Picking floors for your cherished space comes with a lot of choices to browse from. Two popular ones are porcelain tiles and natural stone. Choosing between porcelain tiles and natural stone flooring can be a tough decision due to their similar features and aesthetics.
So in this blog, we aim to simplify this dilemma by comparing the key aspects of porcelain tiles and natural stone side by side. Read on to make an informed choice for your flooring needs.
Comparison To Find You The Better Floors For Your Loved Space
1. Durability:
Porcelain Tiles: Porcelain tiles are tough. They're made from strong clay and heated at high temperatures. That makes them hard to scratch, stain, or get wet, so they're perfect for busy areas like the living room, kitchen and bathroom.
Natural Stone: Natural stone, like marble or granite, is also tough, but it might need more looking after. Some types scratch or stain more easily, so you'll need to take good care of them.
2. Looks:
Porcelain Tiles: These come in all sorts of colours and patterns. Like the look of wood, marble, or something else, there's a porcelain tile for you. Plus, they look just like natural stone.
Natural Stone: Natural stone looks really classy and special. Each piece is unique, with its colours and patterns. From fancy marble to rugged slate, natural stone brings nature's beauty inside.
3. Cleaning:
Porcelain Tiles: They are easy to clean. You sweep or mop them regularly to keep them looking good. And the best part is you don't need to seal them. Which is a must with the natural stone.
Natural Stone: Natural stone needs more care to keep it looking nice. Depending on the type, you must seal it now and then. Hereby, protecting it from spills and water.
4. Cost:
Porcelain Tiles: Porcelain tiles are usually cheaper than natural stone. Even the fancier ones are still less pricey than natural stone.
Natural Stone: Natural stone is more pricey because it costs more to get it out of the ground and into your home. Obviously, anything we can't make is always expensive.
5. Environment
Porcelain Tiles: Porcelain tiles are eco-friendly because they last a long time and be recycled. That means less waste and more saving of resources.
Natural Stone: Natural stone is a renewable resource, but it also takes time. Moreover, getting it out of the ground hurts the environment. It takes energy and causes pollution.
6. Installation
Porcelain Tiles: Installing porcelain tiles be a DIY project if you're handy, but it's best to leave it to the pros. They need to be installed on a level, sturdy surface, which may require some prep work. Once installed, they're pretty low-maintenance.
Natural Stone: Installing natural stone requires skill and expertise due to its weight and irregular shapes. It's usually a job for experienced professionals who ensure proper sealing and grouting to prevent water damage and maintain the integrity of the stone.
7. Comfort and Feel
Porcelain Tiles: Porcelain tiles feel cold and hard underfoot, especially in cooler climates. However, you add radiant heating underneath for warmth and comfort, making them cosy during colder seasons.
Natural Stone: Natural stone has a unique texture and warmth that make a space feel inviting and cosy. It's naturally cool to the touch, which is refreshing in warmer climates.
8. Sustainability
Porcelain Tiles: These tiles are considered more environmentally friendly than natural stone because they're made from abundant materials like clay and minerals. Additionally, many manufacturers use recycled materials in their production process, reducing waste and energy consumption.
Natural Stone: While natural stone is a natural resource, its extraction and transportation have a significant environmental impact. However, some companies prioritize sustainable practices, such as responsible quarrying and minimizing carbon emissions, to reduce their ecological footprint.
Conclusion
When it comes to picking between porcelain tiles and natural stone, it's not about one being better than the other—it's about what's best for you. Porcelain tiles are durable, easy to care for, and budget-friendly. Natural stone looks beautiful and adds a touch of nature to your home. By thinking about what you need and like, you choose the flooring that's perfect for you.
You May Also Like:
- Granite vs Porcelain Tiles: Which is the Best Flooring Option?
- Porcelain Tiles vs. Ceramic Tiles: Understanding the Differences
Tile & Sanitaryware Manufacturer
Sunwin Ceramic is a renowned manufacturer of tiles and sanitaryware, recognized for its high-quality products & innovative designs. With a strong presence in the industry, we established ourselves as a leading brand, offering a wide range of ceramic & porcelain tiles and sanitaryware solutions.
