Marble Floor Tile and Wall Tile Buyers Guide
- Get 5 Free Samples
Thinking about purchasing marble tiles? We compiled a list of some of the major considerations
you should take into account prior to making a decision, by creating a marble tile comparison chart
that covers other popular marble floor and wall tile alternatives. Simultaneously, the following comparison chart would help you as well to better understand the advantages and disadvantages of marble tile flooring.
However, since the various characteristics of different tile options cannot be conveyed by words
or images alone, we have also partnered with leading online tile wholesalers, and invite you to
choose up to 5 Free Tile Samples of any type, including marble tile samples.
All samples ship free, and would arrive within 1-2 business days straight to your door.
Obtaining free samples would allow you to really hold down the materials and examine their quality and other attributes (e.g., durability, scratch-resistance, dimensions, feeling of the texture, color matching, etc.) straight from the comfort of your own home. To choose and receive your free samples, simply scroll down to the bottom of the following comparison chart and click on the button in the relevant column.
In addition, you can click here to get a free installation cost estimate for your project.
Comparison Chart: Marble Tile vs. Travertine Tile vs. Porcelain Tile vs. Granite Tile:
| Marble Tile | Travertine Tile | Porcelain Tile | Granite Tile | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Durability | Good durability, considered relatively softer than other natural stone types, and less durable than porcelain. | Being a natural stone, Travertine is extremely durable, more than slate and marble, yet not as durable as porcelain. | According to the tile's specific PEI Rating (between 1-5; higher PEI = more durable). E.g, Class 3 and above suits both residential flooring and wall cladding. Porcelain is part of the ceramic category, yet it is more durable than ceramic since it is produced with a higher density. | Extremely high durability, as granite is one of the hardest natural substances on earth, second only to diamond. |
| What is it made of | Marble is a metamorphic rock formed by exposure to very high temperatures and pressures, which yields a very smooth, refined texture. | A form of limestone that is usually formed at hot mineral springs. | Porcelain is a type of ceramic that is produced with a finer grain clay, and kiln fired at higher temperatures. Porcelain tiles that looks like marble are rendered with advanced HD printing technology. | An igneous rock, the result of liquid magma that has cooled off over millions of years, containing minerals such as quartz that contribute to its high durability. |
| Areas commonly used | Bathrooms, hallways, foyers, modern kitchens, wall cladding. Commonly used in hot and humid areas, as it provides a cool walking surface. | Living spaces, foyers, hallways, entrances. can be used as well for exterior and interior wall cladding. | Floor surfaces (most tiles allow for external installations as well), interior and exterior wall claddings. It is a popular choice for areas prone to moisture such as bathrooms, kitchens, and pool areas. Porcelain tiles with a high PEI ratings can be used as well in commercial settings. | Residential and commercial settings, including kitchens, hallways, interiors, exteriors and wall cladding. |
| Dimensions | Typically 4″x4″ - 24″x24″ | Typically 4″x4″ - 24″x24″ | Typically 6″x6″ - 24″x24″; Porcelain tiles that looks marble usually manufactured in sizes of 12″x24″and 13″x19″. | Typically 12″x12″ - 18″x18″ |
| Thickness | 10mm – 13mm | 10mm – 13mm | Generally 9.5mm (= 3/8″, Industry standard) | 10mm – 13mm |
| Warmth and Feel | Marble tiles is classic and elegant, with a relatively cool feel which is great for hot climates. | Luxurious antique feel; however, as with most hard surfaces such as stone and tiles, feels quite hard and cold underfoot. | Similar to stone flooring, quite hard and cold underfoot compared to options such as vinyl tiles; However, radiant heating can be installed below the tiles. | Warm tones that adds definite character. |
| Cost (material prices) | $2.50 - $15.00 /sq ft | $2.00 - $9.00 /sq ft | $1.00 - $20.00 /sq ft | $2.00 - $9.00 /sq ft |
| Total Cost (with Installaion) | ||||
| Ease of Cleaning | Use a damp mop; clean spills as soon as they happen, natural poultices may be used to remove difficult stains. | Dry dust mopping; when washing is needed, use a pH neutral agent and water. If installed as exterior, rinse with water annually. Stains may be removed with natural poultices. | Easily cleaned with a damp mop. Note that glazed tiles are easier to clean, while unglazed tiles are more slip-resistant. | Similar to marble. |
| Environment friendly | In the sense that marble is not a renewable resource in the short-term, it is not very eco-friendly, However, it's sustainability can save the need to frequently replace it, as opposed to other flooring types. | Fairly eco-friendly; in the long term travertine is a renewable resource; natural and sustainable compared to other materials. | Considered very eco-friendly: Porcelain is made from natural materials and has one of the longest life cycles of any flooring products in the market today. | Similar to marble. |
| Colors and pattern variety | Natural color and pattern variation (popular choices include white, black, crema marfil, green, carrara, calacatta, pink, brown and more). Marble tiles are manufactured in different finishes, such as honed marble (better slip-resistance) and polished marble (more opaque). | Natural colors and patterns; Different finish types: honed, polished, brushed and tumbled (affecting how glossy or rugged the texture is). | Available at a wide range of textures and colors, including tiles that look like marble; Various finish types: matte, polished, and rectified (natural). Glazed porcelain is white with only the surface being colored, while full body porcelain is colored all way through. | Earthy color spectrum, derived from the attributes of the area in which the granite was formed. |
| Ease of DIY Installation | A professional installer with marble experience is recommended. | A professional natural stone installer is recommended. | A professional tile installer is recommended. | A professional installer is recommended. |
| Care and Maintenance | Marble tile can last for a lifetime beautifully when cared properly; Sealing is required periodically, more often if the tile is in frequent contact with water. | Similar care as marble. | Virtually no maintenance required compared to natural stone; No waxing or sealing is required. | Similar care as marble. |
| Fading due to UV exposure | Not remarkably. | No. | No. | Possibly. |
| Climatic Suitability | Suits all climates for indoors use; does not suite outdoors use in extreme cold climate, as marble has a high water absorption rate compared to other stones. | Suits all climates for indoors use; For outdoors use in extreme cold climates - check specific product specs. | Thanks to its high density, Porcelain suits all climates, generally for exterior use as well. | Suits all climates, indoors and outdoors, including extreme cold climates, when installed properly, as granite it is not influenced by freeze-thaw cycles. |
| Pattern repetition | No repetition, each marble tile is unique and impressive since it is a natural stone. | Each tile is unique and impressive. | In the case of Porcelain tile that looks like marble or other natural stones, the pattern may repeat about every 8 tiles. | Each tile is unique and impressive. |
| Scratch and dent resistance | While Marble has the durability of a natural stone, it may still scratch or chip, easier than porcelain, yet it is more resistant compared to other types of flooring (wood, vinyl, etc.) | Sturdy natural stone resistance, however, travertine is the softest among all other natural stones. | Great resistance to scratches. However, porcelain tile may chip as well once a heavy object drops on it. | Granite is probably the most scratch and crack resistant among all other stone tiles. |
| Can it be installed over radiant heat | Yes. | Yes. | Yes. | Yes. |
| Get Free Samples |
Stone Tile can be difficult to install if you're inexperienced with this material. If you're considering hiring stone tile pros for this task, we can instantly connect you with prescreened professional installers in your area.
Get Free Cost Estimates for your Stone Tile Project
Complete the short form below, and you'll get estimates from 4 local stone tile contractors in your area, within a few hours.
With the estimates you receive, you'll see which one will save you the most money, get the job done quickly, and make your new tile look great!
Please note: The above data is provided for general information purposes only. Even though the best efforts were made to ensure its accuracy, such general information can never take into account differences between different products from different manufacturers, nor your unique personal circumstances and needs. It is therefore always recommended to seek advice from a qualified professional and carefully follow the relevant manufacturer's instructions.
