There are numerous challenges involved when it comes time to choose floor tiles for your home. You need to think about the practicality, durability, the cost of the tile you choose, your own personal style, and more. Popular choices today consist of, among others, natural stone and porcelain stone floors. Those are great ideas, too, because of their hardwearing properties and the fact they come in a wide variety, offer aesthetic appeal, and more. But it can be a tough decision to choose between porcelain and natural stone.
There are benefits to both types of these popular tile choices. Let’s take a look at a comparison to help you decide which material would best suit your home and your needs.
Both Are Appealing… But
There is an unparalleled texture and beauty to natural stone. No two pieces are the same due to its organic makeup. That’s going to mean a completely unique look for your floor tiles. But where natural stone tiles are concerned, there are limitations to the colors and patterns.
A much broader selection of patterns and colors is offered by porcelain tiles. This matters if you have a specific color or aesthetic in mind. What’s more, particularly to the untrained eye, the task of mimicking natural textures, tones, and veins are executed expertly.
Comparing Cost
In whatever type of flooring you choose, cost is probably playing a major role. Both the installation and cost of the tiles themselves tend to be higher with natural stone due to quarrying labor, availability, and more. You will, of course, likely add more property value and enjoy improved aesthetics with natural stone.
A more affordable alternative, for both installation and the tiles themselves, would be porcelain floor tiles with a finish that resembles natural stone. You get the look of stone for less.
Maintenance and Durability
Natural stone tiles are robust and hard wearing. But, to prolong their lifespan, at some point, they needed to be treated/sealed. Where the tile is installed, it’s finish and the type of stone will determine the type and frequency of treatment.
If you’re looking for something that requires little maintenance but resembles natural stone tiles, it’s probably best to go with porcelain tiles with a stone effect. This way, you get the best of both worlds.
Do They Resist Water?
There are various guises where natural stone is concerned. As an example, compared to a softer stone like marble, a more water-resistant material like granite may be used. Once again, however, they have to be sealed because of natural stone’s porous properties and defects. If not sealed properly, they will be susceptible to staining and absorbing water.
Porcelain tiles, in contrast, are, by design, basically water resistant. So, for kitchen floors, bathroom floors, laundry room floors, etc., they are the ideal choice. If a floor is going to come into contact with water, porcelain tiles are probably the best way to go.
Find the best flooring at Materials Inc. We have a wide selection from which to choose. We also have hardwood flooring in a variety of choices.