I’ve lived with carpet. I’ve tried hardwood. I’ve even had laminate in a pinch. But a few years back, we decided to go all in: tile flooring in every room. Bedrooms, living room, hallway, kitchen, bathroom — all tile. And let me tell you, it’s not as simple as “good or bad.” Like most home choices, it depends on how you live, what you value, and what you’re willing to maintain.
The Good Stuff
First, tile is clean. Like, really clean. Spills? No problem. Pet mess? Wipes right up. Dust and allergens? Nowhere to hide. If you or your kids have allergies, it makes a noticeable difference.
Tile also lasts. Scratches don’t happen the way they do with wood. No fading like carpet. It’s cool in summer (great if you’re in a hot state like Arizona or Florida), and it gives your house a sleek, uniform look.
Design-wise, the options are endless. Stone-look, wood-look, solid colors, matte, glossy. You can style a room to feel rustic, modern, cozy, or industrial, all with the right tile.
The Challenges
But tile is not without its quirks. The biggest one? It’s hard. There’s no give. That means standing for long periods (think: cooking or folding laundry) can tire your feet out fast. Rugs help, but you’ll want to plan where to place them.
It’s also cold — especially in the mornings. In warmer climates, that’s fine. But in the Midwest or Northeast? Prepare for some chilly toes unless you install radiant heat underneath (which, honestly, is amazing but not cheap).
Then there’s sound. Tile doesn’t absorb noise, so if you have high ceilings and minimal furniture, rooms can echo. Again, rugs help, but it’s something to consider if you love a quiet, soft-sounding space.
Where It Shines vs. Where It Struggles
Tile in kitchens and bathrooms? Always a yes from me. Same for entryways or mudrooms. But bedrooms? That’s where opinion splits.
If you love the feel of something soft underfoot when you get out of bed, tile can feel stark. We ended up putting large area rugs under the beds and in the living room. It balanced out the coldness and made the spaces feel warmer without losing the clean look.
Final Verdict From a Tile-All-In Household
Would I do it again? Honestly, yes — but with some tweaks. I’d probably splurge on radiant heating in the bedrooms and maybe go with a slightly softer tile finish in certain areas. But overall, the ease of cleaning and durability is hard to beat.
If you’re considering tile throughout your home, walk the space and imagine it. Think about your climate, your barefoot habits, your pets, your kids. And definitely invest in a few good rugs.
Because tile isn’t just a surface. It changes how a house feels. And when done right, it can feel really, really good.
Picture Credit: Freepik