Porcelain Tiles: An In-Depth Comparison to Other Flooring Materials

Porcelain tile is celebrated for its long-lasting quality and durability, but also for its endless variety of colors and styles. Whether the look you’re going for is classic, polished, marble-esque, high-end, rustic, rugged, wood-like, sleek, or industrial, porcelain tile has an almost limitless range of styles.

Additionally, it’s worth noting upfront that porcelain tile is lauded for its versatility in almost any space – including both wet and dry conditions, exposure to both heat and cold, and in either indoor or outdoor settings.

Due to the numerous ways porcelain flooring can be used – both aesthetically and functionally – porcelain tiles compare favorably to other available flooring materials. To save you time and effort, we have compiled a comprehensive list of comparisons to help consumers understand the differences between each material. In addition, we have created a handy reference chart for quick, at-a-glance breakdowns.

Porcelain vs. Non-Porcelain Ceramic

Non-porcelain ceramic tiles are made from red, brown, or white clay, which are kiln-fired at a high temperature. They differ from porcelain tiles in that they have a lower overall quality and lesser durability.

• Cost: Non-porcelain ceramic tiles are softer and less dense than porcelain tiles, making non-porcelain ceramic tiles more inexpensive due to the lower quality.

You can expect to pay in the range of $0.50 to $35 per square foot for the tiles themselves.

• Installation Cost: Largely depending upon the design finishes, non-porcelain ceramic tiles, on average, cost between $4 to $8 to be installed.
• Durability: Non-porcelain ceramic PEI Rating: 0 to 3

Comparable to porcelain, non-porcelain ceramic tiles are typically finished with a post-process glaze to make a more durable and finished product. 

Non-porcelain ceramic tile – even after post-process glaze – is much softer and lighter than porcelain tile. While a softer tile is easier to cut, shape, and install, it is not particularly durable and is more likely to wear out and/or chip. For this reason, non-porcelain ceramic tile is not suitable for high-traffic or outdoor locations. 

Additionally, the softer tile has a high-water absorption rating, which can make its water-wicking properties prone to frost (if used outdoors) and not an ideal surface for areas that tend to get wet (i.e., entryways, kitchens, laundry rooms, or bathrooms).

• Care & Maintenance: Unglazed non-porcelain ceramic tile is more difficult to maintain because of its soft, porous surface. If cleaning unglazed ceramic tiles, it is recommended to use pH-neutral products only. 

Glazed non-porcelain ceramic tiles are easier to maintain than unglazed and can be mopped or wiped clean with a mild detergent, degreaser, or tile-cleaning product. All residual water or cleaning products must be mopped up and wiped dry to avoid moisture being wicked into the ceramic.

It is also recommended to avoid using any abrasive cleaning pads or sponges that will scratch or wear down the tiles.

• Increase Property Value: Non-porcelain ceramic tile is available in a variety of looks and designs, allowing property owners the ability to modernize or update the look of any space, which in turn will increase a property’s value. 

Additionally, its viability makes installation in larger spaces much more feasible, enabling property owners the ability to update more rooms at one time. 

However, it is important to note that non-porcelain ceramic flooring will not provide as much value-add as higher-quality, longer-lasting porcelain alternatives.

• Best Use: Non-porcelain tiles are best used indoors for low- to moderate-traffic areas.

Notably, ceramic flooring can be used above radiant-floor heating to make this naturally cold flooring more comfortable to use.

Porcelain vs. Classic Hardwood

Classic hardwood is derived from a wide variety of solid wood species; from domestics (such as oak, maple, and pine) to exotics (like tamarind, acacia, and teak). Hardwood offers a vast array of stains and widths to fit any style or design. 

While porcelain tile can be used in a multitude of locations – both indoors and outdoors – hardwood is only suitable for a few, specific interior locations. 

• Cost: Classic hardwood can be pricey depending on the species, grade, and additional finishes. You can expect to pay in the range of $1.50 to $8 per square foot.
• Installation Cost: While classic hardwood can be installed DIY, hiring a professional installer will increase the price by a minimum of about $2 per square foot.
• Durability: Depending on the species, thickness, and grade, as well as care and maintenance, classic hardwood can last between 50 to 100 years.
• Care & Maintenance: Since classic hardwood floors are susceptible to scrapes and moisture damage, it is highly recommended to lay non-slip doormats, runners, and throw rugs in high-traffic areas. 

Vacuuming regularly will help prevent abrasive dirt and sand from ruining the wood’s finish. 

Mild hardwood flooring cleaning products and microfiber cloths can help with everyday dirt and surface stains.

Classic hardwood should be recoated every 3 to 5 years with polyurethane to ensure proper protection.

• Increase Property Value: Hardwood is notorious for its longevity in style and design, as well as its high return on investment (ROI). Due to these factors, hardwood floors are a consistently popular choice, adding an increase to any property value (a characteristic shared by porcelain). Again, proper care and maintenance is required to maximize this value.
• Best Use: Hardwood flooring is best used inside because it is particularly susceptible to scrapes, scratches, dents, and moisture damage. Therefore, commonly wet or humid spaces (i.e., laundry rooms, kitchens, and bathrooms) or areas that will incur a lot of high activity from pets or children are not the best spaces to use hardwood.

That said, hardwood is highly appropriate for interior spaces such as bedrooms, offices, dining, family, and living rooms. 

Porcelain vs. Engineered Hardwood

Engineered hardwood is fabricated from layers of materials and produced using a combination of adhesives and compressed veneers rather than solid wood. The layers typically include a plywood core, a high-quality hardwood, and multiple coats of polyurethane to create a durable, protective top layer. These layers are compressed together with adhesive and then milled to create boards that mimic classic hardwood.

Engineered hardwood is comparable to porcelain – in that it can be installed in more interior spaces (such as powder rooms and kitchens) – but there is always a risk when engineered hardwood is installed in moisture-rich areas. 

Porcelain, on the other hand, is able to get wet; and thus, can be used in all locations where tiles will be exposed to moisture – both indoors and outdoors.

• Cost / Installation Cost: Engineered hardwood is DIY-friendly and faster to install; however, it typically runs about 20% more than classic hardwood. You can expect to pay anywhere from $3 to $14 depending upon the quality and the type of installation that you choose.
• Durability: Depending upon the quality as well as care and maintenance, engineered hardwood can last anywhere from 10 to 30 years.
• Care & Maintenance: Engineered hardwood is fairly easy to maintain and does not require future staining, sealing, or waxing.

Since engineered hardwood is less prone to moisture damage, it can be mopped using a light amount of hardwood flooring cleaning products and microfiber cloths. 

Vacuuming regularly will also help maintain this type of flooring.

• Increase Property Value: Engineered hardwood is just as highly-esteemed and produces just as high of a ROI as classic hardwood. Installing this type of flooring will allow owners to recoup some of their investment with an increase in their property value.
• Best Use: Engineered hardwood can be installed in spaces indoors where classic hardwood cannot  – such as kitchens, powder rooms, basements, and even over radiant-floor heating systems.

However, similar to classic hardwood, engineered hardwood cannot withstand overexposure to wet conditions such as those present in full bathrooms, laundry rooms, and exterior spaces.

Porcelain vs. Laminate

Laminate is created by a series of layers, which include a hard base layer (typically fiberboard), a photo-realistic image layer (this is to create the design, color, and style that consumers are looking for), and then a top layer of hard plastic (to protect the middle layer). 

The middle photo-realistic image layer is what consumers find most appealing because laminate can be made to imitate a seemingly endless variety of materials – ceramic, natural stone, wood, and even fabric – comparable to the variety of styles and designs that porcelain tile is able to imitate.

• Cost: Generally, laminate is sold in manufactured strips, which typically run in the range of $1 to $5 per square foot.
• Installation Cost: Laminate flooring is pretty straightforward to install and can easily be done by DIY. If installed by a professional, installation usually costs between $1 and $2 per square foot. 
• Durability: Laminate flooring is not a durable material; it can easily warp and swell with exposure to wet conditions, and easily dents from the pressure of furniture. 

However, laminate flooring is fairly scratch-resistant, so it is a good short-term solution for homes with children and/or pets.

• Care & Maintenance: Laminate flooring cannot get wet; therefore, regular sweeping and wiping with a slightly-damp cloth and mild detergent is recommended. 

Additionally, it is recommended to use felt-tip protectors for furniture and non-slip doormats, runners, and area rugs to protect the flooring.

Even when well-maintained, laminate must be replaced every 10 to 25 years due to everyday wear and tear.

• Increase Property Value: Laminate flooring does not produce long-term value and, thus, is not considered to increase a property’s value.
• Best Use: Laminate flooring is best used as a short-term flooring solution – particularly in homes with children and/or pets. 

Laminate flooring is recommended for interior spaces only. Laminate should not be used in any spaces where it can get wet (i.e., kitchens, full bathrooms, laundry rooms), but is recommended for bedrooms, offices, family and living rooms.

Porcelain vs. LVT/Luxury Vinyl

Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) is mostly made from polymer of vinyl chloride (PVC), and layered – similarly to laminate – with a photo-realistic image layer (to create the design, color, and style that consumers are looking for), and then a top layer of hard plastic (to protect the middle layer).

Similar to laminate and porcelain, LVT mimics the appearance of wood or stone flooring with practical benefits.

• Cost: Luxury vinyl tiles cost between $2.50 and $5 per square foot.
• Installation Cost: LVT is DIY-friendly, requiring less preparation with relative ease to install. However, it may be worth having a professional complete the install as LVT is often sold with a 5-10 year or sometimes even a lifetime warranty depending on commercial or residential use. Installation cost will cost you between $1 to $5 per square foot.
• Durability: While LVT is considered a durable material, it can warp when exposed to extreme moisture or heat. It will also tear if in contact with sharp objects. 

There are manufacturers that will tout their LVT as “waterproof” and/or “scratch-resistant,” but these promises can be easily discredited once installed. Therefore, it is highly recommended to obtain LVT with a lifetime warranty if you are purchasing your LVT to withstand water and scratches. 

• Care & Maintenance: A regular schedule of sweeping, scrubbing, and occasional polishing are really all that is needed to care and maintain LVT flooring.

LVT should never be exposed to copious amounts of water, so a moist microfiber cloth and mop with a pH-neutral cleaning solution is recommended for surface stains and dirt.

Additionally, it is recommended to use felt-tip protectors for furniture and non-slip doormats, runners, and area rugs to protect the flooring.

• Increase Property Value: There is no evidence that installing LVT flooring will lead to a ROI or increase property value. 
• Best Use: LVT flooring is meant to be used indoors, only, and is limited to areas of the home that will not get wet. LVT is best used in spaces such as powder rooms, bedrooms, hallways, offices, family and living rooms.

LVT should not be used in areas such as full bathrooms, kitchens, or laundry rooms.

Porcelain vs. Natural Stone

Marble, granite, slate, and travertine tiles are all made from natural, raw stone that are imported from all around the world. Many of the aesthetics accomplished from using these natural stone tiles can be mimicked and produced using porcelain.

Below is a breakdown of these popular stone tiles and how each compares to porcelain. 

Marble

Marble is a natural stone that starts as limestone and becomes marble once intense pressure and extreme heat is added to the stone.

Marble is one of the most admired natural stones for its unmatched elegance and beauty. Marble is available in a vast array of colors. The pattern of marble is determined by its grain size. Essentially, the finer the grain, the more even the color palette. Ultimately, these variables mean each marble surface is unique – like a work of art.

However, marble comes with many limitations – it is not a very durable stone and requires a lot of care and maintenance.

• Cost: The cost of marble, on average, runs between $5 and $20 per square foot, but can run as high as $40 per square foot.
• Installation Cost: Professionally installed, plan on paying between $3 and $9 per square foot.
• Durability: Even though marble is considered a hard stone, it is naturally porous and softer than other types of natural stone, which makes it susceptible to scratching, stains, and water damage. 

There is a lot of conflicting information out there about marble’s durability, and depending on how well the marble is finished, post-process sealing and polishing can help prevent damage and make marble longer-lasting.

• Care & Maintenance: Marble is more porous than porcelain, therefore, marble is more likely to absorb moisture and stains. Marble is typically glazed for protection and must be sealed every 3 to 6 months for preservation and prevention against liquids, dirt, and germs.

It is highly recommended to maintain a regular schedule of dusting; light mopping with non-acidic, pH-neutral cleaner; and blotting – not wiping – surfaces dry. Again, marble must be cleaned more regularly than porcelain because marble is more prone to collecting impurities.

When polished or wet, marble can be extremely slippery. It is highly recommended to use felt-tip protectors for furniture and non-slip doormats, runners, and area rugs to protect the flooring and prevent unnecessary slips and falls.

• Increase Property Value: Marble is highly-acclaimed for its timeless, elegant style. When used in any manner (i.e., flooring, countertops, backsplashes, walls), quality, well-installed marble will always increase a property’s value. 
• Best Use: Marble flooring should be used inside, only, and in spaces where moisture will not be an issue – such as bedrooms, offices, and family and living rooms.

Additionally, marble flooring can be used above radiant-floor heating to make this naturally cold flooring more comfortable to use.

Granite

Granite is a natural igneous stone that is created as magma crystallizes slowly over a period of time.

Granite is easily the most popular choice for consumers when looking to update and enhance a space. More durable than marble, granite is able to endure far more wear and tear while standing up to the test of time.

Similar to porcelain, granite is available in a wide array of colors and patterns, allowing consumers to find a design that fits their style. 

Unlike marble or porcelain, granite does have a more grainy appearance, which does not always appeal to every taste.

• Cost: Granite flooring is priced in the range of $2 to $15 per square foot.
• Installation Cost: To have granite professionally installed, expect to pay between $6 and $20 per square foot.
• Durability: Granite is lauded for its strength and durability, which is why it is typically a go-to for countertops, but granite’s endurance also makes it an ideal flooring material.

Additionally, granite is able to get wet and can withstand consistently moist and humid conditions, which makes it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

• Care & Maintenance: Granite can be difficult to maintain and often requires routine professional cleaning.

That said, daily dry mopping with microfiber cloths and granite-specific cleaning products will keep dust and dirt from accumulating and damaging the granite flooring. 

For spot cleaning or spills, always use warm water and a soft cloth. Spills must be cleaned up immediately to prevent permanent staining.

Granite flooring must be resealed once or twice a year for proper protection.

• Increase Property Value: Granite’s popularity and durability are always selling points for buyers and will not only guarantee a ROI, but will positively increase a property’s value.
• Best Use: Granite is an extremely heavy stone; a square foot of granite tile can weigh between 12 and 18 pounds. Before considering granite flooring, the prospective space must be inspected by a professional to ensure that the floor can support the weight. 

That said, granite can be installed in almost any space that can withstand its weight either inside or out.

Additionally, granite flooring can be used above radiant-floor heating to make this naturally cold flooring more comfortable to use.

Slate

While slate is a natural stone, it is created differently from the rest; formed through heating and compressing layers of mud. 

The look of slate flooring can be changed to match the desired style. In its natural state, slate offers a more rustic look, but can be smoothed and polished to have a sleeker, elegant design with a more uniform color throughout each tile. 

• Cost: The cost of slate really depends on where it was quarried, on average running between $2 and $10 per square foot.
• Installation Cost: To have slate flooring professionally installed, expect to pay between $5 and $30 per square foot.
• Durability: While slate is often praised for its durability, it really depends on its quality and how well it is professionally sealed. Slate has the potential to scratch, scrape, dent or flake and chip, but can usually be repaired with minimal effort or expense. 
• Care & Maintenance: Slate is relatively low maintenance, requiring a normal routine of sweeping and mopping to keep it clean. 

Slate flooring must be resealed every year for protection.

• Increase Property Value: Slate flooring is considered to be an upscale flooring material and has the potential to provide a ROI and increase a property’s value. 
• Best Use: Slate is naturally resistant to moisture, so it can be used in most spaces indoors and outdoors.

Additionally, slate flooring can be used above radiant-floor heating to make this naturally cold flooring more comfortable to use.

Travertine

Travertine is formed by a mixture of mineral deposits collected from natural springs, which give it a weathered look with beautiful swirls throughout the stone. 

The look of travertine tiles is limited, available in only four basic styles: brushed (matte), honed (a look between matte and glossy), polished (shiny and glossy), and tumbled (aged and rustic).

• Cost: On average, travertine flooring costs about $15 per square foot.
• Installation Cost: To have travertine flooring professionally installed, prepare to spend between $3 and $30 per square foot.
• Durability: Travertine tiles are softer than granite and marble, but if treated and sealed properly, travertine tiles are able to withstand typical everyday wear and tear as well as high foot traffic. 

Travertine is a naturally porous stone and, therefore, is susceptible to stains and water damage.

When used for interior spaces, travertine can last much longer than if used outdoors and exposed to the elements, which is why it is highly recommended for indoor use only.

• Care & Maintenance: Travertine tiles require moderate maintenance. A daily routine of sweeping dirt and debris as well as a weekly moist – not wet – mopping with a microfiber or soft cloth and a natural stone floor cleaning solution will help prolong the life of travertine floors.

Travertine should never be submerged in or exposed to water because it will easily incur water damage. Likewise, spills should be cleaned up immediately and tiles should be dried quickly with a soft cloth.

Travertine floors should be resealed every 3 to 5 years for protection.

• Increase Property Value: Travertine is currently a very popular trend for flooring and will provide a ROI and increase a property’s value.
• Best Use: Travertine tiles are unique in that they are not slippery when wet; however, travertine is a naturally porous material. Therefore, it is best used in areas that will not be exposed to wet conditions (i.e., kitchens, full bathrooms, or laundry rooms). For this reason, travertine tile is best used in bedrooms, hallways, powder rooms, family and living rooms, and offices.

Additionally, travertine flooring can be used above radiant-floor heating to make this naturally cold flooring more comfortable to use.

Porcelain vs. Carpet

Carpet flooring is typically made of synthetic fibers – nylon, polypropylene, and/or polyester. 

Carpet is consistently popular among consumers looking for flooring that is soft and warm on feet. Unfortunately, there is no other flooring available that can provide such a lush result. If you’re looking to create a cozy space, carpet flooring cannot be beaten. 

In addition, carpet is a great solution for muffling sounds between rooms and floors – ideal for bedrooms, family rooms, and living rooms.

Moreover, the variety of colors, designs, and pile options available allow consumers to create a space that matches their ideal style and design.

• Cost / Installation Cost: Carpet should always be installed by a professional. Carpet installation also includes carpet pad installation. A carpet pad is necessary to act as a buffer between your bare floor and carpet. Carpet pads protect your carpet against the impact of foot traffic and furniture. 

In general, the cost of carpet costs between $2 and $4 per square foot. Carpet padding runs between $3 and $4 per square foot.

Carpet pad installation, on average, costs around $3.75 per square foot and carpet installation costs between $3.50 to $11 per square foot. 

• Durability: Carpet’s durability really all depends upon the pile chosen and the location where it is installed. Carpet will not withstand daily heavy foot traffic, areas with wet conditions, and it is not allergy- or pet-friendly.

In general, carpet should be replaced every 6 to 10 years, depending on how well-cared for and maintained it is.

• Care & Maintenance: The carpet’s pile is really the determinant of how to care for your carpet. The lower the pile, the easier the carpet is to maintain. That said, carpet is easily the most difficult flooring to care for and maintain.

While there are varieties of carpets that are “stain-resistant,”  no carpet can fully withstand all stains. Carpet flooring is also notorious for easily absorbing smells – particularly smoke and pet smells, which can be difficult or impossible to remove.

With that in mind, regular vacuuming will help to cut down on the quantity of dust, hair, and allergens that will collect in your carpet.

Carpet flooring can be spot-cleaned or shampooed using a carpet-specific cleaning solution. Any liquid stain should be blotted immediately, then treated with a carpet cleaner. 

It is highly recommended for carpet flooring to be shampooed at least once a year to keep it clean and allergen-free. Carpets can be shampooed by DIY (carpet shampooers can be rented or purchased) or professionally.

• Increase Property Value: While many people prefer to have homes with carpet in their bedrooms and sitting rooms, they typically prefer to have them newly installed themselves. What this means is that carpet does not increase a property’s value and is often seen as a negative for prospective buyers since they’ll have to budget for replacement.
• Best Use: Carpet should only be used in low-traffic, dry interior spaces. Carpet is best used in bedrooms, family and living rooms, and office spaces. 

Carpet flooring should not be installed in kitchens, bathrooms, entryways, or laundry rooms.

Carpet is not an ideal flooring choice for a home with pets or people with indoor allergies.

Porcelain vs. Other Coverings

Bamboo and cork are some off-the-beaten-path flooring options that appeal to consumers looking for a unique, distinctive look. 

Installing either of these floor coverings can offer consumers a unique design; however, it is important to note that porcelain tiles can offer the same style that is more enduring, lower maintenance, and more cost-effective. Unlike the following materials, porcelain will also provide a guaranteed ROI and an increase in property value.

Bamboo

Bamboo is made from Moso bamboo, which is essentially a type of grass. This natural material is highly-acclaimed for its strength. Considered to be the hardest flooring material available, bamboo flooring is available in a variety of finishes (distressed, hand-scraped, and smooth) and stains. Comparable to classic hardwood, bamboo flooring requires similar care and maintenance.

• Cost: Bamboo flooring will cost you between $2 and $10 per square foot.
• Installation Cost: The cost for installation depends on how the bamboo flooring is installed. It can be installed as a floating floor or it can be glued or nailed to a subfloor. That said, the range you can expect to pay for bamboo flooring is between $5 and $15 per square foot.
• Durability: Bamboo is known as one of the most durable materials available due to its unparalleled natural strength.

Due to its enduring qualities, consumers can expect their bamboo floor to last decades with proper care and maintenance.

As hard of material as bamboo is, it is not immune to everyday scrapes and scratches, so buyers must make sure that they are providing proper care and taking precautions to avoid such wear and tear.

Bamboo is more water-resistant than classic hardwood; however, it is not waterproof and can incur water damage if submerged or overexposed to wet conditions. Constant subjection to humidity will cause the same damage over time as well.

• Care & Maintenance: Bamboo flooring is considered to be relatively easy to care for. 

Regular sweeping and vacuuming to cut down on loose dirt is recommended.

On occasion, bamboo flooring can be cleaned with a moist – not wet – mop or microfiber cloth and a pH-neutral or hardwood/bamboo floor cleaning solution.

Be sure to dry your bamboo flooring completely after cleaning.

• Increase Property Value: Bamboo flooring is a trendy flooring material that appeals to a multitude of styles. In addition to its popular aesthetic, bamboo is highly-acclaimed for its sustainable and eco-friendly benefits. The current trend in greener real estate enables consumers to get a ROI and increase their property value with bamboo flooring.
• Best Use: Bamboo flooring is best used inside because it can easily sustain scrapes, scratches, dents, and moisture damage. Therefore, commonly wet or humid spaces (such as laundry rooms, kitchens, and full bathrooms) or areas that will incur a lot of high activity from pets or children are not the best spaces to use bamboo.

Bamboo flooring is also highly recommended for shared spaces such as bedrooms, offices, dining, family, and living rooms. 

Cork

Cork, made from a layer of bark from the cork oak tree of northwest Africa and southwest Europe, is an interesting choice for those looking to install an unconventional and unique type of flooring. 

Cork is an eco-friendly, non-toxic, sustainable, temperature insulating, sound-blocking, fire-resistant option that many consumers are curious about but hesitant to try. 

To be clear, comparing cork to porcelain is like comparing apples to oranges – they’re very different from each other.

• Cost: Cork without a built-in vapor barrier costs between $3 and $4 per square foot. 

It is highly recommended to have a built-in vapor barrier to protect the cork flooring from moisture getting trapped underneath; cork flooring with a built-in vapor barrier runs between $5 and $14 per square foot. 

Cork, like carpet flooring, also requires an underlay padding that runs between $0.55 and $1.30 per square foot, depending on its thickness.

• Installation Cost: Installation of cork flooring, on average, is about $6 to $10 per square foot. 
• Durability: Cork is considered to be impermeable, meaning water cannot penetrate this material, if properly sealed. Cork will warp and discolor if it is not adequately sealed.

If exposed to sunlight, the cork will fade.

Cork is typically stained but is susceptible to uneven color and tones if not stained correctly.

Cork is soft and, therefore, prone to dents and damage from sharp objects and heavy furniture.

• Care & Maintenance: Cork is generally easy to maintain with regular sweeping. It should be cleaned monthly using a moist mop with a pH-neutral wood- or cork-specific cleaning solution. After damp cleaning, the cork flooring should be dried by blotting or lightly wiping with a dry towel or soft cloth. If the cork flooring is not very damp, it can be left to air dry.

While cork flooring is meant to be waterproof, it should never be immersed in liquid.

Additionally, cork flooring must be resealed every few years to ensure adequate water resistance. 

• Increase Property Value: While cork is considered to be sustainable and eco-friendly – both huge positives in the current greener real estate market – it cannot be said that cork flooring will provide a ROI or increase a property’s value. Cork flooring is a unique, niche type of flooring and does not appeal to all homebuyers. 
• Best Use: Cork flooring is made to be used indoors. Moisture-sealed cork flooring can be used in areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms as well as bedrooms, sitting rooms, entryways, and hallways. 

Since cork flooring is a sound-proofing solution, it is ideal for bedrooms, sitting rooms, and offices.

Cork flooring is not recommended to be used in areas in the home that are prone to copious amounts of sunshine or in homes with pets since it is prone to fading and easily scratched.

Though there are numerous options for flooring material, porcelain tile remains one of the most versatile, durable, and cost-effective options for consumers. It’s return on investment (ROI) combined with aesthetic versatility make it an excellent choice for any flooring project.

To learn more about using porcelain tile for your next project, contact us directly for a free consultation about our wide array of flooring options.