Upgrading either the interior or exterior of your home requires a material choice that matters. Glazed Porcelain Tiles vs. Natural Stone is a recurring debate between homeowners and designers. There is so much to each, but the choice depends on what is preferred, is in line with your style, and works well. So, let’s go into their features and see how this could help in making up one’s mind.
What Are Glazed Porcelain Tiles?
Glazed porcelain tiles are made of refined clay, which is fired at very high temperatures. Thorough polishing using a diamond disk imparts an exceptionally shiny and smooth texture. The texture is uniform and durable, which is why they stand out in residential and commercial usage.
Variations in the sizes available from the Face-Impex– 300 x 600mm, 600 x 600mm, and 600 x 1200mm. Whether you want to use them for kitchen backsplashes or for living room flooring, they can suit any style.
Benefits of Glazed Porcelain Tiles
Strength:
These tiles are made to stand the test of time. They never scratch, crack or stain; hence making them perfect for areas that have much movement.
Low Maintenance:
It is not hard to clean Glazed Porcelain Tiles. It is easy to keep them looking bright and shiny, requiring only general-purpose cleaning products.
Water Resistance:
Due to their non-porous nature, glazed Porcelain Tiles cannot absorb water, making them ideal for wet areas like bathrooms and kitchens.
Glamour:
They look like Natural Stone at the cost.
Glazed Porcelain Tiles measure 600 x 900mm and 800 x 800mm from Face-Impex, which is budget-friendly without compromise on looks.
What is Natural Stone?
Natural Stone is one of those classic materials taken straight from the natural world. There is marble, granite, and slate to name a few with different designs and textures; with all of them making artificial products pale in comparison.
Natural Stone tiles hold a one-of-a-kind look. No two pieces are exactly alike, giving them great character to your rooms. Having come in popular sizes, homeowners have the flexibility of using it in any design they please.
Benefits of Natural Stone
Unique Aesthetic:
Every Natural Stone tile has its exclusive pattern, so your design becomes unique.
Solid Material:
Granite stones are extremely hard and resistant to abrasion.
Environment Friendly:
As it is a natural element, the carbon footprint of Natural Stone is much lower compared to artificial ones.
Never Goes Out of Style:
It never goes out of style. It increases the value of the property.
On the other hand, it needs to be sealed from stains and may feel cold to walk on during the winter. However, the beauty of Natural Stone is unbeatable.
Glazed Porcelain Tiles vs. Natural Stone: Comparison
Natural Stone is heavier and needs a sturdier subfloor for ideal installation. This is more expensive to work with and more challenging to install. Contrary to that, Glazed Porcelain Tiles are lighter and less straining to install, thus saving labour costs.
The dimensions for Glazed Porcelain Tiles are appropriate for the smaller rooms like 300 x 600mm while the larger ones, such as 1000 x 1000mm, deserve spacious rooms. Such a dimension makes it easier to install them.
Durability
These products are also tough although glazes look non-porous as they resist moisture and stains more perfectly than their counterparts-Natural Stone. They are suitable for use in kitchens and bathrooms.
On the other hand, there is stone, such as granite, which is very scratch-resistant. However, for them to remain beautiful and functional they need regular sealing.
Maintenance
Glazed Porcelain Tiles have a minimal maintenance schedule. They do not need sealing, and common household cleaners can be used to clean them. Natural Stone, on the other hand, is more demanding. It needs constant sealing as well as some specialized products to keep it in excellent condition.
For busy homeowners, Glazed Porcelain Tiles easily come out as the winner because they require hassle-free maintenance.
Environmental Impact
Though the production of Glazed Porcelain Tiles is more eco-friendly compared to quarrying and transporting Natural Stone, Natural Stone tiles are a renewable resource as they would last for several decades. Thus, it proves to be a rather ecologically friendly option in the long run.
Cost Comparison
Natural Stone is more costly because it requires more extraction and transportation and is often harder to apply. These costs accumulate with periodic maintenance.
Glazed Porcelain Tiles are also not expensive, as they are widely available in sizes from Face-Impex like 600 x 900mm and 800 x 800mm and can easily mimic the appearance of Natural Stone at a small fraction of the cost. Porcelain is the savvy, budget-friendly option for homeowners, who are in no way pretentious about style.
Looks
Natural Stone is said to possess great elegance since every piece is unique in pattern and texture. This commodity makes any space even look luxurious. However, the unavailability of certain colours and designs within itself may be too restraining.
Technology has advanced to a degree where Glazed Porcelain Tiles can easily mimic the looks of Natural Stone. They can assure uniformity of design, hence ideal for projects that call for consistency of look.
Moisture Resistance
Water exposure is where Glazed Porcelain Tiles shine. Since they are non-porous, Glazed Porcelain Tiles cannot facilitate water damage or mould growth. Natural Stone, on the other hand, will naturally attract moisture to it, if it is not sealed regularly.
Which One is for You?
Glazed Porcelain Tiles vs. Natural Stone: which one is best for you? The answer will depend solely on your choice:
Choose Natural Stone if you want beautifully unique timeless beauty, even when it does require extra maintenance.
If you are looking for durability, low maintenance, and a cost-effective product, then Glazed Porcelain Tiles are the solution.
Conclusion
While each of them has a good side, Glazed Porcelain Tiles happen to be one of the most sensible alternatives in modern homes. Style, durability, and affordability are found in these tiles, which make them quite popular among homeowners.
Whether you choose the old-world charm of Natural Stone or the sleek allure of Glazed Porcelain Tiles, Face-Impex ensures you avail of only high-end products for your next project.