Tile can often be overlooked when selecting a new flooring type for your home or business, but it’s actually an incredibly versatile option, suitable for many different applications:
Residential tile flooring:
- Tile offers a high level of water resistance, making it ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms
- Being durable and easy to clean and maintain, tile flooring can be a great choice for entryways and hallways
- Even bedrooms and living spaces can be suited to tile floors, especially in warm climates like we have here in Texas, as tile can help maintain a comfortable temperature underfoot. Tile flooring is also a great material for underfloor heating due to its high thermal conductivity, so you can keep the space warm in the winter too!
Commercial tile flooring:
- Being stain-resistant, water-resistant, and easy to clean, tile flooring is a great option for restaurants
- For the same reasons as above, tile is a popular choice for hospitals, dentist offices, and other healthcare facilities
- Tile flooring offers a luxurious aesthetic, which is often desirable in commercial properties like hotels
- Transportation hubs like train stations, airports, and bus terminals can benefit from the durability and easy maintenance of tiled floors
However, there are a few different materials to choose from when selecting tiled flooring for your project, and each one offers unique benefits and drawbacks that may make it more or less suitable for your requirements.
In this blog post, we’ll be comparing porcelain tile vs natural stone.
Pros and cons of porcelain tile flooring
Porcelain tiles are an attractive flooring option, available in numerous colors, patterns, and finishes. Modern porcelain tiles can also mimic other natural materials, like stone, wood, and concrete. They’re very durable, being highly resistant to wear, scratches, and heavy foot traffic, and are also non-porous and resistant to water absorption. With proper care, porcelain tiles can last decades, making them a cost-effective flooring option in the long term.
Despite having water-resistant properties, polished porcelain tiles can become slippery when wet. If planning to install porcelain tiles in a moisture-heavy environment, or an area prone to spills, search for specific slip-resistant porcelain products to ensure maximum safety.
Resistant to fading, porcelain tiles retain their color and finish, even when exposed to frequent sunlight or after heavy use. They’re easy to clean by simply sweeping and mopping, and also have the benefit of a hypoallergenic surface that resists the accumulation of dust, pollen, and mold. Note that while the tiles themselves are easy to clean, the grout lines can become stained and begin wearing away over time, requiring periodic cleaning and sealing to enhance the appearance and longevity of the flooring.
Some other things to consider before choosing porcelain tiles is that they often have a higher upfront cost when compared to materials like laminate or vinyl, but for the purpose of this comparison, it’s worth mentioning that porcelain tiles tend to have a lower price point than natural stone. Installation costs should also be considered, as the material is dense and heavy, requiring professional installation techniques and specialized tools. Due to its weight, additional structural support may be required underneath the tiles.
Porcelain tiles have a hard, solid surface, which provides no cushioning underfoot. If comfort is a priority, tiles may not be the right choice for you. Porcelain can also feel quite cold underfoot, unless paired with underfloor heating. However, as previously mentioned, this can often be seen as a benefit throughout the scorching Texan summers.
Natural stone tile flooring pros and cons
Natural stone tile flooring has a unique aesthetic appeal, offering natural colors, textures, and patterns that differentiate between each tile, adding character and a luxurious, high-end appearance that’s difficult to replicate with other flooring types. With various natural stone materials to choose from, like marble, granite, slate, and limestone, there are plenty of distinct aesthetic options to suit a variety of interiors.
Able to withstand heavy foot traffic when properly maintained, most types of natural stone can last for decades, and some even centuries! Similarly to hardwood flooring, if the tiles get scratched or worn over time, they can be refinished to restore the original appearance. Softer stones like marble and limestone are more prone to scratches and chips than harder stones like granite or slate.
Due to its premium quality and enduring appeal, natural stone floors can significantly increase the resale value of your property, so this is something to consider if you plan on selling up some time in the future. However, the initial investment is large, as natural stone tiles are one of the most expensive flooring materials on the market – plus the installation can be costly too due to its complexity. Similarly to porcelain, you may require additional structural support before installing natural stone tiles.
For those who are more eco-conscious, natural stone tile flooring (as the name suggests) is composed of natural minerals, requiring minimal manufacturing processes compared to synthetic tile types, like porcelain. Due to its natural composition, stone tiles often have textured surfaces which provide a natural slip resistance, but regardless, natural stone tiles can still become slippery when wet. Be aware that the textured surface can be regarded as less comfortable underfoot than smooth tile options.
Unlike porcelain, natural stone tiles are often porous, requiring sealing to prevent staining and water damage. You should regularly reseal the tiles to ensure long-term protection, meaning they require more maintenance than porcelain tiles. Only specific cleaning products should be used on natural stone tiles, as acidic cleaners can etch or discolor certain materials.
The surface of the tiles is often inconsistent, with natural variations in texture and color. This is neither a pro nor a con, as your view on the natural inconsistencies will depend on your personal taste and existing interior design. And again, just like porcelain tiles, natural stone can be cold underfoot, maintaining a comfortable temperature during the warmer months, but potentially needing the support of underfloor heating for the colder seasons.
Which is better - porcelain tile vs natural stone?
There’s no cut and dry answer to which tile type is better. They have plenty of similar qualities but also some key differences. Whichever you choose will entirely depend on the requirements of your property.
Any type of tile flooring should always be installed by a professional. They’re dense and heavy, and may require additional structural support to avoid damaging your property. Specialized tools are required to cut the tiles into size, and having both expertise and precision are big benefits when installing tile flooring.
Looking for tile installation in Texas? Get in contact with our professionals!