Carpet vs. tile: Which flooring is right for your home?

This article will look at a lot of factors, including maintenance, affordability, comfort, and durability, to help you choose the flooring that is best for your home. It will also answer often asked questions you might have when choosing between tile vs. carpet.

What is carpet flooring?

Carpet flooring in a living room. (Source: iStock)

Carpet flooring is a comfortable textile floor covering typically made from either 100% or a mix of synthetic and natural fibers. All the different types of carpet flooring are built to provide comfort, warmth, and a cushioned surface underfoot.

From wall to wall carpets to rugs used for zoning areas, there are many different styles for you to choose from to enhance your living spaces. 

What is tile flooring? 

Tile flooring in a modern kitchen. (Source: iStock)

Tile flooring is a type of hard, modular surface used to cover floors in kitchens, bathrooms, commercial spaces, and other structures. Just like carpet flooring, tiles are also available in a wide range of styles, colors, and sizes. Some of the more common tile choices are ceramic tile and porcelain tile since they’re known for their strength and resistance to moisture. 

Tiles vs. carpet flooring: What are their key differences?

If you’re curious on the differences between these two flooring options, you need to consider a few factors such as comfort, maintenance, cost, and stain resistance. This next section serves to give you more insight and information before making a decision. 

In terms of comfort

Comfortable room with carpet. (Source: iStock)

Carpet flooring is known for its comfort. The soft texture it provides cushions your feet, making it more comfortable to walk around or sit on compared to other surfaces. This soft feeling underfoot can be beneficial in bedrooms and living rooms, basically spaces where you might spend a lot of time barefoot. 

On the other hand, tile flooring is harder, colder, and less forgiving on your bare feet. Standing or sitting on tiles might not be as comfortable, especially for prolonged periods. Having a carpet on tiles could help mitigate this issue though, as well as having underfloor heating under your tiles.  

In terms of durability

Carpets, while durable, can show signs of wear-and-tear more quickly, especially if they’re in high-traffic areas. It can also be susceptible to sustaining stains and damage from spills or heavy furniture if not cleaned up with steam cleaning or a carpet cleaner. 

Most tiles are inherently hard and dense, making them resistant to scratches or dents. This is the primary reason why they’re a common choice for use in busy households or commercial spaces. Porcelain tile is one of the strongest tile types and ceramic tiles are another sturdy option. 

In terms of stain resistance

Scrubbing tiles clean. (Source: iStock)

Compared to tiles, carpet flooring can be more susceptible to spills, dust, dirt, stains. Nowadays, modern carpets often come with stain-resistant treatments, but these tend to be less effective over time. Regular carpet cleaning and careful attention to spills can help preserve the appearance of your carpet flooring though. 

Meanwhile, floor tiles are very resistant to water, dust, dirt, and stains since they have a non-porous surface. Any spills can be easily wiped away, making tile a practical choice for areas where accidents could occur like kitchens, bathrooms and even offices. 

In terms of maintenance

Carpet flooring requires more intensive care since they’re more prone to getting dirty easily. Maintenance for carpets includes regular vacuuming to remove dirt and debris and periodic steam cleaning or carpet shampooing to address any stains and orders. And if you’re allergic to dust and similar allergens, regular maintenance would need to be carried out consistently since carpets attract dust easily. 

On the other hand, tile flooring is a relatively easy flooring option to maintain. You would just need to do daily sweeping or vacuuming, and occasional mopping to keep your tiles looking their best. But, grout lines in between tiles can require additional attention such as periodic scrubbing to prevent discoloration and mildew buildup. This is especially important for office flooring tiles.

In terms of cost

Tile flooring installation. (Source: iStock)

Carpet flooring is typically more affordable in terms of initial installation and fitting costs. To install carpet flooring it would cost an average of $2 to $9 per square foot. Additionally, the cost of the carpet itself could vary, priced anywhere from $2 to $10 per square foot. This would depend on the material, brand, and quality. 

Tile installation can get pricey after factoring in the type of tile used, size of the tiles used,  and size of the floor. But, on average, you’ll pay between $2 to $30 per square foot, with tiles costing from $15 to $60 per square foot. While the initial installation costs of tiles can be more expensive, tiles’ durability and low maintenance requirements can make it a cost-effective choice in the long run. 

In terms of installation

Carpet installation is typically a straightforward process. Although, if you want a proper fit and finish to your flooring, hiring a professional for your installation would be the best choice. Carpet installation involves laying down padding and stretching the carpet over your subfloor, which could be a very labor-intensive task. 

Installing floor tiles on the other hand is a more complex and time-consuming process. A professional would be needed to precisely cut, place, and grout each tile. To ensure a high-quality result and to avoid potential issues such as uneven surfaces or improper sealing, hiring a professional is highly recommended. 

Book expert help for your tile or carpet flooring on Airtasker

In the end, your unique demands, tastes, and financial situation will determine whether you lay carpet or start tiling your chosen areas. Each flooring option has its own advantages and can improve your space's comfort and style in different ways.

Consider posting a task on Airtasker and asking a local expert to assist you when you're ready to make a choice. They are capable of helping you choose your flooring, installing it, and making sure the job is done to your expectations. Airtasker is here to put you in touch with a professional, regardless of your preference for the elegant durability of tile or the warm feel of carpeting.