Wooden vs Tile Floors
When renovating or building a new home, one of the biggest decisions is what type of flooring to install. Two of the most popular choices in New Zealand are timber flooring and tile flooring. Both offer unique benefits, but they also come with different considerations around comfort, style, and practicality.
Here’s a side-by-side look at timber vs tile to help you decide which is right for your home.
Timber Flooring
Pros:
Timeless beauty: Natural warmth, character, and elegance that never go out of style.
Comfortable underfoot: Softer and warmer than tiles, especially in winter.
Durable: Solid and engineered timber can last for decades with proper care.
Healthier option: Doesn’t trap dust or allergens like carpet.
Adds value: Highly desirable in real estate and increases resale appeal.
Considerations:
Sensitive to moisture, so extra care is needed in wet areas.
Needs regular maintenance (sweeping, occasional refinishing).
Quality installation is essential to avoid issues like gapping.
Tile Flooring
Pros:
Water resistant: Excellent for bathrooms, laundries, and kitchens.
Low maintenance: Easy to wipe clean and resistant to most stains.
Durable surface: Hardwearing and resistant to scratches.
Design flexibility: Available in endless colours, textures, and finishes.
Considerations:
Cold and hard underfoot, unless paired with underfloor heating.
Can feel less inviting in living rooms and bedrooms.
Grout lines may stain or discolour over time.
Tiles can crack if the subfloor moves or heavy items are dropped.
Timber vs Tile: Which One Should You Choose?
For living areas and bedrooms: Timber flooring creates warmth and comfort, making it the preferred choice for family spaces.
For bathrooms and laundries: Tile flooring is the safer option due to its water resistance.
For kitchens: Both can work, but timber adds character while tiles offer easy clean-up. Pairing either with underfloor heating makes them more comfortable year-round.
Why Many Homeowners Choose Timber
While tiles have their place, especially in wet zones, timber flooring offers a unique combination of beauty, comfort, and value. It brings a natural warmth that tiles simply can’t match, making your house feel more like a home.
At Timber Flooring Specialists, we offer a wide range of engineered and solid timber flooring options to suit modern New Zealand homes. Whether you’re after European oak or a rustic finish, we’ll help you find the perfect floor to complement your lifestyle.
Contact us today to explore our timber flooring options and see why timber is the ideal choice for your home.