Porcelain Tile Vs. Marble
- Porcelain tiles are ceramic pieces made of a finer clay and heated at higher temperatures. They're more dense than traditional ceramic tile and are resistant to staining and spills. Marble is a natural stone product that comes in a variety of colors, mainly toward the lighter end of the spectrum. White, beige and brown are common colors, but deeper colors such as black and blue are also available. Marble is prone to staining and may require occasional professional cleaning. Kitchen marble must be resealed about every nine months.
- A wide range can exist between the cost of porcelain tile and marble. Porcelain tile starts at the low cost of $3 per square foot, but can go up to $30 a square foot for high end materials, while installation can range between $2 to $15 a square foot as of 2011. Marble costs $9 to $20 per square foot for materials and labor, as of 2010.
- To clean porcelain you must rinse the floor with water first. Mix a mild cleaning solution with water to mop the floor. Dry the floor with a clean rag. Marble floors are easy to clean. Simply wipe up any spills or spots with a wet rag, or spot mop the surface.