Tiles. Porcelain or Marble???

Question

Saw some lovely tiles for sunroom today. One lot is Porcelain and the other Marble. Which is most hard wearing? I would have to wait 6-8 weeks for delivery of the marble, would it be worth waiting for or would the sunroom be just as nice with the porcelain. Both tiles look very similar to each other so quality would probably sway my judgement.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

Answer 1

It depends on what you do in your sunroom. Marble does not do well in areas that have water or moisture present. Even a potted plant that could leak on it could cause a water ring which is a pain to remove from marble. It stains easily, becomes dull easily and is high maintenance. That is the beauty of porceline tiles. Many of the new designs resemble marble without the care. They are sealed against staining, can be easily mopped clean and do not need the high maintenance that marble requires. Marble certainly has a natural beauty that is difficult to replicate however, if the care doesn't bother you.

Answer 2

This will be a choice depending on the room, location of the room (close to outside door), and even the amount of walking use in that room (such as bare feet or slippers). Granite, marble, ceramic tiles, etc.. with a shine will require specialized type of cleaning (granite & marble) to keep it nice. You also would not want it close to an outside door that may have mini rocks/gravel tracking inside to scratch it. All these floorings can be cool to cold to bare feet unless have heated coils under the flooring. Also, you may have to insist that shoes are immediately removed after coming from the outside and get into a never outside slipper and a runner on the walk way. These floors would give an excellent resale value on your home. To avoid scratches and long life, get the large tiles that do not have a high gloss. Hardwood floors with an area rug is great for bedroom, living room, den, dining room, hall, etc.. and utilize some form of tile for kitchen and bath or perhaps dining room. Only you will know what you like, want, desire and the use that floor will have. It is still your decision of what you prefer.

Answer 3

Porcelain, porcelain, a thousand times porcelain! Marble should be outlawed with the exception of one piece in the kitchen for rolling pastry dough! It literally sucks up dirt, is easily discolored, and is a very weak stone which will break very easily.

Answer 4

For a maintenance-free floor...go for the Porcelain!! Marble needs to be sealed regularly. It is porous and it can stain if it is not sealed. Porcelain your best bet, if it is a pretty tile.

Answer 5

Listen to what has been said about marble, it's sound advise. You can seal marble but its still a job of work to upkeep.

Answer 6

you don't say what the floor of you sun room is made of ..if its wood ..you would have to put down ply first ..and fix either tiles or marble with flexible adhesive and grout ..i would fix marble ..its a much cooler material

Answer 7

If you can afford marble then you should definitely buy that!

It's very hard wearing and posh too!

Answer 8

me.... i would prefer marble b/c porcelain stains easy

Answer 9

I would go for marble.its not porous so easier to clean and keep germ free.