Marble vs. Porcelain
Marble and porcelain are very different materials. They’re made differently. They feel different and they certainly look different. There are some cool new things being done in porcelain today, such as finishes that look like natural stone or wood planks and a multitude of bold graphic patterned tiles. Here’s the difference between the porcelain and marble.
Porcelain Tile
Porcelain
Porcelain has become the most trendy tile material in the last few years. It’s an extremely durable material which comes in so many different finishes. Porcelain is made from clay, so porcelain tiles are denser than natural stone. This makes porcelain more resistant to stains and allows for easy maintenance. While porcelain is often seen as a cheaper alternative to marble, that’s not always the case. There are new high end marble-look porcelain products out there that are so believable and well done that sometimes they are more expensive than natural stone. Because porcelain’s durability, it does not need to be treated or refinished. The best thing about porcelain other than the minimal maintenance is the wide selection of “looks” available on the market today.
Marble Tile
Marble
Marble has been around for thousands of years. It’s a cool, rich and elegant look that is often associated with high-end homes. As a designer, I gravitate to marble mosaics for kitchen backsplashes and bathroom floors. It’s important to consider that since marble is 100-percent natural, it will require regular maintenance. First, it must be sealed on a regular basis. Usually once a year does the trick. Sealing isn’t difficult and there are many products designed for easy application. You shouldn’t let the maintenance scare you into choosing something you don’t totally love. There is nothing quite like the timeless look of marble. If you’re looking for a high-end look at a more budget-friendly price, try Carrera marble. It’s classic and often in a more forgiving price range. If you want to splurge, there’s a really incredible trend happening now with marble mosaic tile that includes metal and brass inlay. If you really love the look of natural stone, you won’t mind a little extra work now and then.
Both marble and porcelain tiles are great options for any home renovation. Ultimately you have to select your tile based on what speaks to your heart.
-Rebecca Hay
Rebecca will be at the upcoming Toronto Fall Home Show at the Enercare Centre Sept 28 – 30. Don’t miss her on stage Sept. 29 at 3pm. You can purchase tickets to the show by clicking below.
Rebecca Hay, is the Principal Designer of Rebecca Hay Designs Inc. This Toronto award winning boutique design firm for over decade has been offering complete design & renovation services for residential, commercial and vacation properties. Known and celebrated for her design work and appearances on various acclaimed HGTV shows, Rebecca and her team design classic livable spaces that reflect their owner’s personality. Servicing clientele throughout Toronto, the GTA, Canada.
