An Honest Comparison from a Company That Does Both

At Superior Tile Contracting, we provide both tile installation and concrete polishing services. That means we have no financial incentive to steer you toward one over the other. This comparison is based on 14+ years of experience with both materials in Metro Vancouver homes and businesses.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Polished Concrete	Porcelain Tile
Cost (installed)	$4–$15/sq ft	$8–$22/sq ft
Lifespan	20–30 years (needs repolishing)	50+ years
Maintenance	Resealing every 2–3 years	Virtually none
Design options	Limited (staining, scoring)	Unlimited patterns & styles
Repairability	Entire floor must be refinished	Replace individual tiles
Radiant heat	Good (requires in-slab PEX)	Excellent (electric mats or PEX)
Subfloor requirement	Must have concrete slab	Any subfloor type
Noise	Echoes (hard surface)	Echoes (can add underlay)
Comfort underfoot	Hard and cold	Hard (warmer with radiant heat)

When Polished Concrete Wins

Existing concrete slab in good condition: No need to add material on top — just grind and polish what's already there
Industrial/minimalist aesthetic: The raw concrete look is perfect for lofts, studios, and modern commercial spaces
Budget-conscious large areas: Polishing 2,000+ sq ft of existing concrete can be very cost-effective
Basements with low ceilings: Adds zero height to the floor, preserving precious headroom

When Tile Wins

Any room with water exposure: Bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms — tile's waterproofing is unmatched
Wood-framed buildings: No concrete slab? Tile works on any subfloor
Design variety: Marble look, wood look, geometric patterns — tile offers unlimited design possibilities
Long-term value: 50+ year lifespan with zero maintenance vs concrete's resealing and repolishing
Resale value: Quality tile consistently adds more resale value than polished concrete in Vancouver's market

Real Cost Scenarios in Vancouver

Scenario	Polished Concrete	Porcelain Tile
Basement (800 sf, slab exists)	$3,200–$6,400	$6,400–$12,800
Commercial space (2,000 sf)	$8,000–$20,000	$16,000–$36,000
Main floor (no slab, 1,000 sf)	$9,000–$20,000*	$8,000–$18,000

*Includes concrete overlay cost ($5–$10/sq ft) since there's no existing slab

The Hybrid Approach

Many of our Vancouver clients choose a hybrid approach: polished concrete in basements and open living areas (where an existing slab makes it cost-effective), and tile in bathrooms, kitchens, and entryways (where waterproofing and design options matter most). We can help you plan the perfect combination for your home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is polished concrete cheaper than tile in Vancouver?

Basic polishing on an existing slab costs $4–$8/sq ft vs tile at $8–$22/sq ft. But high-end polished concrete ($8–$15/sq ft) is comparable to mid-range tile. Without an existing slab, a concrete overlay adds $5–$10/sq ft, often making tile the cheaper option.

Is polished concrete or tile better for Vancouver basements?

If you have a solid slab in good condition, polishing is cost-effective and adds no height. If the slab is cracked or has moisture issues, tile over a waterproof membrane is the better long-term solution. Tile also offers more design options.

Does polished concrete crack over time in Vancouver?

Yes, hairline cracks are inevitable due to settling and Vancouver's moisture fluctuations. Control joints minimize this, but some cracking should be expected. Tile can also crack, but individual tiles can be replaced without affecting the entire floor.

Concrete Polishing vs Tile Flooring: Vancouver Cost Comparison