Wood Flooring vs Vitrified Tiles: Make the Right Choice

• It is obtained by using natural wood or solid wood glued to plywood.

• It is obtained by vitrification of a ceramic tile.

• If properly maintained, wood flooring can last a lifetime or even more.

• Vitrified tiles are durable, even with less care taken, but not as durable as wood.

• Wood flooring has a general a thickness of 19 mm to 25 mm.

• Vitrified tiles have a thickness in the range of 8 mm to 12 mm.

• It is porous and so water absorption is high. Hence it is not suitable for wet areas like bathrooms.

• It is non-porous and hence absorption of water is very low. So it is suitable for wet areas like bathrooms.

• It has low resistance to scratches. So cracks can be easily formed.

• Vitrified tiles have more resistance to scratches. So even when tiles are scratched, the color of the tiles will remain same.

• It has low resistance to stains. It can be easily stained due to oil spillage.

• High resistance to stains due to its low porosity and easy to clean.

• It catches fire easily.

• It is fireproof and does not catch fire.

• It is less slippery as compared to vitrified tiles.

• They are very slippery as compared to wood flooring. Vitrified tiles are very slippery when wet and dangerous.

• Wood is a hygroscopic material thus, it will expand when in contact with moisture and like-wise contract when in a dry state and if not done properly will create cracks.

• There is no effect of humidity on vitrified tiles.

Also Read: About Properties of Vitrified Tiles

• As wood is a natural material, it gives a very natural look. It looks classic with any kind of interior of a home.

• Vitrified tiles give an artificial or modern look to a home.

• Its installation is relatively complex as compared to vitrified tiles.

• It can be installed very easily and used after 48 hours of installing.

• Its maintenance is relatively hard as compared to vitrified tiles.
• It can be repaired easily by sanding and staining several times during its use

• It needs minimal maintenance as it is scratch resistant and abrasion resistant.
• If damaged, it is hard to repair because the designs of the tile you used go out of trend.  Producers stop making the old designs. So to get exact same tile will be difficult in future.

• It is used in interior areas like living rooms and bedrooms where warmth is required.
• It is also used as exterior deck flooring.
• It is also used in areas where strong acoustics are required such as auditoriums and dancing halls.
• It is ideal for cold regions, as it creates warmth in the flooring.

• It is used in indoor as well as outdoor areas. But they are often used in outdoors due to their water and frost resistance.
• Vitrified wall tiles are most suitable for wet areas like the bathroom, kitchen, etc. because it has more resistance to water.
• It is most suitable for high traffic areas like banks, corporate offices due to their aesthetic look and more durable.

• Wooden flooring looks classic and traditional and suits to any kind of interior.
• A variety of textures, grades and colours of wood are available for selection. It is timeless and always remains in fashion.
• Wood has more friction, so it provides a firm grip to the feet and therefore helps in better movement than tiles. If you have young kids, wood flooring is safer as compared to tiles.
• It can be easily repaired by sanding, several times over its lifetime.
• It is warm underfoot, so it is preferable in cold
• It is renewable and environment-friendly.

Also Read: Advantages and Disadvantages of wood flooring

• They are more durable and scratch resistant.
• Vitrified tiles are consistent in sizes, shades and thickness.
• Vitrified tiles are easier to install and need practically no set time or polishing after installation. Therefore they can be used within 48 hours after installation.
• Vitrified tiles have very less water absorption and are stain resistant.
• Due to moisture resistant, vitrified tiles prevent bacteria and fungi from growing.
• It is easy to clean as it has a shiny surface.

Also Read: Advantages and Disadvantages of vitrified tiles

• It is very costly.
• It has high wear and tear because it has a tendency to develop scratches and dents.
• They have to be re-polished periodically in areas of heavy foot traffic, which is costlier.
• They are also prone to termite attack; thus, proper care has to be taken.
• Wood flooring can be noisy if rugs are not provided. It is not recommended to walk with heels on wood flooring.

• The tile with the defect must be cut away along the grout lines and surrounding material could be damaged in the process.
• It is quite unlikely that you will find the same tile after some years. Thus making repairing procedure very difficult.
• Vitrified tiles are slippery when wet.
• Vitrified tiles are not environment-friendly as the process of making them causes a significant cost of energy and carbon dioxide.

• In countries like India, Wood flooring is very costly, whereas in United states wood flooring is cheaper as compared to vitrified tiles

• In countries like India, Wood flooring is very costly, whereas in United states wood flooring is cheaper as compared to vitrified tiles