Difference Between Ceramic Tiles And Marble

Planning for a home remodeling? Need help figuring out the best flooring option? In that case, you have landed on the rightmost page to get your answers. Despite being one of the understated parts of home interiors, the flooring material can make or break the look of any space. 

Whether to choose the evergreen, rich-looking marble or the ceramic tiles, it’s always best to decide about the flooring option before committing to your floor plan. Confused and wondering where to start? This guide outlines the critical differences between these two popular flooring options to help you decide.

Ceramic Tiles and Marble – The Pros & Cons 

Marble and ceramic tiles are by far the most preferred selections of every homeowner. However, since both come with a dedicated set of applications and advantages, it’s vital to learn the basic differences and make a choice accordingly. 

But before we draw a head-to-head comparison between timeless marble and affordable ceramic tiles, let’s highlight the pros and cons of both surfacing materials. Without further ado, let’s get into it. 

Marble Flooring

Prized for its beauty, style, and elegance, marble flooring has been popular for millennia. It adds an upscale and lavish appeal to your interiors and is available in a range of patterns to suit your space. Here’s a quick rundown of the pros and cons of this surfacing material. 

Pros

• Durable and heat resistant
• Long-lasting beauty 
• Timeless appeal
• Available in multiple hues and patterns

Cons

• Susceptible to scratches and cracks
• Time-consuming installation
• More expensive 
• Requires high-maintenance and upkeep

Ceramic Tiles

This flooring option is made from coarse clay and can be glazed or unglazed. Ceramic tiles offer a moderate degree of durability and can look aesthetically pleasing. Find the pros and cons of installing ceramic tiles here. 

Pros

• Easy installation
• Versatile
• Relatively inexpensive
• Low maintenance
• Available in multiple colors and sizes

Cons

• Doesn’t look much luxurious
• Difficult to repair

Ceramic Tiles Vs. Marble – The Major Differences to Know

Ceramic tiles and marble are both distinct and popular surfacing materials. Each option is more suitable for certain situations and less so for others. Hence, understanding their differences is mandatory for selecting the right flooring material for your space. 

So, look at the facts and decide when it is best to spring for the real thing and when to settle for ceramic. 

1. Composition

Marble is a natural stone found in nature, while tiles are produced using rigorous procedures. Marble is formed by the metamorphic crystallization of limestone. It is quarried and cut into slabs for various residential and commercial applications. Marble is a metamorphic rock with beautiful colors and veined patterns. 

Ceramic Tiles, on the other hand, are made from clay or silicates fired at high temperatures. They are available in different sizes to maintain a fine balance between user experience and the building work that goes into creating it. 

2. Installation

It’s no wonder that marble installation is way more time-consuming and labor-intensive than ceramic tiles. Since it is a natural stone, professionals must cut and grind this material to your requirements. Besides laying marble flooring, polishing and finishing further adds to the overall process. 

On the contrary, ceramic tiles are available in stores in ready-to-ship condition. These require less setting time, and you can use them shortly after installation. Since they are pre-polished, you don’t have to waste further time finishing them. 

3. Maintenance & Upkeep

Cleaning is a vital aspect to consider for any type of building material, especially ones that experience heavy traffic every day. As a naturally occurring material, marble reacts with most substances very quickly, thus causing stains. Hence, you must clean any spills on the marble floor immediately to prevent permanent marks. 

It also requires the periodic application of a sealant to protect it from moisture. Ceramic tiles, on the other hand, are relatively simple to clean and maintain. Regular wiping is enough to keep your tiles gleaming. Moreover, it is non-porous, absorbing little water, and is thus resistant to most stains. 

4. Durability

Although marble is stronger, it develops a yellowish tinge after some years of usage. Also, this flooring material is susceptible to stains and cracks. But with regular maintenance and adequate care, this flooring can remain intact for years to come. 

Speaking of ceramic tiles, they are also extremely durable and ideal for heavy traffic usage. Most importantly, ceramic tiles are both discoloration and scratch resistant, thus holding a good lifespan. 

5. Variety and Finishes

Last, the factor that differentiates these flooring materials is their broad range and availability. Marble flooring is a distinctive material with a timeless personality. It is commonly found in hues of green, brown, grey, white, and other natural shades. Moreover, it is available in both glossy finishes and rustic textures. 

Ceramic tiles are man-made; hence, it offers stiff competition to marble in terms of designs, textures, and patterns. Like marble, these are also available in glossy and matte finish. 

Which is better?

The final choice between marble flooring and ceramic tiles comes down to your requirements and budget. Go for ceramic tiles if you are looking for countless designs and durable materials at an affordable price. However, you should invest in marble to add a dimension and a timeless appeal to your home. 

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