Difference Between Tile and Marble

Main difference

The main difference between tile and marble is that a tile is a piece of baked clay or plastic material that is used to cover ceilings, walls or floors. It is used for flooring and marble is a hard, highly polished stone used for sculpture and as a building material.

Tile vs. Marble

Tile is a thin slab or folded piece of painted or painted fired clay used to form one of the units of a floor or roof sheathing. Marble is a metamorphic rock that approaches or is characterized by a change in shape. The word ‘Tile’ derives from the French word ‘ tuile’that is, fired clay. Tiles are made from silicates or clay that are fired at high temperatures. Marble is the natural stone formed by the metamorphic crystallization of limestone that converts calcium carbonate into calcite crystals. All the tiles were the same in the old days, but now with the new technology and machines, the tiles look perfect with the finished finish and good hardness. Marble is made up of recrystallized carbonate minerals. One problem with marble stone is that it is a porous stone so it can stain. The tiles are very hard but break easily. An expert is required to cut them. Marble is a very fine natural stone that is cut and polished in a factory. Tiles are especially used to cover ceilings, floors, walls or other items like kitchen shelves or a table top. Marble flooring is a high-class flooring that is used exclusively in places of worship such as temples, churches, mosques, etc., and in public buildings that have rich specifications. The tiles are available in many forms, such as terracotta, marble tiles, etc. quarry, porcelain and even glass. Marble also comes in a wide range of shades and colors resulting from the geological process that formed the stone. porcelain and even glass. Marble also comes in a wide range of shades and colors resulting from the geological process that formed the stone. porcelain and even glass. Marble also comes in a wide range of shades and colors resulting from the geological process that formed the stone.

Comparison chart

slabs Marble
Thin slab or folded piece of painted or painted fired clay A naturally occurring metamorphic rock
Installation / repair process
Short Long
Weight
Lighter Heavier
cost
Cheap Expensive
Texture
non porous Porous

What is tile?

A tile is the precast units of cement, ceramic, concrete or terrazzo. It is manufactured in various thicknesses and shapes, such as polygonal, square, etc. Tiles come in glazed and unglazed forms. They usually have some pattern printed on their surface to mimic the look of natural stone. The color and appearance of the tiles are carefully controlled during the manufacturing process, resulting in a wide variety of product. Tiles are more suitable for demanding applications such as flooring. They are non-porous, so they are likely to absorb moisture and not stain. Tiles always play an important role in interior decoration. Ceramic tiles are preferred today for home decoration as it is more effective and gives a beautiful effect to the room. All tiles vary in type and cost. It’s a bit tricky to choose the right tile for the right place, from thousands of colors and designs. Some of the tile varieties are ceramic tiles, metal tiles, mosaic tiles, vitrified tiles, digital tiles, stone tiles, and solar tiles. Tiles are relatively easy to clean and maintain. Cleaning and dusting regularly is enough to keep the tiles sparkling clean. Tiles are relatively easy to clean and maintain. Cleaning and dusting regularly is enough to keep the tiles sparkling clean. Tiles are relatively easy to clean and maintain. Cleaning and dusting regularly is enough to keep the tiles sparkling clean.

Tile floor characteristics

  • do not require any polishing
  • non-absorbent.
  • very durable, extremely tough and hard to break
  • comes in a variety of options
  • pleasant appearance
  • Easy and quick to install
  • requires less and easy maintenance
  • easily repairable
  • expensive in fee and maintenance
  • very slippery when wet

What is marble?

Marble is a naturally occurring metamorphic rock that approaches or is characterized by change in shape. Marble floors are of a very high class and are commonly used in places of worship such as temples, churches, mosques, etc. The size of the marble slabs on the floors depends on the pattern that is adopted. Normal marble slabs are square or rectangular, and their thickness ranges from 20mm to 40mm. Marble is porous, absorbs water and stains easily. Marble is generally not suitable for outdoor spaces as weather and contaminants tend to wear down the surface. Marble floors are the best choice for interior areas such as hallways, foyers, and bedrooms. Polished marble surfaces tend to be slippery when used in bathrooms. Marble floors are typically the symbol of luxury and opulence. The shine of the polished stone and its beautiful natural appearance add to the aesthetic appeal. Marble is a product of nature, so there can be big differences between different batches of the same stone. It is so heavy that a lot of manpower is required to carry and fix it. The different types of marble are Carrara marble, Murphy marble, Yule marble, Vermont marble, Etowah marble, Creole marble, Connemara marble, Purbeck marble.

Characteristics of the marble floor

  • very durable and can last for years
  • heavy stone and can bear heavy loads on it
  • Very smooth finish with luminous shine.
  • scratch and fire resistant
  • easy to clean
  • Environmentally friendly.
  • Installation and replacement process is difficult
  • requires a high degree of maintenance
  • very slippery when wet

Key differences

  1. Marble is a natural stone, while tiles are made from white clay and then polished.
  2. Marble is more expensive. On the contrary, tiles are less expensive.
  3. Tiles are especially used to cover ceilings, floors and walls, while marble is mainly used for floors, but marble tiles are also used for walls.
  4. Marble is porous and easy to stain; on the other hand; the tile is non-porous; hence, do not give stains.
  5. Marble is heavier and more difficult to load and install on the other side tile is less heavy and easier to install and repair.
  6. The marble installation process is difficult and long, and the tile installation process is shorter and easier.

Final Thought

Marble and tiles are mainly used in flooring and house decoration, including walls, slabs, and shelves. Marble is a natural material, while the tiles are self-made. Both have different qualities, advantages and disadvantages.

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