Comments on: Laminate wood flooring vs. tile?? Which is a better choice for a "muddroom"?

By: mamalove

mamalove — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 14:30:59 +0000

i would not use a wood laminate in an area prone to a lot of moisture. also, wood laminate requires MUCH more cleaning, particularly if you get the kind like we have that has all of the natural grainlines where each "plank" is seperated. i literally have to clean it on my hands and knees.

Tile is super easy to sweep and mop, and easy to replace one tile if it gets broken (instead of having to relay a whole section of laminate.) The downfall with tile is that it can be dangerous and slippery.

We are renovating a new house, and love the look of wood, but with 4 kids and pets have decided to go with a vinyl (kind of like linoleum) that looks like wood. Not as high quality as our old wood laminate floors, but much easier to clean, much safer, and family friendly. And in reality, I really like the vinyl, I thought it wouldn’t look as pretty, but it looks really nice.

Hope that helps!
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By: heart shaped glasses

heart shaped glasses — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 14:03:59 +0000

i say wood. it wuld look a whole lot nicer and just be better overall. ^_^
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By: Rick M

Rick M — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 13:37:59 +0000

Both are good...IF they are properly sealed. This is important in lieu of the water use in said area. If you decide with laminate (my choice), seal all joints. They make sealers just for laminates in moist areas. Should you decide on tile be sure to seal the grout.
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By: oldehippy99

oldehippy99 — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 13:22:59 +0000

I would be reluctant to use laminate in any area that is liable to get wet — snowy boots, washing machine leak, plugged toilet etc. Laminate flooring is very durable but it swells when it gets wet and when it swells it pops up at the joins, then chips. I have had to replace two bathroom laminate floors for just this reason.

Use a good quality tile and 3 coats of sealer on the grout. When people have trouble keeping grout clean it is usually because they failed to properly seal it.

If you’re concerned the tile may be slippery when wet, choose a tile with a bit of texture in it. It will look more "high end", give some protection against slipping when wet — and it will last for as long as you own the home. — Just be sure to seal the grout 3 days after completion and every couple of years thereafter.
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By: Katie

Katie — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 13:03:59 +0000

Definitely tile for the mudroom. For the kitchen, I think tile would look best and wouldn’t get ruined by all the liquids that would most probably be spilled.

And if you have a dog, definitely tile, because if they have pee-pee accidents, it’ll sink into the wood if unnoticed and ruin it.
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My house has tile floors and my sister has wood floors.

By: Hipto

Hipto — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 12:23:59 +0000

I think a plush shag would work well.
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By: Tim

Tim — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 11:40:59 +0000

If you pick the right tile (something with a rougher surface) and use small grout lines with a good sealer, it would be a better choice than laminate. Also use a darker color grout. Laminate is still a wood based product underneath, if you get moisture under there, you have a greater chance of expansion, warping, etc.
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By: vendip07011

vendip07011 — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 11:10:59 +0000

I would def. put tile because it would be easier to wash off if it gets dirty or stained. Laminate wood flooring is harder to wash and you will have to get on your knees and scrub. If you don't mind cleaning get the wood flooring. If you do not like cleaning get tiles. That is my oppion and I hope I helped.
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By: Kay B

Kay B — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 10:27:59 +0000

You will want laminate because tile will be hard to clean because of the grout also tile can be really slippery at least that is what I chose. Hope this helps!
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By: tkahrs12122

tkahrs12122 — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 10:08:59 +0000

We just laid laminate in the kitchen straight thru to the mudroom. Best decision I ever made. Keeping the area clean is a breeze. Living on a farm with a dirt road, dust and mud are my constant enemy. Much easier on our knees than tile
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