When you step into a room, the flooring is often the first thing that catches your eye. Unlike other elements in a living room that can be easily changed, such as decor or furniture, altering the flooring is a far more complex and time-consuming endeavor. Therefore, choosing the right flooring requires careful consideration and thorough research especially when it comes to interior design.
The ongoing debate between vitrified tiles vs marble continues to spark deliberation among homeowners. The dilemma of whether to opt for vitrified floor tiles or marble flooring can leave you feeling uncertain. That's where we come in to provide guidance and assistance in making this important decision!
Vitrified Tiles VS Marble What's better?
Properties
Tiles and marble are quite different. Tiles are made by man and are designed specifically for floors. They're usually made from things like porcelain, clay, or ceramic. There's a type called full-body vitrified tiles that are great because they don't absorb water or other stuff, making them slip resistant and hard to stain. These types of tiles are suitable for bathrooms and kitchens. They're also not affected by things like acids or alkalis, which can harm other types of tiles.
Marble, on the other hand, is a natural stone and can give your rooms a fancy feel if you take good care of it. But marble can easily get discolored by water or other things, and it's sensitive to acids and alkalis, which can damage it.
So, if you want something that's easy to clean and lasts a long time, fully vitrified tiles are a good choice. But if you want a more luxurious look and are willing to put in the effort to keep it nice, marble could be the way to go. It all depends on what you like and what works best for your home.
Durability
Marble is renowned for its enduring strength, making it an excellent choice for long-term flooring solutions. With regular polishing and cleaning, marble floors can withstand the test of time, even though they may develop a slight yellowish tint over the years.
Conversely, tiles undergo a meticulous vitrification process during production, granting them the durability to endure for an extended period.
However, it's crucial to handle vitrified tiles with care. While they may offer reliable service throughout their lifespan, any cracks or damages require complete replacement. In contrast, marble proves to be a more forgiving material, capable of lasting a lifetime with proper maintenance, especially with regular polishing.
Whether you opt for marble or casa stone tiles ultimately depends on your preferences and priorities, each offering distinct advantages for your flooring needs.
Care And Maintenance
Taking care of your floors is super important because they go through a lot every day – from being walked and run on to having stuff thrown and moved around on them. If you want them to stick around for a while, you've got to give them some love. Cleaning and maintaining them regularly is key to keeping them in good shape.
Vitrified tiles are a dream if you're all about perfection. They're tough against water and rough stuff, so you can easily wipe them clean with just water and a soft cloth. Plus, they don't stain easily, so as long as you sweep them regularly, you're good to go.
Marble, on the other hand, needs a bit more TLC because it has high porosity, which means it can soak up water and get damaged by acids or alkalis. To keep your marble floors looking spick and span, you've got to clean them often with warm water and a gentle soap. And don't forget to polish them regularly to maintain that shiny finish. You can either do it yourself or call in a pro to handle it for you.
Varieties
Vitrified tiles are made manually and come in a huge variety of styles, colors, prints, and textures. They can even mimic natural materials like wood, bamboo, or marble. You can choose from glossy finishes, matte finishes, or anti-skid surfaces, and they're great for both indoor and outdoor use.
Marble flooring on the other hand has its own unique character and comes in blocks, slabs, or tiles. You'll find marbles in different natural colors like white, black, green, brown, and gray, and they absorb water differently based on their quality. If you want a shiny surface, polished marble is the way to go. But if you prefer a more rustic look, honed or sanded marble gives a matte finish.
Price
Marble tends to be pricier than vitrified tiles because it's a natural material. The cost of marble flooring can vary based on factors like grade, color, and uniqueness. For instance, Indian marble flooring might set you back around Rs 250 per square foot, covering material, labor, cutting, and polishing. But if you're eyeing Italian marble, be prepared to shell out anywhere between Rs 650 and Rs 1,000 per square foot.
On the other hand, the price of vitrified tile flooring depends more on the style and brand you choose. It typically ranges from about Rs 200 to Rs 300 per square foot, covering the tile, additional materials, and labor costs. Since vitrified tiles are man-made, they're generally more budget-friendly compared to marble.
Timing And Installation Process
Installing marble takes longer and requires more labor compared to vitrified tiles. In most parts of India, marble isn't readily available to ship. You need to place an order first, then wait for the marble to be cut and ground to your specifications. Besides the time it takes to lay marble flooring, additional time is needed for polishing and finishing, extending the overall installation process.
In contrast, vitrified tiles are usually available in stores and ready to ship. Installing flooring in a standard-sized room with vitrified tiles typically takes around 2 working days. These tiles require less setup time and can be used right after installation since they come pre-polished and don't need finishing on-site.
They can also be cut manually, allowing for various patterns and combinations to suit your preferences. Plus, their general thickness of around 10 to 12 mm helps minimize the overall thickness of your floor.
Aesthetic
In today's world of design, aesthetics reign supreme, whether it's the decor, the walls, or the floors. The look of your flooring sets the tone for the impression your guests will have. Therefore, choosing the right style and pattern for your floors is crucial to complement your rooms and overall decor.
Marble has long been a symbol of luxury and sophistication, favored by those seeking a touch of opulence. Its natural beauty, showcased through intricate grain lines and a gleaming polish, exudes a regal aura that speaks of grandeur like nothing else.
On the other hand, modern tiles like vitrified have evolved to offer stunning resistant finishes, ranging from glossy to matte, and boast intricate designs that can add an artistic flair to any space. However, it's important to note that poorly laid grout lines during tile installation can detract from the overall high-quality appearance.
If you're aiming to elevate your home with a touch of royalty, marble flooring remains the ultimate choice. Its timeless elegance and luxurious appeal make a statement that resonates with discerning tastes.
Making the Right Choice
Ultimately, the debate between vitrified tiles vs marble flooring tiles comes down to personal preference, budget, and lifestyle. If you value durability, low maintenance, and affordability, vitrified tiles may be the better option for your home.
On the other hand, if you prioritize aesthetic appeal, luxury, and are willing to invest in maintenance, marble flooring tiles could be the perfect choice to elevate your space.
Before making a decision, consider consulting with a flooring specialist to discuss your needs and explore all available options.
Both marble and vitrified tiles are great options , investing in high-quality materials and professional installation will ensure that your floors not only look beautiful but also stand the test of time.
