Marble Vs Tile Flooring: Which is Better?

Whether you are building your home from the scratch or revamping the current aesthetics, selecting the most appropriate flooring option can make a huge impact on the finished look of the house.

However, the choice is not as simple as it may sound. When it comes to flooring, a common dilemma for homeowners is choosing between the time-honored marble and relatively newer tiles. Since flooring is an expensive and daunting process, it is suggested to take ample time and weigh the options before you make the final decision.

To cut through the clutter, we’ve outlined the characteristics and key differences between these two popular floor options. Read on and pick the one that complements your home without breaking the bank.

A Complete Introduction to Marble and Tile Flooring

Before we get down to the notable differences between Marble and Tiles, let’s understand these two options in a bit of detail to make an easy selection.

Marble Flooring

Marble is one of the most popular flooring options because it has a unique look that can set any room apart. The popularity of marble as flooring is undeniable. From its elegant look to its many benefits, this type of flooring is a great choice for posh homes and restaurants.

It is a durable flooring option that can last for many years without needing to be replaced. Not only does this make it a great choice for high-traffic areas, but it also lasts well in humid environments.

Tile Flooring

Floor Tiles are an affordable alternative to posh marble flooring. Made from cement or concrete, tiles come in both glazed and unglazed forms, you can pick the one that suits your interior decor.

They are resistant to water damage. If a leak happens, the tiles will absorb the water and won’t let it seep through. Since floor tiles don’t absorb moisture, they do not crack easily and remain intact for years to come.

Ceramic and Vitrified tiles are in trend nowadays as they give a beautiful effect to the room. Tile floors have a very contemporary look, which makes them perfect for any home décor style.

Marble Vs Tile Flooring – Which Should You Choose?

When it comes to choosing the floor, many people are torn between marble and tile. The two materials have a lot of similarities, but there are also a few key differences that should be considered before making a decision. Here, we have listed the key differences between these two flooring options that will help you make the appropriate choice that fits your specifications and requirements.

1. Appearance

While both marble and tile look great in a bathroom, kitchen, or other high-traffic areas, marble is often considered to be more aesthetically pleasing than tile. This is largely due to the fact that marble is naturally non-porous, which means it doesn’t absorb water and stains easily. In comparison, tile can become stained and matted over time, which can significantly reduce its attractiveness. While marble flooring is available in shades of white, grey, brown, black, and other natural hues, tiles come in a large variety of designs, colors, prints, and textures.
Flooring with marble has long been the symbol of luxury and opulence. Its polished surface and natural look add aesthetic appeal to your interiors.

2. Maintenance

Since marble is a naturally occurring material, it tends to react very easily with most substances, like dilute acids, citrus items, and other common household things, causing stains. Due to this reason, marble requires a high grade of maintenance to keep its shine intact in the long run. You must wipe out any spills on marble flooring instantly to prevent permanent marks. In addition, marble flooring also requires periodic application of a sealant to protect it from moisture.
Tiles, on the other hand, are fairly easy to clean and maintain. They absorb very little water and hence, are resistant to stains and damage. However, regular dusting and wiping are necessary to keep the harsh stains at the bay.

3. Durability

There’s no denying that marble flooring is way more durable than tiles. Marble is much harder than tile, which makes it much more resistant to wear and tear. If properly maintained, marble flooring can sustain for up to 25 years while tiles can only hold good for a span of 10 to 15 years.
Keep in mind that marble tends to develop a yellowish tinge over time; hence, it requires adequate care and regular maintenance to keep the floor gleaming.

4. Variations

As tiles are man-made, the appearance and color of this kind of flooring can be perfectly controlled, resulting in a product with little to no variations between batches.
Contrary to this, marble is a natural stone and, therefore, massive differences can be noticed in the same lot, making it unfit for places that require high uniformity.

5. Price

Since marble is a naturally occurring material and oozes plush vibes, it’s quite more expensive than floor tiles. Tiles are man-made while marble has to be mined and extracted using costly procedures, which automatically adds to its final price.

Summing Up

Both marbles and tiles look aesthetically pleasing and add character to any space. Hence, the final choice between the two comes down to your specifications and budget. Whatever option you’ll choose, make sure it adds a timeless charm to your interiors.