When it comes to renovating your home, one of the most crucial elements you need to put your time and attention into is your flooring. They may be among the commonly overlooked aspects of the home, but they play a significant role in your abode’s comfort. On top of that, they also contribute to the overall look and feel of your home.
When it comes to flooring options, marble and porcelain are among the popular choices. If you are considering these two materials, you may think that they are one and the same. However, you should know that they have key differences that can greatly impact your renovation project.
To help you determine the best one for your project, let’s compare marble and porcelain flooring based on the following criteria:
Costs
Generally, marble flooring is relatively more expensive compared to porcelain flooring. However, it’s worth noting that the latter has significantly greater installation costs as it requires special grout.
It also pays to remember that marble is a luxury material. Aside from that, it is heavier and of better quality compared to porcelain. If you are willing to spend a few more bucks for your home improvement project, going with marble is definitely a smart investment.
Durability
Both of these materials are tough and durable. However, porcelain materials can be rated on a PEI scale. Those with a hardness rating of 4 or 5 are the best choices for homes and workplaces where foot traffic is high. A PEI rating of 3 is still a good choice for residential properties as well as commercial spaces with light traffic. Anything below this may not be appropriate for your home anymore.
On the other hand, all types of marble are suitable for all types of foot traffic. This is because the material itself can withstand normal wear and tear and above-average traffic.
Maintenance
Porcelain flooring is usually more resistant to water and stain compared to marble. This is because the material is often glazed.
On the other hand, marble is naturally more porous. Because of this, it can easily soak up stains and become discolored due to acidic liquids. If you are planning to install this material in your kitchen, you will need to seal it regularly to keep unwanted water and stains away.
Another important factor to consider when it comes to maintenance is the material’s resistance to chipping.
You should know that dealing with chipped porcelain tiles can be more stressful than marble. This is because you will need to replace the entire porcelain tile. Considering this, you need to have extra tiles so you can match the replacement tile with the older ones. On the other hand, the latter simply requires spot treatments.
Visual Appeal
Both materials are aesthetically pleasing; they can effectively bring a certain charm and timeless beauty to any home. There are some small details that you will need to be aware of, however, to make the right decision.
First, if you are planning to sell your home in the near future, you should know that marble tends to appeal to homebuyers. They can also help you increase the value of your home so you can get the most out of the sale.
Furthermore, it pays to know that porcelain can be quite hard on the feet and cold to stand on. If you are aiming for beauty and comfort at the same time, you’ll never go wrong with marble flooring.
Conclusion
Getting the material for your flooring right is critical to the success of your home makeover project. It is for this reason that you must study your choices carefully. Knowing the differences between marble and porcelain will put you in the best position to select the one that suits your home best. Ultimately, it will enable you to achieve a truly beautiful and cozy home.
When it comes to residential projects in the Bay Area, Miconi Marble & Tile are the experts to call! We’ll be more than happy to help you select the right tile, stone, or accessories to make your dreams a reality—all you need to do is get in touch with us to get started!
