Is your renovation plan stuck now because you are torn between the argument ‘Marble vs Tiles’? If it makes you feel any better, it is not just you, but a good portion of Indian families spend a lot of time figuring out which is the better flooring option for them. And you should spend time on that too, because you have no idea how many people regretted their decisions and cursed themselves for not taking enough time before making the decision. 

But you know what, even after spending time, you can make a wrong decision because you do not have access to the right knowledge, because the argument of marble vs tiles is not properly explained. So if you don’t want that to happen to you, then this blog is here to save your day. In this blog, I will give you a clear comparison between these two very popular types of flooring items, so you can actually understand the differences, and then make the decision for your home. 

Exploring the Fundamentals 

When it comes to the argument to establish which is better than the other in the marble vs tiles, we should begin with the basics, the fundamental nature of the two. And here are the differences of the basics. 

What Is Marble?

Marble is a type of natural stone, and a kind of metamorphic rock which derived from the calcification of limestone over time, pressure, and heat. It is a type of natural stone, but of course you can not use it directly from nature; they are extracted from quarries, cut into slabs, and then polished before it is sold into the market for flooring purposes. 

What Is Tiles?

Tiles are a factory-made flooring or surface material, so of course, they are not derived from nature, but from a human-led factory. Tiles are generally made of clay, but there are also glass, metal, and stone-based tiles available in the market. 

So, in terms of the fundamentals of marble vs tiles, it is clear, one is generated directly from nature, and the other is from the factories.

Comparison of The Specifications 

Okay, so reading the above part, you are now aware that fundamentally the two are different, but that is definitely not enough for you to make a decision whether one is ideal for your home or the other. For proper decision-making, you will need to gain deeper knowledge, so I have prepared a comparison between the two in terms of their specifications. Let’s check them out,

Aesthetic Appeal

A new look of the home is incomplete if the aesthetic appeal and beauty aspects are not discussed. So let’s have a look at the aesthetic aspect of the two materials here

• Marble is basically the epitome of elegance and timeless beauty, the ultimate choice for the regal aesthetic vibe. On the contrary, tiles are the ultimate choice for modernity and style. From classy to sleek, you can bring out all the types of beauty with tile floors.  
• As marble is naturally created, so, each of the marble slabs has its own unique appearance, veins, and designs. But tiles are human-made, so even the most unique designs are also repeated. 
• In marble, the finishes are glossy and honed, whereas with tiles, you can get textured, matte, glossy, rustic, and even high-gloss finishes. 

Durability And Maintenance 

You are gonna spent a lot of money on your flooring, so of course you will have to ensure that whatever you are installing is durable enough so you do not have to spent money on redoing of the floor anytime soon. So here, the durability and maintenance factor is explained, exclusively for you. 

• Marble is a strong and long-lasting material, but it can get chipped. Vitrified and porcelain tiles are very durable and long-lasting.
• Marble is porous, so sealing is a must for the long run. Tiles are generally stain resistant, non-porous, so easy to clean and maintained. 
• Marbles need to be polished periodically for the glow and look. However, for tiles, no such pressure is needed, but sealing of the grout is often required. 
• Marble cracks or chips are expensive to replace. Tiles are easy to replace as they come in multiple pieces. 

Cost

Now comes the most important factor, which is the cost; you cannot deny that when you are planning to install a floor, the budget hasn’t crossed your mind. Cost is the bottom line, so let’s understand how that can be different in the marble vs tiles argument. 

• Marble material cost can be somewhere between Rs 150 per sq ft to Rs 1500 per sq ft. The costs of tiles can be within Rs 40 to Rs 200 per sq ft. 
• Marble installation is labour intensive, and polishing is essential after installation, so they are expensive. Tiles are easy to install, and the expenses of polishing are not there.

Comfort And Safety

Now, let’s talk about how comfortable and safe the two flooring materials are and why you should choose one over the other. 

• Marble gives a very cool feel, which is ideal for most Indian homes as we have hot and humid whether most part of the year. Tiles can be cool as well, but that depends on the material and type of tiles. 
• Marble gives a smoother and premium finish. Tiles can be smooth as well, but may not give you the same premium finish as marble. 
• Marble can be slippery when they are wet or polished. Tiles can come in anti-skid variation. 

Why Choose Marbles?

Marble will give you a timeless elegance and provide you with a luxurious feel and royalty that you rarely find in any other flooring. Unique veining and natural look of the stone will not only give you premiumness, but will also increase the resale value of your home, which is a major reason for choosing marble. Also, if you stay in a warm area, then marble will keep your home cool with its cool flooring. 

Why Choose Tiles? 

You should definitely choose tiles if you are planning to install something that comes within budget, and can also come in various styles, so you can actually fit them into any room with any type of look. One of the major reasons to get tiles for your home is that tiles are very low-maintenance and easy to clean. If you are somebody who cannot give a lot of time to maintenance, then it is your ideal choice. 

FAQs

1. Which One Is The Better Choice In Marble Vs Tiles?

Ans-There is not a single answer to it, as both have certain pros and cons. Depending on your priority, the choice depends. If your priority is a luxurious and royal look, and the cool underfoot feeling, then marble is a better choice. But if you want something right for your pocket, easy to maintain, and comes with different textures and styles, then tiles is better for you.  

2. What Is The Disadvantages Of Marble?

Ans-Marble is a porous natural stone, so the chances of stains are high. When polished, it can get really slippery. They are expensive, and if they get chipped, the replacement cost is too much. 

3. Can I Get The Same Look As Marble From Tiles?

Ans-Yes, you can get a similar look to marble from marble finish tiles. However, you will not find the unique veins or the premium look. But tiles can give you almost the same look. 

4. Marble Vs Tiles: Which Is More Sustainable?

Ans-Both have environmental impact. Even though marble comes naturally, they extracted from quarrying, which causes environmental damage. On the other hand, tiles are made in factories using different processes and consuming energy. But tiles can be done by recycling, and now eco-friendly tiles are also available in the market. However, tiles are comparatively a little more sustainable than marbles. 

Wrapping Up

There is no absolute answer to the argument Marble vs Tiles, which is better for Indian homes. Each of the materials has its own advantages, which makes it better than the other. Marble is a natural stone, so they have a unique look, authenticity, cool feel, and royal elegance that you can rarely get from tiles. On the other hand, tiles have an exceptional range of designs, colours, patterns, and finishes that are not possible to find in marble. Though I feel, in terms of convenience, aesthetic variation and cost areas, tiles is a little ahead of marble in the race.