As our search for the perfect flooring continues, we have come across one of the most sought after flooring types of the ages. Porcelain tiles and marble.
Both perfectly illustrate richness, luxury, finesse and versatility. Porcelain tile and marble have been co existing and competing with each other from time to time. Marble is traditional stone flooring that can elevate the ambience of a room with great elegance whereas Porcelain tiles are exquisite man-made tiles that has been popular for ages due to its indisputable beauty and charm.
However, both the flooring materials, has its advantages and disadvantages. It’s important to be aware of the pros and cons of installing these materials before you decide to have it in your home. We’ve put together this guide to cover everything there is to know about marble and porcelain tiles for helping you to make an informed decision.
PORCELAIN TILE
One of the most prominent flooring tile in today’s world porcelain resembles any type of natural stone, including marble, granite, limestone, sandstone and also wood.
If you want your flooring to be gracious and fancy with cutting corners then this is the tile you are looking for!
| Pros | Cons |
| Highly durable | Hard to install and labour intensive |
| Wide variety of colours & pattern | No impact on resale value |
| Easier to maintenance | Tough surface |
| Less susceptible to water damage and staining | |
| Suitable for radiant flooring | |
| Comparatively inexpensive |
MARBLE FLOOR
Clean, elegant, glazed, durable – four reasons why marble flooring has been a preferred option in Indian homes over the centuries. Marble gives the sense of grandeur wherever it is laid. It is unique with no two marble looking exactly the same.
Versatility of marble makes it suitable for any part of the house, including living rooms, dining rooms and foyers. Marble being a natural stone can actually keep away microscopic particles and germs if it is cleaned properly.
Best available options are:
| PROS | CONS |
| Luxurious & extravagant appearance | Extremely expensive |
| Wide variety of colours & pattern | High maintenance |
| Every tile is unique | Can be easily scratched, dented & damaged |
| Eco friendly | Slippery and Brittle |
| It has great climate adversity. It stays cool in hot region and hot in cold areas. | |
| Polished and smooth surface | |
| Suitable for radiant flooring | |
| Increases the resale value |
WARMTH AND FEEL:
MARBLE – A natural stone with a unique appearance that has a smooth surface that gives a luxurious feel and a sense of grandeur wherever it is laid. It is beauty at its best.
However, the flooring may be a bit cold, slippery, and noisy due to uneven surface. So don’t be afraid of the clink-clanks when you walk around on marble with your heels on.
PORCELAIN TILE- One recent innovation with porcelain tile makes them remarkably good at mimicking natural stone such as marble or even wood grains that adds to the aesthetics value of the space.
The surface might feel a bit stiff and cold underfoot but the squeakings are
comparatively less. Also, you may not be completely prone to the noises but it won’t be that annoying.
COST:
MARBLE – ITALIAN MARBLE averages about Rs. 350 to 8000 per square feet whereas INDIAN MARBLE averages about Rs. 80 to 500 per square feet.
PORCELAIN TILE- PORCELAIN TILE is slightly inexpensive than marble floor with a range of Rs. 75 to 1250 per square feet
DURABILITY:
MARBLE – With proper cleaning, maintenance, and regular sealing, marble will stand up to regular wear. However, it is easily scratched or broken if something heavy is dropped on it.
PORCELAIN TILE- Porcelain tile is one of the most durable products available for flooring as it is hard, thick, and solid. It is moisture resistant and ideal for high-traffic and wet areas.
CARE AND MAINTENANCE:
MARBLE – If cleaning really isn’t your thing, you’ll want to avoid marble like the plague. Marble is extremely high maintenance. It’s recommended that you reseal your marble tile every six to twelve months depending on how much foot traffic it gets.
PORCELAIN TILE– It is moisture and stain-resistant and easy to clean. While the tiles are durable, it is more vulnerable to moisture and requires a surface sealant in order to prevent water absorption.
MOISTURE RESISTANT:
MARBLE – Marble flooring has a low resistance to moisture. The grouting can be easily damaged by frequent spillage and stagnant water.
PORCELAIN TILE- Porcelain tile is denser, heavier, and more impervious to water. It has high moisture resistance and best suitable for wet areas.
INSTALLATION:
MARBLE – Marble is a delicate material that demands professional proficiency and tools for installation.
PORCELAIN TILE- Porcelain tiles are brittle and require an experienced professional to install it.
PRO TIP: Marble and tiles can be laid using chemicals rather than cement as it may lead to the discolouration of marble.
LIFESPAN:
MARBLE – Although an expensive material, marble does not have a long lasting effect with a lifespan of only 25 years.
PORCELAIN TILE- Porcelain has a lifespan of 60+ years but with proper care and maintenance porcelain flooring can go on for more than a decade without tempering the beauty and adversity of the space.
SUSTAINABILITY:
MARBLE – Marble being a natural stone is a sustainable material and creates only a fraction of the carbon dioxide per ton when compared to other building materials such as concrete, timber and different types of steel.
It can be easily reformed and restored for reuse as retaining walls, paving, mosaic floors or exterior facades for example.
PORCELAIN TILE- Porcelain is made of natural material that doesn’t emit toxic fumes or scorch. The manufacturing of porcelain produces little waste and all the raw materials can be recycled.
On the contrary during installation tile is usually adhered either with thinset mortar or some type of epoxy which almost becomes part of it. Even if you can remove the tile, the bottom is highly uneven and unsuitable for reuse.
But you can use the fragments to make mosaics.
THE VERDICT
Both marble and porcelain tiles has a unique character. So don’t be too hasty to jump on the bandwagon. It’s always best to know the material you’re planning to use.
They both compete neck to neck with none outshining the other. Where porcelain tiles are cheap and durable, marble is grand and aesthetically appealing.
So with all cards on deck, it is finally your call. If you want something natural, vibrant and money is not an issue you can always go for marble flooring, but if you are thinking about something which is more or less the same and also fits your budget porcelain it is for you.
Porcelain or marble whichever you choose, you are in for a treat, something that will never disappoint.