Polished porcelain tiles and marble flooring are both fairly good flooring options for your living space. However, as a well-known tile manufacturing company for a decade, we know people prefer porcelain tiles more than marble or other flooring. To help you understand better about what should be considered when deciding, we are here to give you complete clarity on both through this blog.
The blog compares polished porcelain tiles and marble by showcasing several factors like cost, maintenance, durability, aesthetics, and sustainability. Recently, polished porcelain tiles have become more popular because they are considered a more practical choice. When a busy family with young children chooses polished porcelain tiles in their kitchen and living area, it is the right choice because these tiles are resistant to spills and stains. A luxurious hotel needs porcelain tiles once again over marble, as polished porcelain tiles reflect visual appeal and are cost-effective in terms of maintenance. Moreover, porcelain tiles are the only category of tiles that come with a variety of finishes and textures and provide greater flexibility with high durability.
Strength and Durability
Marble's durability is a concern. Even though it is a natural stone formed after billions of years and can give a luxurious look, it is very soft and porous. Therefore, it is prone to scratches, chipping, and stains. It is also allergic to acidic substances like lemon juice and vinegar.
Polished porcelain tiles are made with advanced technologies, and that is why they are tougher and extremely dense. They can easily resist scratches, moisture, and stains. So they are the best choice for areas with high footfall and more traffic. They can bear with the wear and tear and extreme weather conditions. So they are best for indoor and outdoor applications. They are also of high-quality and come with a longer lifespan than marble.
Costs Comparison
Being a premium product, marble flooring is very expensive and comes with exclusive designs. Marble prices differ based on their type, stone origin, and rarity. Installing marble flooring is a tougher task that requires a lot of precision, skill, and craftsmanship and becomes very expensive. Also, it takes a lot to maintain marble flooring on a routine basis, which includes sealing and polishing from time to time. So, the lifetime cost of maintaining marble is more as compared to polished porcelain tiles.
Polished porcelain tiles are highly affordable as they are manufactured using a cost-effective and diverse process. So, if you go to buy polished porcelain tiles, there are many price ranges available, giving you a breathing space to choose according to your budget. Even installing these tiles is very easy and has minimal labor costs. They need very little maintenance and are available in budget-friendly options.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Maintaining marble flooring requires a lot of care. Since it is porous, it can quickly absorb liquids and can keep the stains for a lifetime. In addition, you need regular sealing to protect the surface to prolong its lifespan. Marble needs regular polishing so that its shine remains and you cannot use harsh cleaners or acidic liquids that can cause severe damage.
Polished porcelain tiles are completely opposite. They are resistant to water and stains and are non-porous. They do not need sealing and can be cleaned with a damp mop and mild detergent. They come with a low-maintenance budget and are the most practical choice for busy households and commercial spaces.
Visual Appeal
Marble flooring is revered for its exclusive veining pattern and is known for its natural beauty. The designs are so special and unique that they make them highly desirable and appreciate individuality. Moreover, marble flooring is opted for in living spaces that need luxurious interiors to showcase elegance and grace.
On the other hand, polished porcelain tiles come with outstanding advancements in the world of design technology. It has the ability to mimic the appearance of marble with superior accuracy. The top-quality digital printing technology and advanced glazing techniques make it a perfect choice over natural marble. Also, it is extremely durable and needs very little maintenance. Porcelain tiles are also available in a variety of colors, finishes, and patterns.
Water and Stain Resistance
One of marble's main disadvantages is its vulnerability to water and stains. Because it is porous, if it is not well sealed, it may absorb liquids and become discolored. Because of this, marble is less appropriate for high-humidity spaces like kitchens and baths.
Because they are non-porous, polished porcelain tiles are highly resistant to water absorption. This makes them a great option for damp locations, including kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor areas. Their usefulness is further enhanced by their stain and spill resistance, which makes them perfect for homes with kids and dogs.
Sustainable Option
Marble extraction and its processing can harm the environment to a great extent. Marble quarrying includes mining that can destroy habitat and deplete resources. In addition, marble transportation from quarries to construction sites is also very costly.
Polished porcelain tiles are super environmentally friendly as they are made with eco-friendly manufacturing processes. Most of the porcelain tiles are made with recycled materials to avoid wastage and reduce energy consumption. Polished porcelain tiles also have a long lifespan and need very less resources to maintain.
Installation Process
Marble flooring is delicate and heavy, so installing it requires experienced personnel. The procedure entails cutting, sealing, and cautious positioning to prevent cracks and misalignment, which increases personnel expenses and time.
Polished porcelain tiles are comparatively simpler to install. Because of their lightweight design and uniform sizes, they save time and personnel costs during installation. They also require no sealing, which makes the installation process more efficient overall.
Resale Value and Long-Term Investment
Marble and porcelain tiles both increase a home's worth. Nonetheless, polished porcelain tiles provide a greater return on investment when longevity and upkeep are taken into account. Marble may improve a property's aesthetic appeal at first, but its upkeep expenses and vulnerability to damage may lower its long-term worth.
Potential customers find porcelain tiles to be an appealing alternative due to their long-lasting quality and ease of maintenance. They stay in great condition for many years without the disadvantages of natural stone, and their ability to replicate pricey materials like marble further raises the value of a property.
Conclusion
Marble, for sure, provides a timeless look. But polished porcelain tiles are always superior in terms of durability, cost-friendliness, maintenance, and sustainability. So people prefer polished porcelain tiles over marble as it is luxurious options as well as a cost-friendly choice.
So if you want marble beauty with low costs and maintenance, choose polished porcelain tiles from Neelson Ceramics. We are the leading polished porcelain tiles exporter and provide various designs, patterns, colors, and choices. Our tiles are resilient, aesthetic, and affordable. They are excellent for modern interiors and provide widest range of varieties and choices. Check out our best collection of porcelain tiles today by visiting our online store.