Conceptualizing a stunning interior requires significant deliberation and understanding for incorporation of elements that elevates and upgrades the outlook of the place. A seamless blend of high-end natural stones coupled with great furnishings and décor creates an eclectic fusion. A logical ideation backed by a conscious selection of interior design elements is the key to transforming an ordinary place into a luxurious abode. Therefore, choosing between tiles and marbles is a difficult choice especially for the ones who opt for perfection with elegance.
Both tiles and marble come in an infinite range of options and vary from one another in terms of properties, composition, variety, aesthetics and strength, etc. However, the key difference between both is; Tile is a piece of baked clay used in covering roofs, walls or floors. It is also a similar piece of plastic material used for covering floors. Marble is a kind of hard, usually highly polished stone, used for sculpture and as building material.
Following is the difference between tiles and marbles which will help you select the best for your home.
| Category | Tiles | Marbles |
| Description | Tile is a piece of baked clay which can be used in roofs or walls. It is a small piece of plastic material that can also be used for covering floors. | Marbles are a kind of hard, polished stones that are used for sculpture and also as building materials. They can also be used for both interior & exterior applications. |
| Origin of the word | Tile has been derived from a french word “tuile” which is also derived from a Latin word “tegula” that means a “roof tile composed of fired clay.” | Marble has been derived from the Latin word “marmor” from a Greek word “marmaros” that means “shining stone.” |
| Finishing | Available in both glazed and unglazed options. | Typically comes in polished, tumbled and honed options. |
| Flooring | Considered as one of the cheapest flooring options. | Considered as one of the most costly materials to use for flooring. |
| Appearance | More suitable for harsher applications. Generally used for roofs, floors, walls or table countertops. | A beautiful elegant natural stone that gives a sophisticated & stylish look to any space that in turn increases the richness of the space. |
| Types | Ceramic tiles, metal tiles, mosaic tiles, digital tiles, etc. | Carrara marble, Calacatta marble, Sugar Beige marble, Bottochino marble, etc. |
Let us also discuss the pros and cons of both marbles and tiles when used for flooring purposes.
Advantages of marble flooring:
- Durable & can last for ages.
- Has a very smooth finish and when polished, it gives a luminous shine.
- Scratch resistant as well as fire-resistant.
- Eco-friendly
- Very easy to clean and maintain.
Disadvantages of marble flooring:
- Time consuming installation and requires skilled technicians and labourers.
- A bit slippery when wet.
- Heavier as compared to tiles.
- Difficult to replace or change once installed.
Advantages of tile flooring:
- Non-absorbent
- Durable and difficult to crack.
- Requires less maintenance
- Eco-friendly
Disadvantages of tile flooring:
- Expensive both for installation as well as maintenance.
- Very slippery when wet.
Another major difference between the two materials is the formation and composition. As marble is a natural stone it bears a number of characteristics that makes it unique, distinct and more popular over tiles. Marble is a hard-crystalline metamorphic form of limestone that entails greater strength and toughness as compared to tiles. Marble is unquestionably a better investment than tiles.