Renovating the exterior appeal of your house may be incredible, but you can be easily overwhelmed by the numerous choices you will have to make. The flooring may be a difficult decision since it is not easy to change, and there are several factors to consider apart from looks. Moreover, you must enjoy the aesthetic of your new flooring, but you must also consider longevity, usefulness, and security. Natural stone and ceramic are unrivalled in terms of longevity and simplicity of upkeep. So, if you are confused about the distinctions between ceramic and natural stone tiles, this post is for you!
What Is Natural Stone Flooring And Its Types?
Natural stone flooring is tiles carved straight from blocks of stones created by the environment over thousands of years. The most prevalent natural stone tile kinds are mentioned below.
1. Marble
Marble flooring is popular for its high-gloss finish, smooth texture, striking veining, cozy appearance, and traditional look. It is available in various hues, with white marble being the most common.
2. Granite
Regarding durability, granite tile outperforms many natural stone tiles and is the finest flooring for kitchens.
3. Travertine
Hot spring water bubbles via limestone to form travertine. It has a distinct personality, and its appearance makes it an appealing flooring alternative.
4. Quartzite
Quartzite is popular as a material for wall veneers and decorative tiles; however, it has recently become popular as a countertop material. It comprises the look of marble, but it has the low maintenance, efficiency, and durability of granite.
What Is Ceramic Tile And Its Types?
Ceramic tiles are created by hand from natural clay. This clay is fired in a kiln and is often coated with a glaze to safeguard the tiles from humidity and discolouration. Listed below are some of ceramic styles.
1. Glazed Ceramic Tiles
Glazed tiles have a protective surface that may range from glossy to matte. Matte coatings are ideal for natural stone patterns and are suggested in most cases. Glossy ceramic tiles have a sleek surface that gives an area a polished aspect. For wall applications, glossy coatings are recommended.
2. Unglazed Tile
The glaze coating should be added before the tiles are heated if they are to be glazed. The glaze is infused into the tile’s upper layer during this procedure. Unglazed tiles are those that have been burned without a glaze layer.
3. Ceramic Porcelain Tile
Porcelain tile is created by heating clay to temperatures ranging from 1260 to 1315.556 degrees Celsius. For this purpose, porcelain is frequently referred to as a high-fire medium.
The Benefits Of Natural Stone Tiles And Ceramic Tiles
Discover which is the best for your home:
Stone versus Ceramic Tiles Aesthetic Quality
Various design styles may be accentuated with every material based on the appearance you want to achieve:
- Natural Stone Tiles
Natural stone tiles provide a touch of richness to a room. Marble, for instance, has long been linked with a timeless beauty that could transform the appearance of every space. Natural stone tiles may be utilised to make a cosy, rustic design look since the colour and texture possibilities are so different. These tiles also look good in areas that accentuate and appreciate natural features, including plants, water, and wood.
- Ceramic Tile
Ceramic tiles are frequently created to seem like natural stone designs or hardwood floors. Because it is an artificial substance, ceramic is offered in a larger spectrum of hues. It allows you to guarantee that all tiles seem similar in settings where pattern and colour uniformity are needed. Ceramic tile allows for the use of colours and designs that are not generally present in nature.
Durability
Durability is essential in places where ordinary damage is inevitable:
- Natural Stone Tiles
The longevity of natural stone tiles varies based on the stone used. Slate and granite, for instance, are more resistant to regular wear and tear than softer marbles. That is why they are more suited for flooring, particularly in high-traffic areas. Because natural stone tiles could be chipped at the corners and edges with heavy use throughout time, choosing a stone with a rustic character might help accept these flaws.
- Ceramic Tile
Ceramic tiles are available in various hardness levels, referred to as PEI levels, ranging from 1 to 5. For flooring, use a ceramic tile with a PEI value of 3 or above. Ceramic tiles of lesser quality may be utilised for wall cladding and backsplashes.
Maintenance
Ceramic and natural stone both necessitate routine care. Consider the following essential distinctions in preserving the two materials:
- Cleaning Products: Natural stone often necessitates using PH-neutral cleansers or cleaners designed particularly for natural stone coatings. Acidic cleansers must be resisted since they may harm the stone. In contrast, ceramic tiles may be cleaned with a broad range of materials.
- Sealant: Natural stone is permeable and must be polished monthly to avoid moisture damage and stains. Ceramic tiles are frequently made with a durable glaze. To prevent stains, you may be required to put sealant over the grout between ceramic tiles, although unglazed ceramic, like real stone, would necessitate frequent sealant treatments.
Budget
Budgeting is typically a factor in surface material selection. Although ceramic tiles are often less costly, natural stone surfaces may be considered a long-term asset that could boost the market value of your house, mainly if they are put in high-traffic spaces such as bathrooms and kitchens. It is crucial to remember that choices made during manufacturing production, the kind of stone used, and the installation technique may all significantly impact the price of natural stone surfaces. Furthermore, the cost justifies genuine stones’ beautiful, original appearance and sturdiness.
Conclusion
There are various approaches to get the tile floor result you want, as with numerous other aspects of home repair. And there is no apparent victor in the duel of ceramic porcelain tile vs. natural stone tiles. Both kinds of tiles look gorgeous in the proper context, and you must eventually select with your heart. After you make your final selection, consider how you want to use the tile. Select your tile with care, and do not compromise on cleaning and upkeep to keep your flooring looking beautiful for decades.
