Concrete against tiles, the match promises to be difficult! How to choose when faced with these two resistant materials? Do you opt for concrete, whether raw or waxed – knowing that concrete is now very trendy and is no longer reserved for factories or the surfacing of certain roads? Or do you choose tiles instead when it comes to your garage floor? Tile which nowadays offers so many possibilities that almost any floor you like can be imitated with tiles. Let’s take a look at the differences between concrete and tile before narrowing down the differences between raw concrete and waxed concrete. It must be said that these coatings are very similar…
Concrete or tile: which is more aesthetic?
Concrete is no longer reserved solely for industrial use. You would also be surprised to see the number of varieties there are, especially in terms of colors or textures – starting with the difference between raw concrete and waxed concrete that we discuss below. You have the option of adding stain as soon as you pour your concrete slab or adding it later if you find your floor too dull. Concrete is fashionable: take inspiration from all the images you find online on decoration sites or on sites like Pinterest.
Tiles also offer endless possibilities in terms of colors and patterns. Do you want a wood look or a terracotta look, or even something that looks like glass? Nowadays, with tiles, it is possible.
Concrete or tile: which is more durable?
Concrete and tiles are extremely hard surfaces, which makes them very hard-wearing coatings. It is obvious that concrete has its advantages. After all, it is used for parking lots and highways. So if you opt for concrete, chances are it will last you a lifetime. Rather, your fragile objects are likely to break if they fall on this floor. But do you really have a lot of fragile items in your garage?
Tile is also durable and can be with you for a lifetime if you pay attention to it. However, the tiles are more likely to crack, especially under intense shock. For example, if when moving your refrigerator from the garage, it slips out of your hands and falls down accidentally, you may have to replace your tiles. The good news is that you will only need to replace one or two tiles, not your entire floor.
So if you plan to stay where you live, concrete and tile for your garage floor are appropriate options because of their proven longevity.
Concrete or tile: which is more affordable?
Prices can vary widely when it comes to concrete or tile so the cost can show a big difference between the two types of coatings. It all depends on whether you already have a concrete slab on which you are going to lay tiles or if you have nothing and you need to start by pouring a concrete slab.
On average, tiles are less expensive than concrete, measured in price per square meter. Of course, if you take better quality or high-end tiles, the price will be higher. In general, concrete and tile should cost you about the same. But don’t forget to include installation costs in your projected budget.
Concrete or tile: which is easier to maintain?
Hard surfaces like concrete and tile tend to be very easy to clean. Did you spill coffee? No problem, you can use almost any type of mild cleaner to clean concrete and tile. Then a passage of vacuum cleaner or broom and there seems nothing more. The concrete if it is waxed will need a good waxing regularly (every six months in general). And tile joints can get dirty over time. When you start to notice dirt showing up, all you need is a simple steam cleaning. Which should do the trick.
Concrete or tile: which is easier to lay?
As mentioned earlier, concrete may require professional installation. It can be quite dangerous to do it yourself and it is better to hire someone who knows what they are doing. You can install your tiles yourself. However, professionals recommend hiring a contractor to do the job. The process is delicate and requires a first experience. Laying the tiles can be tedious due to the heavy materials and the time that the installation takes. Challenge yourself if you want to, but hiring a professional isn’t bad either.
Raw concrete and waxed concrete: what’s the difference?
Raw concrete has an authentic side. He does not leave indifferent. Choosing raw concrete in its decoration – to a lesser extent in its garage, is to demonstrate a well-marked style. Because raw concrete is known to be rather sober and cold. Conversely, refined concrete that has a smooth appearance has a very refined aesthetic – where raw concrete will be considered more industrial. Waxed concrete is not only very decorative but also very pleasant to the touch. You can consider it on the ground but also on your walls.
Raw concrete, waxed concrete, tiles: which of the three should you choose?
When comparing several different types of flooring, it is difficult to summarize which is best. The real question should be: what type of floor is best for you and your garage – raw concrete, waxed concrete or tile? The answer of course depends on several factors: the size of the place where you are going to install this floor, the time you have available and your budget.