Epoxy Floors

Concrete Floors Vs Tile Cost Analysis

High Material Prices Impact Flooring Costs

Earlier this year, we wrote a blog post discussing the price of concrete floors versus hardwood floors in the current construction climate. Because high material costs have dramatically impacted home builders and their customers, questions like these are some of the most common inquiries we receive. This blog post will discuss concrete floor ideas and pricing related to various types of residential tile installations.

By now, everyone knows that lumber prices have wildly fluctuated over the last year. Even as commodity prices have fallen through 2022, building material prices continue to stay high, prompting many national home builders to switch to polished concrete from other flooring solutions.

BENEFITS OF POLISHED CONCRETE

Low, stable material costs
High durability
More efficient installation process
Modern, unique aesthetic

POLISHED CONCRETE IN RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION

Polished concrete is a unique flooring solution because its installation is primarily a labor-based process. The primary material used is the concrete foundation of the house. Because of this, polished concrete pricing can be set far in advance with a low risk of cost fluctuations.

While tile floor installation is near the end of a home build, concrete is typically polished before or immediately after a house is framed. This timing adjustment is significant, as we can finish the floor concurrently with the mechanical, roof, and even window installs.

Residential Tile Installation Costs

When it comes to residential ceramic and porcelain tile installations, there’s more to consider than just the material cost of the tile. Subfloors may require leveling with a particular type of concrete before tile installation. Further, if a home uses more than one type of flooring, it will require transitions to adjacent flooring solutions.

Including installation, builder-grade ceramic tiles, whether floor or wall tiles, often cost $7-12 a square foot. For a cheaper price and more rustic aesthetic, cement floor tiles cost around $3.5-3.98 per square meter. For luxury, extra-large-format concrete-look tiles, prices start around $22 a square foot. Pricing for natural tiles such as slate or marble generally exceeds $35 per square foot.

ARE CONCRETE FLOORS LESS EXPENSIVE THAN TILE?

Because material and labor costs for tile are high, polished concrete is often significantly less expensive than tile in new residential construction and renovation. Depending on slab size and gloss level, the cost to polish concrete floors is generally $3.50 to $5 per square foot.

If you’re unfamiliar with the variety of possible concrete flooring ideas, please visit our page on polished concrete floor finishes. For project-specific advice or information, please give us a call.