Tiles vs Floorboards: Which is Best for Your Home?

Deciding between tiles vs floorboards can be a tricky decision for your home renovation. From durability, maintenance, and comfort to aesthetics and the costs associated with meeting New Zealand's building code requirements, there are many factors to consider when choosing the best option for your space. 

To help make the process easier, we’ve broken down the pros and cons of tiles and floorboards, giving you the insights you need to make an informed choice for your next interior design project.

Familiarising yourself with the different types of floor tiles and floorboards available is key to making an informed decision that suits your needs. Various materials offer distinct advantages, such as durability, water resistance, and ease of maintenance, making them ideal for different areas of your home. For example, porcelain tiles are perfect for wet areas like bathrooms due to their water resistance, while timber floorboards bring warmth and character to living areas.

Understanding the cost, longevity, and installation requirements of each option also helps you choose the best fit for your budget and lifestyle. Materials like laminate flooring are affordable and low-maintenance, while options like natural stone tiles may require a larger investment but offer a more luxurious, timeless look.

By considering these factors, you can balance style, durability, and practicality to ensure your flooring choice will suit your home for years to come.

In recent times, there has been a noticeable shift from traditional cosy carpets to hard surface flooring such as tiles and floorboards in New Zealand. Before making the decision that is right for your space, consider their durability, resistance to wear and tear, and ongoing maintenance needs, such as cleaning, sealing, sanding, refinishing, or future repairs. Understanding the specific care requirements for each material will help you make a more informed decision.

For example, while porcelain tiles are highly durable, not all of them are suitable for outdoor use due to varying slip ratings. Some natural stone tiles, although low-maintenance, may need periodic resealing to maintain their integrity over time.

When it comes to cleaning, porcelain and ceramic tiles are easy to maintain with regular use of mild detergent and water. For natural stone, handmade clay, or enamel glass tiles, a pH-neutral cleaner is recommended to preserve their finish. Engineered timber flooring also benefits from regular sweeping or vacuuming with a soft brush attachment to prevent scratches, followed by mopping with a timber-specific pH-neutral cleaner.

By taking these factors into account, you can select the best flooring option for your home and lifestyle.

When deciding between floorboards and tiles in New Zealand homes, comfort and functionality are key considerations, especially given our country’s varied climate. Thanks to their moisture resistance, tiles are a practical choice for wet areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms. Porcelain and ceramic tiles are particularly suited to these spaces due to their durability, slip-resistant finishes, and non-porous surfaces, which make them both hygienic and easy to maintain.

In terms of insulation, tiles naturally retain less heat, which can make them cooler underfoot—perfect for warmer regions or when paired with underfloor heating for year-round comfort in cooler parts of our country. Underfloor heating works particularly well with tiles, as their high thermal conductivity ensures even warmth and energy efficiency. However, tiles have limited sound absorption, which may lead to a noisier environment in certain areas.

Floorboards, by contrast, offer a warm and inviting aesthetic that’s especially popular in living rooms, bedrooms, and spaces where comfort is a priority. Engineered or solid timber floors are softer underfoot than tiles and better at retaining heat, making them an excellent choice for cooler regions. Additionally, timber floorboards help reduce noise transmission, creating a quieter, more serene atmosphere, particularly when paired with an underlay. However, they are more prone to moisture damage and may require sealing or treatment if used in areas prone to dampness.

Ultimately, finding the right balance depends on the specific comfort, functionality, and style needs of each space within your home.

When considering the pros and cons of tiles versus floorboards, factors such as design, texture, colour, size, and overall aesthetics all play a crucial role in the decision-making process. 

Tiles are incredibly versatile, with finishes, patterns, and materials like ceramic, porcelain and natural stone suiting a range of preferences. Their durability and water resistance make them perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, and laundries, while their variety of designs can complement anything from detailed, intricate styles to sleek and minimalist spaces.

Floorboards bring timeless warmth to your home. Whether you choose solid hardwood, engineered wood, or laminate, they create a soft, organic feel ideal for living areas and bedrooms. With options ranging from light, natural tones to deep, rich hues, they fit effortlessly into design styles from Scandinavian simplicity to modern industrial.

Financial considerations are an important factor when choosing between tiles and floorboards for your home particularly in New Zealand, where building costs are on the rise. These include the costs of materials, installation, labour, ongoing maintenance, and potential future replacements. It’s equally vital to weigh these expenses against their long-term value. Each option comes with distinct financial implications that can influence your decision. 

Ceramic tiles are often the most budget-friendly choice, making them a popular option for larger projects or homes with tighter budgets. Their affordability is reinforced by their widespread availability and lower production costs compared to other materials. Porcelain tiles, while more expensive, offer superior durability, water resistance, and quality, making them an excellent investment for high-traffic or wet areas. Natural stone tiles, such as granite, marble, or limestone, tend to be the most expensive due to their elegant appearance and the higher costs associated with sourcing, cutting, and installation. Additionally, stone tiles may require ongoing maintenance, such as sealing, which can add to their long-term expense.

Finally, consider the potential impact of your flooring choice on your property’s value. In New Zealand’s competitive housing market, high-quality tiles or well-maintained floorboards can significantly enhance the aesthetic and functionality of your home, making it more attractive to buyers. These improvements not only create a desirable living space but can also increase your home’s market value, offering a return on investment that goes beyond visual appeal.

Choosing between tiles and floorboards ultimately comes down to your budget, style, and personal preference. Both options have distinct advantages, making them suitable for different needs and spaces in New Zealand homes.

Timber flooring brings timeless warmth and natural character to any room. Its durability and unique grain complement a variety of interior styles. Over time, timber develops a rich patina, adding to its charm and creating a connection to nature within your home.

Tiles, on the other hand, are often a more affordable option. With an extensive range of colours, styles, and shapes available, tiles offer greater design flexibility, too. They’re particularly well-suited to wet areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and laundries and require very little maintenance to keep them looking their best.

Consider booking a complimentary design consultation with one of our friendly staff to help realise your interior design vision. 

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

5 Bathroom Tile Design Trends 

Travertine: Everything You Need to Know