What's up with all the tile flooring? (Atlanta: hardwood floors, for sale)

[ladylonghorn2]

Why do so many houses for sale have tile flooring? Is that the trend now, or is it cheaper? Easier to care for? Last longer? I would prefer hardwood floors any day to tile. But maybe I'm in the minority because most houses online tend to have tile downstairs.

If I buy and replace the tile with hardwoods, will I regret it?

[tickledpink]

Tile floors are more all-around friendly. They don't scratch, easier to clean, you can drop heavy things on them and not worry about denting, don't have to worry about staining or spills. Also, here in the Texas heat tile helps keep things cooler.

In my house we have tile downstairs except in the dining room and front office. We have wood in there. I personally like the combination of both.

[BentBow]

More than likely it is a DIY job.

If you have never had wood floors, your expectations may not be met. Wood floors are not furniture. They will scratch and dent.

[Cupcake77]

I prefer tile. If you have big dogs and kids... nothing better than tile.

[Austin97]

Originally Posted by ladylonghorn2

Why do so many houses for sale have tile flooring? Is that the trend now, or is it cheaper? Easier to care for? Last longer? I would prefer hardwood floors any day to tile. But maybe I'm in the minority because most houses online tend to have tile downstairs.

If I buy and replace the tile with hardwoods, will I regret it?

We prefer wood, but tile is incredibly maintenance free and less expensive. We have tile along the main walkways and wood in the actual rooms. Many of our neighbors have all wood which obviously looks great. I dont think you will regret going all wood

[10scoachrick]

Originally Posted by ladylonghorn2

Why do so many houses for sale have tile flooring? Is that the trend now, or is it cheaper? Easier to care for? Last longer? I would prefer hardwood floors any day to tile. But maybe I'm in the minority because most houses online tend to have tile downstairs.

If I buy and replace the tile with hardwoods, will I regret it?

Unless the budget is unlimited and the tile is REALLY ugly/damaged, I would say the person paying for and installing the new floor would regret it. We have tile throughout the first floor except for cork in the master and carpet(soon to be cork) in the office. DW went a little antique rug crazy to soften the tile. Boy, I would really have to hate the tile to bust it up and send it to the land fill.

We left a house full of hardwoods back in Atlanta(1950s ranch style) but I don't miss it. JMO and all that.

[AK123]

Because tile is nice in a hot climate and is easier to maintain than wood.
A lot of builders put down carpet through much of the homes, so finding ones with tile instead is usually considered an upgrade.

I do love the look of all-wood floors, but because they can damage (scratching, discoloration from sun, water) a lot of people prefer to limit the wood floors to the dining room and/or office/library only. Sometimes the master bedroom as well. That way you get some of the look but have less maintenance.

[Huckleberry3911948]

tile ----inexpensive, pretty, easier care and more durable than wood, and a whole lota mexican people know how to lay it.

[mimimomx3]

Originally Posted by Huckleberry3911948

tile ----inexpensive, pretty, easier care and more durable than wood, and a whole lota mexican people know how to lay it.

Do us all a favor and stay in California.

[atxcio]

Ok, I'll say it. I think ceramic tile in a living area looks cheap. Natural stone, wood, or even decent carpet looks better IMO.

By my estimation, there was a huge trend with the tile around the late 90s and early 00's. After that, I stopped seeing it so much.

I do agree that it would be cooler, and that's certainly a plus in our climate. Not arguing the durability, either (although grout can start to look pretty bad without good maintenance).