Porcelain tile vs wood floor vs laminate floors?

Celia Torres
by Celia Torres

My mom is going to be replacing her floors and we are trying to decide which would be best. They are elderly, no pets or children. Would appreciate any advice. Thank you Celia

  8 answers
  • Joy30150932 Joy30150932 on Sep 06, 2018

    Tiles are functional in a wet area but they do require a fair amount of maintenance when the grout gets dirty so maybe the laminate may be the cheapest, but not necessarily the best for your mother. Hardwood can be sanded and refinished over time but if your Mom has no pets there should be no excessive scratches on the floor. A lot depends on how much one can afford. Check out your local flooring store to see what you like.

  • Zard Pocleeb Zard Pocleeb on Sep 06, 2018

    You would do well to use a combination of two types of flooring that you mentioned. In the bathroom tile is the best option. Wood and laminate might tend to swell and contract in the warm, moist environment. Also, for the times when the shower curtain isn’t fully closed (I have done this more than once...much to my wife’s chagrin), or there is a water leak, wood or laminate might swell, and some of it might need to be replaced. Tile will not have these issues. As far as the rest of the house, it’s really a matter of choice. The care and maintenance is pretty much the same. Personally I prefer the look of real wood floors, but that’s just me. Another consideration is that there are more options available for laminate flooring. Many colors, looks, textures, etc. Here is something else to think about...wood and laminate flooring takes a fair amount of work to keep them looking good. I installed laminate flooring about 5 or 6 years ago, and I wish I never did. My poor wife has to sweep them every couple of days, and she mops them or uses the Swiffer once or twice a week, and it is impossible to do so without leaving streaks. If I had it all to do again I would put down carpet. I know it’s old fashioned, but so am I.

  • Lee Brede Lee Brede on Sep 06, 2018

    Tile floors are cold to your feet also if you drop something a mass shatter. Laminate is a good choice, easy to care for.

  • Sheri Sheri on Sep 06, 2018

    I really don't have a "definate" answer, but my mother n law had tile and the 2 things we didn't like was 1. the tile in the bathroom didnt have much of any "texture" so if it got wet it could become "slippery"

    2.The tile in the kitchen and dining room did have texture wich then held dirt easily..and

    the grout gets dirty after a period of time. She had hardwood floors thru out the rest of the house. (real HW from when the house was built back in 1966. We redone kitchen, dining and bathroom floors) We moved in with her when she needed help. I "loved" the HW bc you could buff it and polish it and I thought it was easy to keep up..We had laminate in our house, just didn't seem to "hold up" things aren't made like they used to be!

    "just some of my experience" hope yours goes well" ☺

  • Kathy Gunter Law Kathy Gunter Law on Sep 06, 2018

    I have porcelain tile in my bath and kitchen, pergo in the laundry, and wood everywhere else.


    Wood is the easiest to maintain but isn't good for areas where water is present.


    Tile is good and I'm really glad I have dark gray grout in most rooms. One bath has white and it's a pain to keep clean even though it is properly sealed.


    I went with the laminate in the laundry room because tile isn't as perfectly level and that can decrease your washing machine's life. Although, I think it will have to be replaced in 10 - 15 years where tile is basically forever.

  • Celia Torres Celia Torres on Sep 06, 2018

    Thank you for all your answers. It has been very helpful!!

  • Kc Kc on Sep 06, 2018

    Aging in place should the critical point for your mother. You and your mother should visit a few web sites addressing this issue before she makes her decision.


    She needs flooring that is easy to clean, isn't too slippery but isn't too "grabby" either. Choosing different products for different areas is a good idea but make sure those transition lines are level and not a trip hazard. Consider a softer surface because falling is life threatening for a senior. Choose a lighter color so tripping hazards like clutter (or a future companion animal) are visible.


    You didn't name vinyl as a flooring choice, but you might want to take a look at those gorgeous new wood look vinyl planks. Vinyl is water resistant for wet areas, easy to clean, attractive, and can be used throughout the home with no transition height changes. Look for a type that adds extra cushioning in case of a fall.

  • Agnes Chrzanowska Agnes Chrzanowska on Mar 31, 2022

    I would say it all depends wheere is it and how much abuse floor will get . Tiles are for sure stronger