Born and raised in the UK, Jess is NONAGON’s resident historian turned marketer turned writer, drawn to Hong Kong by the lure of dim sum breakfasts and bustling city life. A foodie who loves to cook, food occupies 70% of her brain 90% of the time. When not eating, Jess can typically be found buried in a book or obsessing over making NONAGON’s Instagram #feedgoals.

Ceramic floor tiles – what are they good for? Well, quite a lot actually. Not only are they a heck of a lot cheaper than their marble and hardwood counterparts, they’re also a great way to inject personality and fun into a space. It’s no wonder they’re having a moment on instafeeds the world over. Of course, ceramic floors are not without their downsides. I’ve compiled a list of every pro and con you’d ever need to know about this boho-chic flooring option. Keep reading to find out more.

Pros Excellent durability, versatility and reasonable pricing – there are so many things to love about ceramic floor tiles.

Durability As flooring goes, ceramic floor tiles are widely known for being incredibly tough and durable. Most options come glazed or sealed, making them dent, scratch and stain resistant. What’s more, they’re great at withstanding high humidity conditions – perfect for moist environments such as bathrooms and kitchens. Low Maintenance Good news for those who hate housework – ceramic floor tiles are seriously low maintenance. All that’s required is a simple sweep or vacuum to keep the floor free of any loose debris. As for stains and liquids, they will usually rest on the surface allowing you to easily wipe or mop them away. Now that’s what I call a win-win situation.

Affordable Compared to their counterpart marble and hardwood options, ceramic floor tiles tend to come in at a more reasonable price. Estimate materials and installation range from US$3 to US$10 per square foot on average, leaving you free to splurge on other statement design details (a vintage clawfoot bath perhaps?). Endless Design Options Whether you’re looking for an exuberant and colorful Moroccan-inspired decorative floor or an earthy geometric underfoot option, ceramic floor tiles have you covered. Available in a huge selection of shapes, colors and sizes, ceramic floor tiles can even be printed to mimic the look of hardwoods and natural stones. What a great way to add personality and fun to a space. I especially love the idea of mixing and matching solid and patterned tiles to create interesting textures and visual aesthetics.

Eco Friendly Given the growth in environmental awareness, it’s no surprise that eco-design has become a major buzzword in the world of interior design. The long-lasting durability of ceramic floor tiles make them a great sustainable design choice. Go the extra mile by seeking out ceramic floor tiles made by eco-sustainable manufacturers. Marazzi, for example, uses a closed-cycle production process that ensures their ceramic floor tiles have as little impact on the environment as possible.

Cons Though ceramic floor tiles are great for many reasons, as a hard tile surface covering they are not without their drawbacks. Indeed, ceramic floor tiles can be cold, heavy and slippery, which may make them unsuitable for certain rooms or households.

Uncomfortable Let’s talk about the figurative elephant in the room – the hardness of ceramic floor tiles. Whilst their aesthetic appeal can’t be denied, ceramic floor tiles can feel incredibly hard underfoot, making them unsuitable for spaces where you have to stand for a long period of time. What’s more, ceramic floor tiles don’t hold heat very well; as such, those living in colder climates might want to opt for plush carpet instead. Slippery At the risk of stating the obvious, ceramic floor tiles can be very slippery when wet. Family households in particular may want to think twice about this potential hazard.

Heavy If you didn’t know already, ceramic tiles can be extremely heavy. So heavy, in fact, that if you’re planning on installing ceramic floor tiles upstairs you’ll have to get a qualified professional to assess the integrity of your home’s structure beforehand. Discoloring Whilst the ceramic floor tiles themselves will stand the test of time come rain or shine (or wet and dry), the grout lines in between tiles are notoriously susceptible to moisture and mold. To prevent this you’ll have to pay extra to have the grout lines sealed!