When choosing new tile for your floor, there are lots of products on the market. Beyond appearance there are other important features to think about like durability, ongoing maintenance, and regular cleaning. Marble and porcelain tile are two popular materials and both can be used in your next flooring project. In the sections below, we will explain the differences between them.

Costs

Porcelain tiles cost on average between $3 and $5 per square foot for materials and between $5 and $10 per square foot for installation. Tiles cannot be installed directly onto a wooden subfloor ¹ and may need cement backer boards installed at a cost of $4 to $7 per square foot. Expect average total costs to be between $8 and $15 dollars per square foot installed.

Marble tile is typically more expensive and cost on average between $5 and $15 per square foot for materials and installation averages between $4 and $9 per square foot. These tiles are especially prone to breaking so plan to buy between 10%–20% more than needed. Expect average total costs to be between $9 and $24 dollars per square foot installed.

Regardless of the tile choice, the shape of the floor, pattern or complexity of the design, and the size of the tiles will determine installation cost. Projects that require more detailed work or cutting of the tile will be more expensive. If the installation requires detailed work, expect costs to be 15% – 20% more.

Best Use

Marble tiles are not recommended for humid or wet areas like kitchens, bathrooms, or basements because marble will absorb moisture, which can lead to warping, dulling, and deterioration over time. Due to its polished finish, marble can be very slippery when wet.

Porcelain tile is extremely durable making it an excellent choice for areas with lots of traffic. Grout ³ used in porcelain tile installations in bathrooms, kitchens, and other damp or humid areas will need to be sealed to prevent damage and mold growth because grout ³ can absorb moisture.

Maintenance

As marble is a natural stone product, it is porous, meaning it has tiny holes, requiring a surface sealant to prevent permanent stains. After the initial installation and sealing, it’s recommended that you reseal your marble tile every six to twelve months depending on how much foot traffic it gets. Mild acids found in the kitchen – like vinegar or lemon juice – can cause problems to the finish. Depending on the type of stain, specialized cleaning products may be necessary. Marble tile is also susceptible to chips, cracks, and breakage and can be scratched by vacuuming.

Porcelain tile is manufactured from clay and fired in a kiln, making it very hard and durable. It is moisture- and stain-resistant and easy to clean. While the tiles are durable, the mortar ² and grout ³ used for installation is more vulnerable to moisture and requires a surface sealant in order to prevent water absorption. If the grout ³ or mortar ² does get wet, it can compromise the flooring or lead to the growth of mold.

Radiant Floor Heating

Both marble and porcelain tile flooring can be installed over radiant floors ⁵, which is a roll-out mat set in thin concrete before the tile is installed.

Remodeling Terms Cheat Sheet

¹ Subfloor: The bottom-most layer of a floor, supported by joists, over which finished flooring material is laid

² Mortar: A mixture of Portland cement or lime or a combination of both, sand, and water used to bind bricks, stones, and concrete masonry units together

³ Grout: A fluid form of cement used to seal the joints between tiles. It also makes the surface stronger because it bonds the tiles together

⁴ Sanding: Process of removing the top surface of a material, such as wood, using sandpaper and/or a specialized sanding machine (for large surface areas)

⁵ Radiant floors: A heating system using tubes or electric wires installed underneath the flooring