Both hardwood flooring and ceramic tiles offer a long lasting floor covering, and both are popular in domestic and commercial use. When deciding between the two there are a few aspects to consider:
Room or area where the flooring will go
If fitted correctly, tiles can be water resistant so may be a worthy choice for wet areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, utility rooms and porches. They are also a popular choice in warmer climates, as they do not expand or contract with temperature changes and they provide a cooling effect on the floor. Hardwood flooring is not advised to be used in areas where temperature or humidity fluctuates significantly. However, hardwood flooring is a very popular choice for living areas, hallways and bedrooms as it provides a classic, luxurious appearance.
Life expectancy
If installed correctly, a good quality hardwood floor can last a lifetime. Slight damage to the floor is inevitable in terms of scratches and small dents. However, if the damage is affecting the appearance of the floor, it can be sanded and re-finished to revive its original appearance. If over time the damage becomes worse, individual planks of hardwood flooring can be removed and replaced by a professional. Tiles are relatively hardwearing but can get chipped, scratched and damaged if they are not laid properly or if heavy or sharp objects are dropped on them. If ceramic tiles have a crack line or deep scratch, they can be repaired with tile filler. If, however they are chipped or broken, repairing them can be a lot more difficult and may involve replacing a whole tile. 
Maintenance
Both hardwood flooring and ceramic tiles are easy to maintain and create a clean and hygienic environment. They both require regular sweeping and cleaning, which will help towards preserving their original appearance. Hardwood floors are relatively resistant to spillages if wiped up straight away, although ceramic tiles offer more protection as they are far less porous than wood.
Comfort
Tiles can be cold underfoot and extremely hard to fall on, so not always a popular choice for families with babies and young children. Hardwood flooring, on the other hand, is much warmer and softer underfoot, making it a more appealing choice in living spaces. With both flooring options a rug could be added to a room to overcome coolness and drafts. If a hardwood floor has been installed properly, then it should not creak or be noisy when walked on. Tiles are understandable more noisy than hardwood flooring, as ceramic is a much harder product that wood.
Installation methods
Hardwood flooring can be installed in a variety of ways depending on the type of flooring planks and the sub-floor that it is going on top of. Engineered hardwood flooring is very stable and if installed correctly should create a long lasting floor covering. Tiles can be brittle and need to be fixed down using a cement mixture to ensure they are well adhered to the floor eliminating any movement. They will also need a grout in between each tile to complete the installation.
Colour, pattern and style
Tiles are available in a variety of colours, textures and sizes so should be easy to match to any interior design. Similarly, hardwood flooring can be obtained with different colours, grains and appearances. The options are almost endless as a unique look can be achieved by adding finishing touches, such as stains and oils or lacquers. If chosen correctly, a hardwood floor can create a timeless effect.
Things to consider when deciding between hardwood flooring and ceramic floor tiles
• Both offer a long lasting floor covering
• Both are hygienic and suitable for allergy sufferers
• Both are easy to maintain and look after
• Tiles are a great choice for wet areas (bathrooms, utility rooms and porches), but can create a slip hazard when wet
• Hardwood floors offer more comfort so are more suitable for living areas
• Hardwood floors are softer to walk on and less noisy than ceramic tiles
• Tiles can be extremely cold underfoot
Ultimately the choice between hardwood flooring or ceramic floor tiles depends on personal choice and the area which they will be going into. Both are easy to maintain and offer a long lasting floor covering, however, a hardwood floor provides a quality investment to any property, whilst enhancing the appearance of your property.
