Choosing between glazed Porcelain Tiles and natural stone for your project can be challenging. Natural stone has always been valued for its timeless beauty. However, Glazed porcelain tiles are becoming an increasingly popular option among homeowners.
So, does that mean natural stone vs. glazed porcelain tile is a true rivalry? When it comes to comparing natural stone and porcelain tile, the decision is largely based on personal preferences and lifestyle considerations. Rather than grumbling to yourself about what to buy, read our post and obtain a clear picture of what to buy for your interior and exterior home renovations!
What are Polished Glazed Porcelain Tiles
Polished Glazed Porcelain Tiles are ceramic tiles whose surfaces have been polished using a diamond disk. During the grinding process, minute pores appear on the tile's surface, disguised by the glossy finish.
Its gorgeous range of tones and wonderfully smooth surface are just a few of the attributes that homeowners and architects value. These tiles are available in a number of styles and sizes, including glazed Porcelain Tiles 300x600mm, 600x600mm, and 600x1200mm. They are suitable for different purposes such as indoor and outdoor uses.
Polished Glazed Glazed Porcelain Tiles have below advantages:
- They need incredibly low maintenance.
- They do not require any special sealing to keep them out of water
- They are very durable of top quality materials like highly refined clay fired at higher temperatures to make it long-lasting
- They are effortless to clean and maintain
- They are resistant to moisture
- They are resistant to stains.
What are Natural Stone Tiles?
Natural stone floor tiles are popular among homeowners and designers, providing a timeless elegance that can alter any area. From the opulent look of marble flooring to the rustic charm of slate tile, these materials add a distinct character to your home. When it comes to replacing your kitchen floor tiles, bathroom floor tiles, or even outdoor floor tiles, natural stone offers a wide range of possibilities to fit different styles and preferences.
Some of the top advantages of using natural stone tiles are:
- They are completely natural and give a unique look to your living space
- They are hard and highly durable
- They are very hygienic and easy to clean and maintain
- They are the most sustainable choice in today’s times.
- They are very easy to replace and need no special choices
- They will never go out of fashion
However, there are some disadvantages of having natural stone tiles, such as:
- They get easily damaged with stains, scratches, and chipping
- They show wear and tear very quickly
- They need very strong subflooring
- They are unforgiving when it comes to subfloor imperfections and cannot adjust
- They provide a harsher underfoot experience
- They are made of expensive materials and fittings
- They feel very cool during winters
- They are very difficult to repair.
Comparing Natural Stone vs. Polished Glazed Glazed Porcelain Tiles
Weight
Natural stone is heavier than porcelain tile. Stones such as granite or marble require a strong subfloor to support their weight, making them more difficult to install. Glazed Porcelain Tiles contrast with the lighter, easier-to-handle, and less demanding subfloor, which might make installation easier.
Structural Changes
Natural stone can vary in physical and structural features, giving each item a distinct personality. However, if it is not properly placed or maintained, it may chip or crack. Glazed Porcelain Tiles, on the other hand, are engineered to be homogeneous in size and thickness, ensuring consistency and durability. Sometimes, they shatter near the scorching burners, and only seldom do they demonstrate resistance to wear and tear.
Maintenance
Natural stone must be sealed regularly to keep stains and moisture out. It is also resistant to acidic chemicals and requires specialized cleaning materials. Glazed Porcelain Tiles are significantly easier to clean and maintain since there are no pores to trap tiny particles inside, and they can be washed with regular household cleansers without losing the surface sheen.
Environmental Impact
Natural stone has a larger environmental impact due to the quarrying and shipping operations required for extraction. However, it is a natural stone substance that will continue to shine for decades.
Quality and Performance
Checking the quality of stones before investing in them is critical, whether they are natural stone or porcelain tile. If you choose a natural stone, variations in color, texture, structural, and physical qualities may affect both appearance and longevity, so make sure you obtain a high-quality stone that suits your exact requirements. Poor-quality stone may chip, discolor quickly, or require extensive care.
Quality influences Glazed Porcelain Tiles' resistance to wear and moisture, as well as its ability to replicate natural stone. Make sure to closely inspect any slabs to ensure that your investment will last. Avoid errors and pay a low price for high-quality slabs, allowing you to save money while eliminating worry.
Cost-effectiveness
Natural stone is generally more expensive. You're paying for the authentic, one-of-a-kind look as well as the manpower needed in quarrying and installation, which costs more than sometimes. At Neelson Ceramic we provide glazed porcelain tiles with a wide choice of styles, including those that resemble natural stone, at an affordable price. So, if you don't want to go over budget and yet want a fashionable finish, Glazed Porcelain Tiles are your best option!
Stain Prevention
Glazed Porcelain Tiles are more stain-resistant than genuine stone tiles because the substance is less porous. Porcelain tile is easy to clean with a damp cloth or a mild cleanser, making it the best choice for high-traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms.
Natural stone tiles, on the other hand, are more porous and more susceptible to stains and discoloration, particularly if not properly sealed. Remember that regular sealing is essential to keep your natural stone tiles looking their best.
Moisture Resistance
Porcelain tile is very moisture-resistant, making it suitable for wet areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms due to its non-porous surface that prevents water absorption.
In contrast, stone tile can be more porous, allowing it to absorb moisture and water over time. If the moisture isn't dealt with properly, it might cause discoloration and structural damage.
Conclusion
Both porcelain and natural stone are beautiful and durable, but porcelain has higher consistency and requires less upkeep. When deciding whether to use porcelain or natural stone for your next project, keep appearance, maintenance, and money in mind.
Regardless of your decision, our team at Neelson Ceramic is here to assist. Contact us today if you're looking for high-quality Glazed Porcelain Tiles from a reliable manufacturer and provider. We have a broad collection of fine porcelain and natural stone like tiles. We can help you select the ideal materials for your specific design.