Composition
Stain resistance
Durability
Maintenance
Cost
Whether you are building your home or renovating it, choosing the right type of floor can be challenging and make a huge impact on the finished look of the house. While choosing a floor, one thinks about its durability, maintenance cost because most of the time homeowners keep the floor for decades until and unless it becomes absolutely necessary to change. To help you with choosing the right type of floor that fits your specifications and requirements, read this guide till the end because here we have explained the difference between marble vs tile flooring.
Marble Vs Tile Flooring
While designing or building a house, what we want is a picture-perfect house that requires meticulous planning on each and every aspect. With lots of money being spent on every feature of the house, you don’t want to rush into decisions and make an irreversible mistake.
One of the key elements while finishing the house which can make a huge impact on the overall interior of the house is the floor. With lots of options available to us in the markets and with designers, it is easy for anyone to get confused or double-minded. But what helps in making this decision easier are the characteristics of a stone or tile while the colour and patterns are all secondary and take less time to decide.
Both marble and tiles have different properties and features because of which both are highly popular among builders and households. This comparison of both stones with respect to their properties and characteristics is the best way to reach a decision easily.
- Composition
- Stain resistance
- Durability
- Maintenance
- Cost
Composition
Marble is a natural stone which is formed as a result of exposing limestone to high temperatures and pressures. This is a naturally occurring substance that has different coloured veins running through the entire piece. These veins or layers are impurities that are present in between the contents of the stone and become its permanent part after metamorphosis.
Tile, unlike marble, is a man-made product and is formed by heating a mixture of clay and other minerals at high temperature and high pressure which forms a glassy layer. Vitrified tiles come in different shapes, sizes, colours and are identical.
Stain Resistance
Marble, being a naturally occurring substance, is highly reactive and is vulnerable to acidic spills including vinegar, citrus and other liquids and requires immediate attention or it will be permanently stained.
Tiles on the other hand are stain-resistant and can be cleaned by wiping the floor with a wet mop. However, the grout in between two tiles will need regular cleaning with harsher detergents. So, in a way, grouts and marble require the same type of maintenance to keep them in the best form.
Durability
Marble as compared to other flooring options available is the strongest and most durable and need not be replaced up to at least 25 years. This can happen only if the floors are properly taken care of and maintained regularly. Over time, marble develops a yellowish tinge which is because the polish on the surface of the floor wears off and marble can be damaged.
Vitrified tiles are also quite durable and can last up to 10 to 15 years. These tiles require less maintenance and are easier to clean if there are any accidental spills. Vitrified tiles are prone to discolouration and scratches but due to their glassy nature, heavy weights or mishandling can result in breakage.
Maintenance
As mentioned earlier, marble has a highly reactive nature and requires proper and regular maintenance. One has to be very careful on the floor with liquids especially if those are acidic. It is best to use the sealant on the surface in order to make it resistant to moisture. In addition, it requires regular polishing or else it will start developing the yellowish layer as well as catch dirt which will ruin its surface.
Tiles are easy to maintain in comparison to marble because of their non-porous nature which is the ability of a substance to absorb water. This makes it resistant to water as well as stains and any kind of spill can be wiped clean from its surface. Yes, you have to be extra careful with putting weights on the tiles because uneven weights or dropping a heavy weight on a tiled floor can result in its breaking.
Cost
Marble is an expensive flooring option because of its natural occurrence. The price of marble varies with the change in colour, grade, size and thickness. Marble is a commodity that is highly popular among the wealthy who can bear its higher installation cost and maintenance cost.
The cost of a vitrified tile depends on the complexity of design, brand and the colour you choose. Some colours and designs are not readily available in the market, which is why prices can be slightly more than those easily available. The maintenance cost of tiles is also very low. Most of the house owners and builders who are on a budget and don’t want to compromise on their interiors go with tiles.
So, what do you think is a better option for you? Let us know at blog@zameen.com and keep reading Zameen Blog for more lifestyle-related pieces.
Meanwhile, you can also check out our guides on:
- Marble vs terrazzo
- Gloss vs matt finishing
- Natural vs engineered stone
- Cost of polishing a marble floor
