New-build homes these days are rather stark, to my mind, as they offer white walls and mostly white tiled floors, which appear at first glance to be rather sterile and institutional. There is good reason for such aesthetics, which involve both cost and practicality. This is partly due to the popularity of open-plan layouts, where living and cooking spaces have been merged into one large multi-functional area. The kitchen, dining and relaxation areas have been integrated into a complete whole, and the cook is no longer isolated from guests when entertaining. It makes sense, therefore, to paint the entire area in the same colour and use the same flooring where possible to unify the spaces and ensure a sense of continuity throughout. Having said this, it is obvious that carpeting would not be suitable for a kitchen but can be used in the dining and living areas, providing a clear floor-level area demarcation.
Let’s look at the options offered by tiling vs carpeting
Whilst tiled floors are generally neutral, they can be jazzed up by adding area rugs of different sizes, colours and patterns, which not only add an element of luxury and warmth, but also a sense of style and set the tone for the rest of the furnishings. The problem with carpeting, however, is that one has to decide whether to opt for fitted carpeting throughout or only in certain areas, or choose area rugs which can pose a ‘slip or slide’ problem on highly polished tiles. Fitted carpets add warmth, comfort underfoot and a sense of overall luxury, but are challenging as far as keeping them clean is concerned. Lighter-toned carpets show dirty marks and scuffs immediately, and cleaning those sections of carpet in high-traffic areas sometimes serves only to highlight the rest of the carpeting which has also accumulated general everyday grime and marks, although to a lesser degree. With light-coloured/neutral carpets, it is usually a matter of “either professionally clean the whole carpeted area or don’t do it at all”. Carpets can be scotch-guarded to help prevent the ingress of stains, but this is not a permanent fix and professional help will be required at some point to refresh the carpeted area, which is a major task as furniture has to be moved out of the room and the carpet has to be given sufficient time to dry properly. The whole process can take up to 24 hours, which is extremely inconvenient, particularly in living rooms and bedrooms, and so tends to be put off for as long as possible. The other option is to place smaller area rugs directly over the fitted carpeting, but these tend to ‘walk’ – i.e. not remain exactly in the position they have been placed – or curl at the edges, which can cause trip hazards, especially for older persons and those who tend to shuffle their feet when walking.
Your lifestyle is a big factor in your choice of flooring
Having said this, carpets are a warmer option underfoot than cold tiles, especially during the winter months. Carpeting can even cut down on the overuse of heaters during winter as tiled floors seem to absorb the cold and radiate it back into the surrounding area. Carpets can also absorb and thus ‘deaden’ loud noises, making them ideal in homes and environments where quietness is valued. Tiles do, however, have definite advantages over carpeting as far as cleanliness is concerned. It is quick and easy to wipe up a spill on a tiled floor or use a mop or steamer to clean larger areas in a flash. Thus, no stains and messy residue are left behind, which would be the case in a carpeted area. Tiled floors, provided they are properly maintained and kept clean, provide a hygienic space in the kitchen and bathroom, an unquestionable bonus in today’s busy lifestyle. Maintenance is, however, key in keeping your tiled floors looking good. This entails keeping the grouting clean and attending to areas where the grouting might be crumbling or looking tired. Tiles themselves also need to be properly cared for. Whilst porcelain, ceramic, and other man-made tiles are usually moisture-resistant, natural materials such as sandstone, granite, stone, slate, and clay do not have this quality, and therefore one has to be careful about spills on such tiles. Tiles of any kind are also prone to cracking or chipping under very heavy weights or when hit by hard objects. A crack can – and probably will – spread over time, which will entail replacement of the tile, so it is wise to always buy a few extra tiles of the same colour, size and design for such eventualities. Even if it is a hairline crack, it is irritating to the houseproud owner, and spoils the symmetry of the whole floor. Nonetheless, as with carpeting, fixes are possible, either by professional cleaning or replacing damaged tiles.
Can’t decide which to choose? Ask a tiling or carpeting specialist for advice
Ultimately, it is up to the individual to decide which option works best for them. Both tiles and carpeting have their place in homes, corporate or office spaces and both have pros and cons associated with them, but as long as they are kept in pristine condition and well-maintained, both can be an asset. Uptasker has listings of both carpeting and tiling specialists, so it is an easy matter to find one in your area and discuss the options available with someone who is experienced and knowledgeable in their field.
