Bathroom Flooring – Ceramic Tile or Vinyl?
There are several factors to consider when choosing between ceramic tile and vinyl tile. We are going to walk through a few things to think about before making a decision on your new bathroom floor.
Installation
Vinyl tile – overall easier to install and dries quickly. High-end vinyl may require longer drying time due to the realistic look of it. By using a utility knife, vinyl is easily cut by scoring and snapping it off. If you are looking for a quick and easy route, vinyl is the better option. However, there are still more factors to consider.
Ceramic tile – requires mortar and grout, and drying time can take several days. Tile cutters are required, and if the installer is a DIYer, it could take longer than someone more seasoned. Steps to consider: 1. screw cement boards 2. lay down tile in the thinset 3. rest for a few days 4. grout.
As far as installation goes, vinyl is the clear and clean winner. Fewer installation tools to use and little cleanup.
Overall Look
Vinyl tile – vinyl has come a long way over the years; however, it still ranks low on the list as far as variety. Vinyl tile options are limited.
Ceramic tile – is a beautiful work of art dating back centuries. The options are endless when it comes to the overall look of ceramic tile. You may find the exact flooring you visualized in your home, but it’s going to go at cost.
Ceramic tile is the winner between the two options. With the vast array of artistic colors and designs, ceramic is the better route.
Cleaning and Care
Vinyl tile – essentially, vinyl tile is waterproof, so it makes for easy cleaning and care. Ensuring that all plank gaps are filled correctly, and there is no space.
Ceramic tile – not entirely waterproof as ceramic tile does absorb small traces of water. Over time with normal wear and tear, you may see cracks in the grout, but this can be easily fixed.
All in all, between the two options, we would say this one is a tie.
Cost
Vinyl tile – research shows that vinyl tile is more cost-effective than tile. Even when factoring time and installation.
Ceramic tile – more expensive than vinyl per square foot and comparable to wood flooring.
Research shows that tile costs between $4-$8 per square foot. Vinyl can cost $1-$2 per square foot depending on thickness. You get more bang for your buck with vinyl flooring. Visually, some say that ceramic looks better and could improve your home’s resale value over vinyl tile.
About Masters Kitchen and Bath
Masters Kitchen & Bath has been providing top quality construction, cabinetry, and design on kitchen renovations and remodeling since 2004. We coordinate and manage development, ordering, and installation. Masters help homeowners get more enjoyment from their homes with new kitchen designs that blend beautifully with their new or existing home decor. Visualize your complete kitchen remodel by visiting our showroom. We offer consultations where our seasoned project manager will inspect your job site, and offer you design suggestions that best meet your needs.
We are proud to offer beautiful, and American made Decora and Kemper Cabinets.
Masters Kitchen & Bath serve the following areas: Addison, Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove, Chicago, Des Plaines, Elk Grove Village, Elmhurst, Elmwood Park, Evanston, Forest Park, Franklin Park, Glencoe, Glenview, Kenilworth, Lincolnwood, Melrose Park, Morton Grove, Mount Prospect, Niles, Norridge, Northbrook, Northfield, Oak Park, Palatine, Park Ridge, Prospect Heights.
