The mainstay of many Asian homes, tiles have a way of making a space look remarkably neat and tidy. Because they’re available in many different styles and looks, they’re the perfect option for homeowners who are after easy maintenance, cost-efficiency, and good looks. Still, there are two sides to every coin, so you’ll do good to heed their pros, as well as their cons!
PRO: They’re cooling and perfect for hot Asian weather
Because tile floors retain the heat and cool very well, they’re perfect for our hot, muggy weather. Just install them indoors and away from the sun, and you’ll have cool floors to walk on all day.
PRO: They’re easy to maintain
Because most tiles are glazed or coated, they’re easy to clean; simply sweep, vacuum, or mop. And even when they’re not, stains are nothing a good wipe-down won’t fix.
PRO: They’re durable
Tile floors are moisture resistant and very durable, which means areas with high foot traffic like the living area benefit well from its use.
CON: They’re difficult to replace
Buy extra tiles ahead of time, as you may need to replace broken ones over the years. You don’t want to run the risk of mis-matched tiles. They’re also difficult to replace, being heavy and requiring the use of many materials and tools, so call in the professionals.
CON: They come with grout-line maintenance
If your tiles are pale in colour, the grout between each tile will soon show up stark, a dark brown, as dirt and other things are accumulated within. You’ll need to clean the grout on a semi-regular basis to avoid this.
CON: They’re difficult to replace
Buy extra tiles ahead of time, as you may need to replace broken ones over the years. You don’t want to run the risk of mis-matched tiles. They’re also difficult to replace, being heavy and requiring the use of many materials and tools, so call in the professionals.