Marble vs granite vs Vitrified tiiles?

Question

Can someone tell me the advantages and disadvantages of going for Marble/Granite/Vitrified Tiles? I'm not able to decide which one to choose for my new house flooring?

Thanks,

hem

Answer 1

Cost, durability and appearance.

Marble and granite look expensive (because they are). Tiles (whatever they cost) look cheaper. Marble and granite need to be laid professionally to get the best appearance.

Tiles are harder wearing, granite is tough - marble is surprisingly prone to damage - don't spill acids on it - I have seen champagne ruin a marble floor.

If it is a grand house marble would be fine - otherwise it can look pretentious. You might compromises with a limestone floor which looks good but hasn' quite got the funereal association that marble and granite has. Or look at Porcelain type tiles (http://www.porcelanosa-usa.com/faq.asp) - bigger than the usual bathroom and kitchen tiles, more like stone slab sizes.

All would benefit from underfloor heating, but are fashionable alternative to carpet abd timber. You can get very good imitation marble (Amtico) which are vinyl tiles, but they don't wear in quite the same way.

If it was me I would go with the tiles - and a simple plain colour. Jazz it up with good quality Turkey rugs or Persian carpets.

Answer 2

Marble advantages durable and can be re polished after 30 yrs also.Looks very elegant and majesty.Gives a cool effect even in summer days.

Disadvantages highly delicate and maintenance is very difficult.If you use harsh soap also polish will fade.You cannot spill any colors or holi powder which will never get off from the floor unless you polish it again.If you put it in bathrooms salt deposits will be a major trouble.You cannot use acids to clean it.Also expensive.

Granite -same like marble but the stone is more stronger than marble.Also more expensive than marble.

Tiles are depends on which quality you select.Some good vitrified tiles are stronger and easy to maintenance.You can use acid or soap to clean it.It will lasts nearly 20 yrs also.While laying floor you need to careful other wise hollow spaces will be formed and will easily break if you drop something heavy.Tiles give problems only laying is not proper.Tiles got colors and lots of varieties.Cheaper in price compared to other floorings.

you can go for marble/granite/wooden designs according to your theme of the house.

In bathrooms,go for granite colors,little darker and easy to maintain.In living room go for white or cream marble color,which enhances the space.In bedrooms, go for wooden finishing gives a warm feeling.

At last it's upto you according to your budget and taste select your flooring.All the best.

Answer 3

Best price, maintainance & utility : TILES