Shop The Look: Moonstone Gray Imperiale 12x24 Marble Tile
In this blog post, you’ll find several beautiful natural stone tile options and their porcelain lookalikes. We’ll also discuss the differences between natural stone and porcelain, as well as their pros, cons, and upkeep requirements. Whether you’re ready to invest in natural stone or prefer a less expensive home renovation project, these tiles are perfect for a variety of applications.
Scroll to the bottom of this post for a special discount code to save on tile samples!
-
Porcelain Vs. Natural Stone
Porcelain is a type of ceramic made from extremely fine clay that’s fired under high pressure in a high-temperature kiln. It’s a dense material that, as tile, has a hard, glazed surface.
Meanwhile, natural stone refers to a variety of natural materials that are quarried from the earth. A few examples include slate, marble, onyx, granite, sandstone, travertine, and limestone.
Shop The Look: Calacatta Aureo 12x24 Marble Tile and Alpine White 24x48 Porcelain Tile
Benefits and Drawbacks
Porcelain and natural stone each come with their own benefits and drawbacks.
Advantages of porcelain tile include the following:
-
Mimics the look of natural stone at a lower price point
-
Low-maintenance (no need for sealing) and durable
-
Wide variety of size and shape options
-
Less prone to cracks, chips, and dents
-
More resistant to moisture and stains
-
Versatile
Meanwhile, natural stone tile comes with the following advantages:
-
One-of-a-kind natural beauty
-
Timeless elegance
-
Has a high ROI
-
Eco-friendly and sustainable
Of course, it’s crucial to also consider the drawbacks of these materials before making your decision.
Shop The Look: Vanilla Onyx Cross-Cut 12x12 Field Tile and Cielo Blanco 21x21 Porcelain Tile
Porcelain is:
-
Hard and cold underfoot
-
Doesn’t add as much value to your home as natural stone
Natural stone is:
-
Expensive
-
High-maintenance (requires regular resealing)
-
Not intended for DIY installation - it’s recommended to hire a pro
-
More prone to chips and scratches
Suitable Applications
Different materials are best used for different applications. Porcelain tends to be a go-to choice for a wide variety of projects. It can be used indoors and outdoors, as well as in both residential and commercial settings. It’s great for floors, walls, showers, pools, and backsplashes and can be used in rooms that are prone to moisture, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms. However, it may not be suitable for industrial applications.
Shop The Look: Raven Noir 18x18 Marble Tile and Fortaleza Black Marquina 48x48 Porcelain Tile
Natural stone tile is best used indoors on floors, walls, countertops, and backsplashes. While it can be used in most showers, it requires regular sealing to keep mold and mildew at bay. It should not be used in steam showers or wood-burning fireplaces, as it’s likely to become discolored over time in these locations. Outdoor applications should generally be avoided, especially with softer, porous types of stone.
Upkeep
Porcelain and natural stone tile both have plenty of longevity when they are properly installed and cared for.
As far as maintenance goes, porcelain requires regular vacuuming or sweeping and mopping. Abrasive chemicals, such as bleach and ammonia, should be avoided. Steer clear of brushes with hard bristles, as well as steel wool, because they can damage the surface of the tile. Grout should be replaced as needed, typically every eight to 16 years.
Shop The Look: Luna Bianco 5” Hexagon Tile and Milano Statuary White 8x9 Hexagon Porcelain Tile
Natural stone tile should be cleaned with pH-neutral products. Products that contain dyes or colors shouldn’t be used, as they can stain the tile. Acid-based cleaners should be avoided for the same reason.
Again, avoid steel wool and brushes with hard bristles. In addition, natural stone tile must be sealed after installation and resealed regularly–in some cases, as often as once a year. Grout should be replaced as needed.
Sometimes, natural stone tile will develop powdery white stains. These are crystalline salt deposits called efflorescence. A nylon scraper and vacuum can remove them, but if they recur, it’s likely that you’re dealing with an underlying moisture problem that must be addressed.
Find Natural Stone, Porcelain, and More at Tilezz.com
Shop The Look: Black Basalt 12x24 Chiseled Tile and Ember Gray 12x24 Ceramic Tile
Whether you prefer natural stone, porcelain, glass, or luxury vinyl, Tilezz.com has an amazing selection with a wide range of tiles in various sizes, colors, shapes, and patterns. Start your next home improvement project today by checking out our product range. If you need more interior design inspiration or DIY installation help, our blog is the perfect place to look. And for even more Tilezz.com content, follow us on Pinterest!
Discount Code
It can be challenging to pick between several flooring options without seeing how they look in your space, but we can make it easier! Just use code XJF6RNZY5BJJ to get 30% off when you purchase four or more samples.
Please note that this code does not apply to full-size tiles and can only be used with samples.
Suggested Reading
Brown Tile Recommendations Inspired by Mocha Mousse, the Pantone Color of the Year