Knowing the Difference –

What are the different types of tiles – There are many types of tiles with many sub-categories but broadly speaking there are ceramic tiles, porcelain tiles, mosaic tiles and vitrified tiles. Ceramic and porcelain tiles are made from clay, sand and water and are baked at high temperatures. Porcelain tiles are more durable and usually more expensive than ceramic tiles. Mosaic tiles are usually made from a mix of different types of tiles to create a decorative pattern. You can have mosaic tiles that are made from ceramic, glass or even vitrified tiles. Vitrified tiles are similar to ceramic tiles but are stronger and less porous than ceramic and are a common choice of interior designers.

What is Marble?

Marble is a naturally occurring metamorphic rock. It is available in a range of colors within which the variations are limitless. Unlike tiles, marble is available is slabs.

What are the Benefits of Using Tiles?

Tiles are usually more cost-effective than marbles though this is not always the case. You also have premium high priced tiles and budget grade marbles which may be cheaper than some of these premium tiles. Tiles are usually easier to lay than marble and the laying cost is also less. Tiles are also usually stronger and less brittle than marble, which makes them more durable and less susceptible to staining. After laying, marble usually needs to be polished again for an exemplary finish, while a tile cannot be polished. The laying and grouting of the tile is the last step in the process. Tiles being hardy and less porous and easy to lay, make for good flooring choices, particularly in high traffic areas. They are also very well suited to kitchen counter backdrops where stain resistance is an important quality to consider. When looking for a durable and cost-effective option, tiles remain the most popular choice of the best interior designers in India.

What are the Benefits of using Marble?

Marble is a rich and premium looking material. When achieving a luxury look is what you are after, marble is the ideal choice of material. This is why it is a top favorite amongst the best interior designers in Mumbai. Another benefit of using marble is that it can be filled and re-surfaced and re-polished every few years. This can keep your floor/wall surfaces looking rich and new. Marble is available in large sheets in case the designer’s intent is to minimize the tiling joints.

Cost Difference Between the Two Materials

Marble is generally considered to be a more premium material and as such is usually more costly. As opposed to a tile, which is manufactured in a factory, a marble slab starts its journey in a marble mine from where a large section of the rock is removed and then shipped to another location where it is cut, sealed and polished. This process is considerably more resource-intensive than tile manufacturing. Also, marble being a natural material, its supply will be limited. More of the same marble cannot be manufactured.

When to Use Marble and When to Use Tile

When you have an extravagant budget, marble is the most beautiful and elegant option and this is why it is the choice of the best interior designers. If a luxury look is what you are after then again marble is the right choice for you. When budgets are constrained it makes sense to opt for tiles and ensure that a sufficient budget remains for other interior materials and finishes. Tiles are a good way to balance a budget. There is a wide range of tiles, in different finishes and different price ranges. This allows you to get the look that you want and still remain within budgets. There are some instances where it simply makes practical sense to opt for tiles, such as in a kitchen. This will provide a more durable surface that is easier to maintain and less susceptible to staining.