It may seem like a trivial matter, but choosing the correct tile for your home is often a loaded and overwhelming decision. What color do you want your tiles to be? How much wear and tear will it have to endure? How will they set the tone for the rest of your home?
As two of the best file flooring options out there, marble and granite tile flooring each have their differences, their positives, and their negatives. And to make the right choice, you need to know those differences.
To help you make the best decision for you and your home, here’s a lowdown on everything you need to know about marble vs. granite tile flooring.
Durability
As solid, natural stone materials, both granite and marble offer great durability and are heat resistant. However, one does prevail.
Granite is an igneous rock made up of grains of compressed quartz, feldspar, mica, and similar materials. This makes it harder and more durable than marble. Granite can endure scratching and intense cleaning better than other tiles.
Marble, on the other hand, is a metamorphic rock created from limestone that has endured intense pressure and heat due to tectonic shifting in the Earth’s crust. Since marble is made of calcite crystals (which is a salt of calcium), marble is prone to fading, scratching, and staining.
This is something to consider in terms of how much wear and tear your tiles will face, especially if you are trying to choose tile flooring that best suits your kitchen.
Cost
In terms of the cost of marble vs. granite, granite slabs are generally slightly cheaper than marble. However, this depends on the quality of the stone and the size of the tiles.
Keep in mind that due to the heaviness of both stones, you will have to factor in costs for tile floor installation.
Appearance
When it comes to the difference in appearance between marble and granite, deciding which looks better is subjective. After all, beauty is in the eye of the tile holder.
Granite includes specks of different colors, so granite tiles can include a variety of different shades. The color variation comes across as freckling throughout the stone because granite has melded flecks of stones in it like feldspar, mica, and amphibole. In contrast, marble has a consistent appearance in terms of color. The different shades of color give the impression of veins running through the tiles.
While they may vary in look, both marble and granite are gorgeous options for tiles in your home.
Choosing Between Marble vs. Granite Tiles
Choosing between granite and marble tiles depends on your personal preference. Each stone has unique qualities that make each ideal for different parts of your home. And, luckily, both tiles are suitable for Southeast Wisconsin and northern Illinois aesthetics.
If you’re still undecided, don’t hesitate to get in contact with us. We’d love to hear from you and give you our personal opinion. And know that no matter which option you go for, you’re going to have rock-hard tiles that are a great investment for your home.
