Both marble and tile have their own advantages and disadvantages. All these extend more or less to various types of these two materials that are available in the market. But is the one better than the other? Well, it could be, depending upon which particular case are we considering. The best option is to always list all the pros and cons of both the materials, and then to try to find out, the types of condition in which they are more suitable.
Marble
Marble is basically a material that is quarried from mountains all around the world. It could vary depending upon its origin and later processing. Throughout the history, it has been preferred for its exquisite beauty and the ease with which it can be carved into different structures. However, when talking about marble as a flooring material, we have to be particular. So, let’s take a look at the various advantages and disadvantages of marble flooring.
Advantages of Marble Flooring
·        Look
Marble has a timeless aesthetic appeal, which has wonderfully stood the test of time. Especially when you take up something like Italian Marble, you can rest assured that it’d look exquisite.
·        Durable
The durability of marble goes with its timelessness. This is evident in various centuries old marble monuments that we see at present. It also has a high load bearing capacity.
·        Scratch Resistant
Marble is highly scratch resistant. You don’t have to worry about your toddler ruining your marble flooring.
Disadvantages of Marble Flooring
·        Requires Maintenance
If you want to keep the shine of your marble flooring intact, you’d have to polish it frequently, as it not only tends to lose its shine, it could even become yellowish. In addition, you also have to preserve it from acidic materials.
·        Requires Sealants
Since marble tends to be porous, it easily absorbs liquid and could easily lose its shine in case you are not careful. To avoid this, you’d have to use sealants.
·        Not easy to use
Marble is heavy and not easy to move or to transport. It generally requires heavy labour.
Tiles
Unlike marbles, tiles can be made up of a wide variety of material. In fact, you could even get marble-effect tiles if you look for them. Various materials that could be used to manufacture tiles include metal, quartz, clay, and stone. So, unlike marble flooring, you have a broader choice here.
Advantages of Tile Flooring
·        Water Resistant
Nobody ever wonders why we see tiles in most of the bathrooms. It’s obvious that they are water-resistant. Moisture and heat generally don’t affect it thanks to the proactive layer on top of it.
·        Durable
Tiles, once they are set, don’t crack easily. Even if they do under enormous weight, you don’t have to replace the entire portion, just a single tile (provided you have it with you).
·        Cost
As already explained, tiles come in a very broad range. So, if you want to buy something affordable, you are sure to find plenty of exciting options.
Disadvantages of Tile Flooring
·        Hard Surface
While the hardness of tiles might help in making it more durable, it could also make it uncomfortable to stand on. It is not good for places where one tends to stand for a long period of time.
·        Gets Dirty Easily
Most of the tiles tend to have joints, which could gather dust over time, thus making them more liable to getting dirty.
The Verdict
Considering their high variability along with lower cost, tiles would be ideal in most of the cases, especially in bathroom and kitchen. Marble, however, has an exquisite charm unique to itself, and if that’s what you want, there’s nothing that can replace it.
Article Submitted By Community Writer
