Marble or Porcelain?
Marble or Porcelain?
We hear you! It is a proven constant dilemma as to which material should we pick for our new interiors?
Which Should I Choose: Natural Marble or Porcelain Tile?
"Should I pick real marble, or should I choose tiles instead?"
Stay calm, let us help by pointing out the more common decision-making factors for each material, so at the end of the day, you will then have your answer for the material which scores better, isn’t it?
What are they?
Marble is a metamorphic rock that is created when sedimentary carbonate rocks such as limestone or dolomite, is put under a considerable amount of heat and pressure within the Earth’s crust. This natural occurring process called metamorphism, causes the calcite in these rocks to recrystallize, creating what is known as ‘’marble’’.
Porcelain tiles, on the other hand, are made from fine clay that is fired at high temperatures to remove more moisture from the tile which results in a hard and dense tile. The density is what makes it ideal for high traffic areas in homes and most commercial areas.
Porosity
Marble has relatively high porosity when compared with porcelain tiles as it is a stone with a robust crystalline structure, whereas the latter have relatively low porosity which makes it perfect to be used in high moisture areas like bathrooms and kitchen. It is for the same reason why it is crucial to apply sealants on marble to prevent foreign substances from penetrating the surface and damaging your stones.
Marble Slabs
Durability
Both marble and porcelain tiles are hard materials, so in terms of durability, both certainly fare well. Both are great options for residential and can withstand high foot traffic. Ultimately, the durability of each type depends on the frequency of usage, so if your marble kitchen counter is often used for cooking, the rate of wear and tear will be faster than your living area marble feature wall.
Design and Shade Variation
As marble is created due to a natural geologic reaction, there is absolutely no control over the colouring, texture and vein patterns formed on the stone. Each marble has its own unique pattern and there are no two marble that looks the same. Be sure to mesmerize and flaunt off your one-of-a-kind precious stones to your guests!
In contrast, the shade and design variation are more consistent and limited for the fact that they are printed on using advanced printing technology. No doubt there may be a wide collection of colours and patterns in the market, but each pattern repeats itself after a few pieces. Look out for the design and shade variation grade each tile series carries for a better gauge on this factor.
Marble lookalike Porcelain Tiles
Price
Real natural marble typically cost more expensive as compared to man-made porcelain tiles. Porcelain tiles on the other hand, are more pocket-friendly and is more commonly known as the default choice for most homeowners as a flooring option. Material cost, fabrication costs, wastage costs installation costs, future maintenance costs, etc must be weighed comparatively between both types before you make the final decision.
Maintenance
Porcelain tiles are dense and hard materials which makes it water resistant, stain resistant and less likely to fade than marble. In contrast, being more porous, marble can easily soak up stains or become etched with acidic liquids. Therefore, in terms of maintenance, marble requires more regular care and maintenance than porcelain tiles.
We hope these 5 factors can help you guys to make a more conclusive decision on choosing real marble or porcelain tiles for your interiors!
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