Natural Stone vs Porcelain Tiles
ALL ABOUT NATURAL STONE VS PORCELAIN TILES
Porcelain tiles are ideal for homes with children and pets because they are remarkably easy to maintain. Natural stone is great if you have pets but is not always ideal for families with young children or seniors because the stone is often uneven which can lead to tripping.
ALL ABOUT PORCELAIN TILES
Porcelain tile is highly durable and resistant to stains which makes it an ideal choice. It is long-lasting and stands up to pet nails and other forms of wear and tear. It is far less porous than natural stone which makes it highly water-resistant. If a spill occurs, you can easily wipe it up without worrying about the liquid sinking into the tile.
Many people pick porcelain tiles for kitchens, laundry rooms, countertops, bathrooms, and other areas that require high endurance flooring choices. The tiles are about 30 percent harder than other tiles, but the hardness makes cutting a challenge. Also, the denser material makes the tiles heavier than other types.
Porcelain tiles are available in a wide range of styles. There are even ones that mimic the appearance of real stone and woods.
PICKING NATURAL STONE TILES
Natural stone tiles are available in a wide range of materials such as granite, limestone, sandstone, marble, quartz, travertine, onyx, and slate. Stone tiles are bold and durable. They also conduct warmth well which makes them a great choice for radiant heating systems. You can choose from a variety of styles, patterns, and textures.
There are cons to natural stone tiles. You will need to seal the stones because they are far more porous than porcelain tiles which makes them susceptible to stains. Also, polished stone tiles scratch easily. They are difficult to polish and require frequent cleaning agents. Despite the drawbacks, many people are just naturally drawn to natural stone tiles even though they are not always considered an ethical or sustainable choice.
