The difference between marble and tile is the most hotly contested flooring material choice that enters the picture while finalising the interiors. Most interior materials are simple, quick, and inexpensive to replace. However, replacing flooring is a time-consuming and expensive process. Therefore, pick a flooring material that can complement the interior design themes and is durable and low-maintenance.
Tile and marble both have advantages and disadvantages. Both are excellent and long-lasting flooring materials with hundreds of shades, colours, textures etc. A thorough comparison of tile and marble is provided in this article. This will assist you in making the right decision and choosing a flooring option that meets your requirements and budget.
- Difference between Marble and Tiles
- Difference between Marble and tiles – Composition
- Difference between marble and tiles – Availability, classification & looks
- Tile vs Marble – Porosity
- Tiles vs Marble – Environmental Friendly
- Difference between Marble and tiles – Cost
- Tile and marble – Wastages
- Marble vs Tile – Ease of handling and workmanship
- Conclusion
Difference between Marble and Tiles
Marble and tiles are excellent and unique flooring materials. However, both of these products are suitable for use in some situations but not in others. To choose the best material, we must first understand the differences between marble and tiles. This article discusses the differences between marble and tiles, as well as how they are classified based on various parameters.
Difference between Marble and tiles – Composition
The primary distinction between marble and tiles is the composition of the materials. Let’s analyse the composition of tiles and marble.
Marble
Marble is a natural stone formed by the metamorphic crystallisation of limestones. This metamorphic process involving high pressure and heat converts the limestone to calcite crystals with a variety of colours, swirls, and veins.
Tiles
Tiles are man-made flooring products made from natural clay or clay mixed with quartz, silica, and other composites and fired at high temperatures.
Difference between marble and tiles – Availability, classification & looks
Marble vs tile
| Marble | Tiles |
| Marble is a natural material that is available in a wide range of shades and colours, as well as swirls and veins. | Tiles are man-made materials with digitally printed designs, colours, textures, and so on. |
| The natural feel of marble is unmatchable. Every piece is different from another. There may be wide differences between different lots of the same stone. | The appearance and colour of tiles are factory-controlled. There is only minor variation between batches of tiles. |
| Shades and textures differ between batches. Purchasing the same marble after several years is difficult due to stone scarcity. | Tiles are readily available in all most all places. |
Tile vs Marble – Porosity
Marble is semitransparent and has a high porosity. They stain after absorbing the liquids that fall on them. Due to high porosity issues, marble is mirror polished to reduce porosity and absorption rate. Hence marble is not preferred for wet areas like the kitchen, toilets, due to high porosity issues.
Tiles have low porosity and water absorption. They are ideal for high moisture areas such as bathrooms and kitchens.
Tiles vs Marble – Environmental Friendly
Marble is a natural material, but it is not an environmentally friendly option. They are nonrenewable resources, and the extraction process is both energy intensive and environmentally hazardous.
Tiles, on the other hand, are superior to marble, and the manufacturing process is also environmentally friendly.
Difference between Marble and tiles – Cost
Marble is more expensive than tile. Some types of marble-like Italian marble are expensive. Tile, on the other hand, is a cost-effective and affordable product with prices ranging from Rs.40/- per sqft to Rs.70/- sqft and higher. Marble is an expensive flooring material, whereas tiles are a more affordable option.
Tile and marble – Wastages
Marble is prone to cracking during transportation and installation. Furthermore, marble comes in slabs that must be cut into rectangular pieces before use. This leads to a significant amount of waste, which raises the cost of marble installation. Tiles typically have a waste rate of 3-5%, whereas marble has a waste rate of 15% to 20%.
Marble vs Tile – Ease of handling and workmanship
Marble is much heavier than tiles and comes in 16-20 mm thickness, whereas tiles are available in 8-10 mm thickness. Marble raises the dead load of the structure, which raises the design parameters. Furthermore, carrying and lifting marble is difficult, whereas tiles are easily carried and lifted.
Marble requires a highly skilled worker to cut and lay it, whereas fixing tiles is simple and quick. Tiles don’t require a highly skilled worker. Marble requires grinding and polishing, which is time-consuming, whereas tile can be laid quickly. Only joint grouting is required prior to handover.
Conclusion
Both marble and tile are excellent building materials. But the beauty and classic feel of marble can never be matched. Marble is a costly and luxurious finish material that is slowly moving out of the affordable material category. Tiles in turn are less expensive, easily available, got a vast variety of shades and textures, can be done very fast. Tiles are available for any traffic and abrasion levels and can match any architectural concept and theme.
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