you choose your next surface to update.
The grout lines between tiles close the gaps between tiles, but they are also prone to moisture. You’ll need to ensure that your tiles are properly sealed at all times to prevent water from absorbing into your tile, weakening your installation, or causing mold growth. If a spill stains your grout, you’ll need to clean your tile with a scouring powder to restore it.
Ceramic tile doesn’t hold heat well and tends to feel cold underfoot, which is something no homeowner wants to feel in the throes of winter. Tile’s hardness can also be uncomfortable in areas where people stand for long periods, such as in front of the sink or stovetop. Luckily, a few strategically placed area rugs and cushioned mats can help absorb some of that discomfort.
Although the durability of tile is great for ensuring your floor lasts longer, it also means that any glass or dish you drop is almost guaranteed to shatter upon impact. Tile’s smooth, flat surface is also slippery when wet—something to consider in kitchens and bathrooms, where spills and heavy foot traffic often go hand in hand.
There are pros and cons to using ceramic tile on your floors. If you still have questions about your home’s specific needs, you can consult with a flooring professional to determine whether ceramic tile is the best fit for you or if there are better alternatives you should explore.
After weighing the pros and cons, consider the below before investing in a new flooring installation project:
Ceramic tile can work for almost any type of room, but avoid using it in rooms that frequently handle standing water like a bathroom, shower floor, or outdoor space. If you’ve already fallen in love with a ceramic tile, using it as wall tile can be a fair compromise to avoid any water damage risk.
Ceramic tiles come in a variety of textures and colors. While most homeowners base their choice on personal preference, it can also provide grip and reduce the risk of slipping, making it a good fit for higher traffic areas like a kitchen or mudroom. On the flip side, it also means dirt and grime can get easily trapped within the tile. Picking a textured tile for a high foot traffic room could mean spending many weekends scrubbing to keep your tile clean.
Speaking of cleaning, your grout line color and size will play a big role in how long you can go between cleanings. For example, a bright white grout line will start to fade after a few months. Most installers recommend between 1/8 to 1/4 inches, but grout lines can be as thin as 1/16 inches. Your tile may be limited in how small of a grout it can use, so check with your installer about any limitations.
There are several alternatives to consider if you’re not sure that ceramic tile flooring is right for you.
For a similar look with added durability, porcelain is a type of ceramic that’s fired at higher temperatures for increased strength, density, and water-resistance. Porcelain is more difficult and more expensive to install, but the added durability can offset these costs.
Stone is one of many types of tile that’s easy to clean and is very durable. Plus, it can offer a unique look to your floors. Popular stone tiles include marble, travertine, and slate.
Vinyl is a popular tile for bathroom floors, in particular, because of its water-resistant properties. Like ceramic, it’s also easy to install for DIYers and less expensive than other alternatives, like stone or porcelain.
If you want to redo your kitchen or bathroom floors, you don’t have to stick with tile. You can also opt for classic hardwood or engineered wood floors for a more traditional look. Just keep in mind that while ceramic tiles and some alternatives (like vinyl) are easy to clean and maintain, keeping your wood floors in good condition requires frequent cleaning and regular resealing.
Ceramic tile installation costs $1,300 to $7,500, or $4 and $15 per square foot for glazed tiles. The total cost will depend on the size of the room, the type of ceramic tile you choose, and whether you need other work done, like subfloor repairs or removal of existing tiles.
Ceramic tile is considered more DIY-friendly than other types of tile, like stone or porcelain, because it’s easier to cut. DIY ceramic tile floor installation may take around 10 hours, not including the time you need to remove old tiles and let the grout dry. Even if you already have the tiling tools you need, like tile cutters, a grout float, and a notched trowel, just to name a few, you’ll spend $500 to $1,000 in materials alone for this project.
It may be more cost-effective, not to mention time-saving, to hire a local ceramic tile installer to take on this project. The pros have the tools needed to get the job done well, and you can avoid costly mistakes by hiring a trusted expert with experience in tiling.
When considering porcelain versus ceramic tile, each is better suited for different applications. If you want improved durability and moisture resistance, porcelain is a better option for your project. However, if you plan to DIY tile installation or want to stick to a budget without sacrificing quality, ceramic may be better for your home.
Ceramic tile flooring lasts 75 to 100 years if you take care of it properly. To make sure your ceramic tiles last decades, regularly clean the grout and tiles, reseal the grout every year, and fix any chips or cracks as soon as possible. You’ll also want to choose high-quality ceramic with a tile grade of 1 for the longest-lasting tiles.
Glazed ceramic tiles don’t need to be sealed because the glazing already offers some protection against moisture. Unglazed ceramic tiles need to be sealed to keep the porous tile safe from moisture and staining. However, both types of tile can benefit from sealing. Sealant can make the tiles easier to keep clean and offer more resistance to water, spills, and stains.
