Marble Effect Tiles

Porcelain tiles are generally tougher than marble. While marble’s a natural beauty, it’s a softer, more porous stone that can scratch and stain if you’re not careful. Porcelain, on the other hand, is fired at high temperatures, to make it dense, durable and ready for whatever life throws at it. If you’ve got a busy home and want peace of mind, porcelain’s the safer bet.

In most cases, yes. Porcelain will cost you less than natural marble, not just up front, but over time too. Real marble needs sealing, regular maintenance and specialist cleaning, which all adds up. Porcelain gives you the same luxe look without the added hassle or expense, so it’s a great way to get that high-end feel on a more down-to-earth budget.

Marble is a quarried natural stone, each piece formed over thousands of years. It’s beautiful, but it needs a bit more care. Porcelain, on the other hand, is man-made and designed to replicate the natural patterns while being practical. They are non-porous, easy to clean and more resistant to everyday wear and tear. You still get that luxurious, high-end look, just without the high maintenance routine.

Yes, marble is naturally more porous than porcelain, which is why it needs regular sealing to keep it protected. Porcelain is much denser with a tough surface, so it doesn’t absorb moisture in the same way. The only exception is polished porcelain, which should be sealed during installation, as the polishing process during manufacturing does slightly open the surface.