The Look of Marble, The Benefits of Porcelain
There is no doubt that marble floors and countertops lend an elegant look to any home. However, the costs of marble are often prohibitive for many homeowners. Additionally, traditional marble has other drawbacks, including discoloration and sensitivity to corrosive liquids. Enter a new generation of porcelain tile that mimics the look of marble without its natural disadvantages. Let’s examine more ways that porcelain tile is the better choice for you, even if you’re looking for the grandeur of marble.
Marble Isn’t Perfect
Marble is mined from mountains around the world and is often considered the height of luxury. However, over time it was discovered that marble didn’t necessarily withstand prolonged use. Marble was easily discolored, for instance, when used in countertops and flooring. Accordingly, if you dye your hair in a marble shower, chances are the hair dye will be absorbed by and discolor the marble.
Other disadvantages of marble include:
- Added Costs: Marble is heavy, making it costly to ship. Additionally, marble often needs to be specially treated for in-home use. Everything from the finish on a marble countertop to the edging to the installation can significantly increase costs.
- Decreased Durability: While marble kitchen countertops look amazing, they are actually very susceptible to acid like that found in common foods, such as tomatoes and lemons.
Why Porcelain Is Better
New manufacturing techniques have allowed porcelain tile makers to mimic the look of marble without the above disadvantages. Here are five of the best marble-lookalike porcelain tiles:
- Carrara Pietra
- Marfil Pietra
- Ice Aria
- Calacatta Pietra
- Statuario
Porcelain Offers More Options
The other benefit of these porcelain tiles is the number of options available. Different tile sizes make it easier to create countertops, floors, or backsplashes. Additionally, larger tiles mean there are fewer grout lines, which leads to less scrubbing.
See For Yourself From the Comfort of Your Home
To get a closer look at these different porcelain tile types, contact Go Mobile Flooring today. We are happy to bring our mobile showroom to your Tampa area neighborhood. We also serve Pinellas and Pasco Counties, Clearwater, Brandon, South Tampa, New Tampa, Wesley Chapel and Land O’ Lakes.
