Tiles and concrete are both popular building materials used in various architectural and design applications. Each material possesses distinct characteristics and advantages that cater to different needs, making them suitable for different purposes. Understanding the qualities of tiles and concrete can help in making informed decisions regarding their use in construction and design.
What’s a polished concrete floor?
Polished concrete floors are highly versatile as they can be modified in many ways. The floor can be given the appearance of tiles, bricks, or even basalt and other natural stone features through stamping and stencilling techniques. Additionally, the floor can be enhanced with a wide range of colours and dyes to achieve the desired look. It can also include the application of dye, stains, and resin coating to produce various ranges of tints, textures, forms, and colours.
What’s a tiled floor?
Tiled floors are also a popular choice due to their wide range of colours, shades, sizes, designs, textures, and shapes. The majority are made of stone, clay, or ceramic and have all the advantages and disadvantages. For example, ceramic tiles are resilient and non-porous, making them ideal for use in a loungeroom or indoor pool.
How do both materials differ in various ways?
Aesthetics
Plain old concrete is typically the default choice as the flooring type for most industrial sectors such as factories, pathways, warehouses, and driveways. However, most have figured out that concrete does not have to be boring… there are many ways to make it appealing since concrete can be so versatile. Concrete can be stained or added to other materials such as stones and pebbles, or moulded into different textures, such as polished concrete. Tiles, on the other hand, are just as versatile with numerous designs and colours. The downside for both of these materials is that they are not so comfortable for you to stand and walk for long periods due to their tough surfaces.
Durability
Concrete is well-known for its durability and longevity so clearly, concrete rules this round. After all, it’s the ultimate go-to choice for both residential and commercial properties. It can even last a lifetime with proper maintenance.
Tiles don’t come behind though. It’s also a versatile material and can even last for decades as long as they are properly cared for. Take note though that tiles can crack under intense pressure so if you drop a heavy wooden cabinet or purposefully hammer the tile floors, expect it to get damaged. However, the great thing about tiles is that you don’t need to replace every tile, just the ones that were damaged.
Maintenance
Both of these flooring options have the added benefit of being easy to clean. Any spills or stains can be cleaned up with a simple mop, while dust and debris can be easily swept or vacuumed away. To maintain the polished look of your concrete floor, it is recommended to apply a layer of wax once a year to keep its shine.
The challenge with tiles is the spaces in between which is called the grout. Dirt will accumulate in these crevices. Steam-cleaning them will do the trick to remove the grime.
Eco-Friendly
In today's world, it is crucial to prioritize the health of our planet and environment. This is where polished concrete outshines tiles, as concrete is known to be eco-friendly. Producing a polished concrete floor doesn’t involve a lot of complicated processes since the subfloor is already made of concrete so refinishing it requires only a small amount of work and doesn't necessitate the use of new materials. Tiles, however, are not the most sustainable material on the market as the production process requires a lot of energy which increases the carbon footprint of everyone involved in the manufacturing process.
Looking for reliable concrete suppliers in Victoria? VIC MIX is here for you. With nearly 30 years in the construction business, VIC MIX in Melbourne knows concrete; from supplying exposed aggregate and decorative concrete to Melbourne and Victoria's communities to undertaking large-scale commercial and industrial projects right across the state.
Contact us at 03 8792 3100 to get a quote if you need to get ahold of reputable contractors to do concrete work for your homes or your offices.
If you want to see our concrete products personally, visit our head office in Dandenong or our various showrooms in Coburg, Pakenham, or Mornington. See this page to see the complete addresses of our showroom and our plants.