Marble flooring has long been a popular choice when it comes to creating a luxurious and elegant look in your home. Unfortunately, natural marble’s soaring costs and stringent maintenance demands make true marble tiles a prohibitive option for many. However, with the advent of high-quality marble-look floor tiles, homeowners have a compelling alternative at a more accessible price point.
In this post, we’ll compare how marble-look tiles and true marble stand up aesthetically before breaking down the pros and cons of each. If you have any doubts, we invite you to bring your questions about your next home renovation project to the Ceramics International team in Osborne Park.
The Appeal of Marble Flooring
Without a doubt, marble has been a symbol of luxury and sophistication for centuries. Its unique veining patterns and natural beauty make it a timeless choice for flooring, countertops and other architectural elements.
Yet, real marble comes with certain drawbacks that are not immediately obvious and that may not suit every homeowner’s needs or budget. But first, we’ll take an in-depth look at marble-look tiles.
Advantages of Marble-Look Tiles – Comparisons
Marble-look tiles offer a budget-friendly solution that doesn’t compromise on style or quality. Crafted with precision, artistry and attention to detail, porcelain marble-look tiles are a great option for serious renovators in Australia.
Appearance – Do Porcelain Marble-look Tiles Look Cheap?
Thanks to advances in tile manufacturing technology, porcelain marble-look tiles do an amazing job at mimicking the appearance of real marble. The intricate veining patterns that real marble is renowned for can now be replicated to a high degree of detail. Additionally, a range of colours is available that capture the essence of natural stone. To the untrained eye, it’s extremely difficult to tell the difference between marble-look tiles and the real thing.
Visual Comparison
We invite you to compare marble-look tiles and natural marble tiles below. Can you tell which tiles came from the earth and which tiles are marble-look only?
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#1, #3 and #4 are actually affordable marble-look tiles from our instore range. How did you do?
Saving On Cost
One of the most significant advantages of choosing marble-look tiles over real marble is the cost. Marble is an expensive material and the price quickly adds up when covering large areas like floors. Typical candidates for marble floor treatment are kitchens and bathrooms, both of which will quickly inflate a budget. As a trendy material that is difficult to harvest, marble prices will only rise over time. In contrast, marble-look tiles are much more affordable, giving you access to a luxurious look while leaving you more budget for other home renovations.
Durability
Real marble is a soft, porous stone, which means it has tiny holes that can absorb liquids easily. While the conditions which give rise to natural marble formation from limestone contribute to its distinctive appearance, it’s not all positive. These traits make marble prone to scratches, chips and stains, with extra care and maintenance needed to keep it looking its best.
Generally speaking, both natural and artificial marble tend to tolerate heavy foot traffic well. However, when it comes to chipping, repairing damage to marble tiles (or worse – entire replacement) tends to be costly.
On the other hand, marble-look tiles are made from durable porcelain or ceramic, which are purposely made to be highly resistant to wear and tear.
Maintenance
Maintaining real marble floors can be a challenge. As mentioned previously, the porous nature of the stone means it can easily absorb spills and stains. In the case of an emergency spill, marble requires prompt attention and (often) specialised cleaning products.
On the other hand, marble-look tiles are much easier to clean and maintain. They are typically non-porous, allowing spills and stains to be easily wiped away without the risk of permanent damage. We recommend regular sweeping, before mopping with a mild detergent to keep your marble-look tiles looking pristine. In most cases, this will be all of the upkeep required.
Choosing Between Marble and Marble Look Tiles
When deciding between real marble and marble-look tiles, realistically consider your lifestyle, budget and maintenance preferences.
If you have a busy household with children or pets, or if you’re looking for a low-maintenance flooring option, durable marble-look tiles may be the better choice. They will also allow you to make the most of a medium-sized tiling budget. They provide the aesthetic appeal of marble while minimising the maintenance and costs associated with real stone.
Design Ideas and Inspirations
Marble-look tiles can be used in diverse ways to create stunning interior designs. Consider using them in high-traffic areas like entryways, kitchens and bathrooms for a luxurious look that’s built to last.
For a contemporary touch, experiment with hexagonal or large-format marble-look tiles on accent walls. This trendy look has become more prominent recently in hotel rooms and Airbnb’s, leading many travellers to associate it with luxury holidays and high-quality hospitality.
In kitchens, juxtapose sleek, white marble-look tiles with warm wooden cabinetry for a Scandinavian-inspired aesthetic. Mixing and matching different colours and patterns can lead to unique, eye-catching designs. Pairing a marble look with metal finishings gives an industrial chic vibe and is a great fit for spaces where people come to relax.
Conclusion
While real marble will always have its place in high-end luxury design, marble-look tiles offer a compelling alternative for homeowners seeking the beauty of marble without the drawbacks. With their affordability, durability and easy maintenance, marble-look tiles are an excellent choice for those looking to add a touch of sophistication to homes in Western Australia and beyond.
Whether you’re renovating your kitchen, bathroom or any other space, consider the advantages of marble-look tiles and start exploring the possibilities for your next project. We invite you to explore our marble-look tile range online or at our warehouse in Osborne Park. Happy renovating!