marble floor tiles vs porcelain tiles for the bathroom
A homeowner or business owner may find it difficult to pick marble vs porcelain floor tiles for the bathroom or kitchen, due to the abundance of outstanding options.
marble floor tiles price
Despite the fact that the two substances occasionally resemble one another, they are entirely separate (especially when porcelain is specifically designed to resemble marble).
Before picking one over the other, it is essential to comprehend the advantages and disadvantages of each option so that you can act properly.
Consider the following points prior to beginning your forthcoming assignment.
When selecting new flooring, the majority of individuals choose for either marble or porcelain tile.
Due to the variety of designs and hues available in both marble and porcelain, these materials are often the most popular.
If you are refinishing your flooring, you cannot make a mistake with any option.
But which is preferable, marble tiles or porcelain tiles? To comprehend this, you must compare and contrast the two.
As someone who has worked with both types of tile for a lot of years, I can aid you in making a decision.
Both porcelain and marble tiles are available in a vast array of designs, colors, and textures.
Additionally, marble or porcelain tiles can be used to achieve any desired aesthetic.
Marble tiles, on the other hand, are fully natural and appear superior to porcelain tiles.
Numerous consumers purchase marble tile due to its inherent attractiveness.
Both porcelain and marble tiles are durable, long-lasting, and suitable for usage on floors and walls.
However, because it is a porous, naturally occurring substance, marble is more suited for interior use.
Porcelain tiles can be utilized in both indoor and outdoor settings.
Marble tiles demand much more upkeep than porcelain tiles.
Due to the porous nature of marble, the tile surface must be regularly dusted and cleaned with a damp mop.
In contrast, porcelain tiles are considerably easier to maintain.
They may be easily cleaned with a wet or dry sponge and do not require frequent cleaning.
Compared to marble tiles, porcelain tiles are substantially easier to maintain in pristine condition.
marble floor tiles bathroom
Advantages and disadvantages: price
Typically, advantages and disadvantages are assessed using exact criteria such as price or durability.
Nevertheless, given the range of available marbles and porcelain tiles, the criteria may end up being relatively comparable, depending on the specific pick.
Statuario and Calacatta marbles, for example, are more expensive and difficult to install than Carrara marble.
Consequently, even though porcelain is normally less expensive to purchase, the total price may end up being comparable to that of some marbles when the cost of installation is considered (which requires a particular grout).
Material and installation costs might range between $8 and $15 per square foot for porcelain tiles.
Comparatively, installation and pricing for marble may range from $9 and $24.
In terms of benefits, porcelain is a less expensive material than marble, but only if you exclude the expense of picking the marble and the cost of installation.
Even though marble is more luxurious than porcelain, it is heavier and of greater quality.
- Advantages and disadvantages: Durability
While both marble and porcelain are extremely hard materials, porcelain has a higher PEI rating.
Tiles having a PEI (Porcelain Enamel Institute) hardness rating of 4 or 5 are suggested for both residential and commercial applications.
A PEI rating of three is appropriate for light commercial and residential traffic.
Everything below has a PEI rating of 1, which corresponds to light footwear such as socks and slippers and is suitable just for home foot usage.
Given its limited durability, porcelain tile with a PEI rating of 0 should be utilized exclusively for flooring.
Depending on the tile you choose, the PEI grade will impact its durability.
In contrast, marble is suitable for all types of foot traffic, independent of the type of marble chosen.
It falls between three and five on the Mohs scale of hardness.
It is suitable for a hallway with heavy foot traffic because it is resistant to normal wear and tear.
- Advantages and disadvantages: maintenance
Porcelain is an extremely durable material that is commonly glazed.
As a solid material with a glaze that resists water, stains, and fading, it is less susceptible to fading than marble.
In comparison, marble is more permeable and vulnerable to staining and acid etching.
To prevent similar accidents, marble must be routinely sealed, especially if it is installed in a kitchen.
However, maintenance depends once more on the porcelain tile you choose.
marble floor tiles kitchen
If you choose a highly textured porcelain tile like this one, it may chip or be difficult to maintain.
Porcelain tile is more harder to repair than marble once it has been chipped since you must replace the complete tile rather than just the damaged portions.
When porcelain tiles crack after several years, it might be difficult to find a suitable replacement.
Therefore, it is ideal to keep extra tiles on hand.
This video demonstrates how to replace porcelain tile.
- Advantages and disadvantages: Installation
Due to the need for a special grout, porcelain tiles are more difficult to install than ceramic tiles.
Because they are heavier than ceramic tiles, they may need a basis to support their weight.
In order to get a visually appealing vein pattern throughout the entire design, such as in this floor, marble must be meticulously designed prior to installation.
Even though porcelain tiles do not need to be matched or put out, installing them nevertheless poses certain difficulties.
- Advantages and disadvantages: Aesthetics
There is no reason why you cannot appreciate porcelain as well as marble; marble has long been associated with timeless beauty.
It is up to you to determine which option appeals to you more.
In contrast to porcelain tiles, however, marble has such widespread appeal that it increases the value of your home when you decide to sell it.
marble floor tiles texture
They have no effect on the resale value of the home.
Because porcelain is cold and hard on the feet, some individuals prefer the gentler sensation of marble floors.
Therefore, although they are both wonderful materials, one is more marketable and profitable to put in a home when it comes to selling it.
Marble may be used in high-moisture regions if it is properly sealed and maintained.
While some builders recommend using porcelain in wet places, marble can be used in such areas if it is properly maintained.
Even while porcelain is water-resistant, it is far more slippery than marble, thus this must also be considered.
If you want something that would appeal to everyone, choosing marble is the best option.
However, you may also customize a design with porcelain, but it will not increase the resale value of your home.
In order to use porcelain tiles as flooring, they must have a PEI grade of at least 3.
All forms of marble are suitable for use as flooring.
Marble and porcelain both have exact installation requirements that can make or break a project, so it is always advisable to engage an experienced installer.
You can go all out and spend more money to achieve a lavish appearance, or you can choose a less expensive marble and pair it with porcelain projects.
If you have any additional concerns about the advantages and disadvantages of using marble over porcelain, please feel free to ask our sales representatives.
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