Natural Stone, Ceramic Tile or Porcelain: What is The Difference?

When it comes to flooring, there is a wide range of options varying in durability, style, and materials used. If you are shopping for new flooring, the process can seem overwhelming. In the end, your final decision should be based on your budget, your flooring needs, and the style you like best. Precision Flooring Services is here to take a closer look at natural stone, ceramic tile, and porcelain tile to help make your decision a little easier. That way, you can purchase a flooring material that can stand the test of time —and look fabulous for decades.

Natural Stone For Floors

There’s nothing more elegant and long-lasting than natural stone tile flooring. Since the beginning of time, builders have utilized the earth’s strongest materials to assemble some of the most beautiful structures on earth—and many have remained standing for centuries. Natural stone comes in a wide variety of textures and colors to match any architectural style or business aesthetic. Thanks to its abundant supply and regal look, natural stone tile is a solid choice for a variety of applications. Some popular types of natural stone tile include:

• Granite
• Limestone
• Marble
• Sandstone
• Slate
• Travertine

Although natural stone tiles may be on the higher end when it comes to cost, it’s well worth the price. This luxurious and low-maintenance flooring material will remain elegant for decades—with little attention and cleanup needed.
Clearly, our ancestors knew what they were doing when they continued to use natural stone for building structures.

Ceramic Tiles

Ceramic tiles are an affordable alternative to stone tile flooring without having to sacrifice quality and aesthetic appeal.
Ceramic tiles can be made from red or white clay that’s been molded and fired in a kiln.
Most ceramic tile on the market has been glazed, which provides a protective coating that makes the tile waterproof and stain-resistant. This is crucial for tiles that will see a lot of foot traffic.
If you purchase unglazed ceramic tile, most manufacturers recommend that it be glazed right after installation.
Unglazed tile is extremely susceptible to stains and water damage, which can significantly reduce its lifespan and look.
Once a protective coating has been applied, ceramic tile is an easy-to-clean, long-lasting, and budget-friendly choice for a variety of floor applications.

Porcelain Tiles

Porcelain tiles are modern, hardy, and incredibly versatile.
The material’s hard surface is scratch-resistant and durable, making it an excellent choice for any flooring application, but it really shines in high-traffic areas.
In addition to its exceptional durability, porcelain tile is available in a wide range of colors and styles from Precision Flooring Services.
It’s easy to find porcelain tile that matches your building’s aesthetic and your own personal preferences.
In fact, porcelain tile can even be designed to mimic other materials, including granite, hardwood, limestone, slate, and virtually any other design you can imagine.
Cleaning porcelain tiles is a breeze, and they’re relatively maintenance-free for your business.

See How We Can Help Your Business Today

Is your business on the market for a new flooring solution?
Precision Flooring Services serves businesses and property investors throughout the Metro DC area and Northern Virginia.
Named the “Best of Alexandria” in 2022, our business is committed to providing professional flooring services that help businesses look great and function successfully.
We handle everything from professional design consultations and professional floor installation to the removal of your old, worn-out flooring. Whether you’re looking for stone tile flooring, ceramic, or porcelain tile, we’re happy to help you select and install the perfect flooring for your business needs.
Contact our team to request a quote on your flooring installation today.