stone vs ceramic tile: discover your perfect match
by clé tile | published: May 07, 2024
clé carrara 1x3.75" herringbone. design: becki owens / photo: rebekah westover
you’re looking to tile your walls or floors, but you can’t decide between stone and ceramic tile. (we can relate.) while they are two very different tile materials, both have advantages when it comes to durability, maintenance, and — of course — aesthetics.
it’ll probably come as no surprise when we say that neither material is inherently better than the other. instead, which you choose largely depends on where you’re installing it and what you’re looking for.
we’ll explore the ins and outs of both tile materials in this article, from look and feel to cleaning and longevity, so you can decide which option best suits your space.
stone tile vs ceramic tile
even if you’ve never given it much thought, you probably already know the key difference between stone tile and ceramic tile.
stone, of course, is a natural material that’s quarried from the earth. every stone is precious because it has taken millions of years to make. ceramic, on the other hand, is formed from clay, fired in a kiln, and (often) finished with a glaze before being fired once more.
this fundamental difference has a number of implications for stone and ceramic tile. let’s discuss.
durability and longevity
if longevity is your top priority, natural stone tiles are hard to beat. marble, slate, limestone, and travertine tile will last for many years and can even be refinished to restore a fresher look. (that said, we’re ones to embrace the beautiful patina stone acquires with time.)
ceramic tile is durable as well, but keep in mind that any glaze can be prone to cracks and chips over time, especially when exposed to sharp or heavy objects. ceramic isn’t always suitable for floor installations, either (but more on that later).
characteristics and benefits
stone is a naturally porous material, so it needs sealing and regular resealing in order to protect it from stains and excess moisture. ceramic is typically glazed, which eliminates the need to seal the surface of the tile.
there are unglazed ceramic tile options, such as those found in our porcelain watermark collection. porcelain tile is a subset of ceramic tile that’s made from finer clay and fired at higher temperatures, making the tile extremely durable and virtually nonporous. if you love the durability of stone tile and the consistency that comes with ceramic, porcelain could be a solid choice.
installation and application
we’ve seen stone tile grace just about every surface in every room. that includes marble shower walls, limestone entryway floors, slate fireplace surrounds, travertine kitchen backsplashes, and mixed-stone living room floors. while we always recommend checking a tile’s technical specifications, it’s safe to say that stone has exceptional versatility (as long as it is installed by an experienced contractor).
ceramic tile is a natural fit for shower, bathroom, and kitchen walls due to its impressive water resistance. its glossy surface also makes it blessedly easy to clean, which many people appreciate in these areas. because many ceramic tile options have a glossy glaze finish (which has little slip resistance) you’re less likely to have it installed on an interior floor.
the one exception here is porcelain penny rounds. their smaller size allows for increased traction thanks to more grouting.
cleaning and maintenance
as we alluded to above, cleaning and maintenance looks a little different for stone and ceramic tile.
stone tile is generally sealed upon installation and then resealed regularly to protect it from staining and water exposure. (you can, alternatively, choose to reseal less often and embrace the changes in your tile’s appearance.) ceramic tile may be sealed upon installation but does not need the same level of regular resealing — except for the surrounding grout.
with both types of tile, a common sense approach to everyday cleaning and maintenance is best. always address spills as quickly as possible, and opt for a gentle, ph-neutral cleaner with a soft scrubber.
aesthetics
if you want a natural look that’s also unique, stone tile is an easy choice. no two tiles are exactly alike, and each nods to its storied past with its unique texture and appearance. (just picture the dramatic veins of some types of marble.) stone tends to lend an air of luxury as well, especially if it has a lightly polished honed finish.
ceramic tile is an excellent choice for those who value consistency and a more seamless appearance. it’s available in a vast array of colors, from classic white to hand-dipped jewel tones. it may be glossy or matter, as well, depending on which finish you prefer.
pros and cons of stone tiles
here are some pros and cons to consider with natural stone tile.
pros
natural stone tile is exceptionally durable and often rated for use on floors and walls alike. it can even be used in wet and high-traffic areas. while stone does need a tlc in terms of regular sealing, it can be refinished down the road should you ever want to restore its former appearance.
cons
stone develops a patina as it ages, and some people prefer for their tiles to maintain the same look over time. if you’re not a patina person or don’t want to have your tiles resealed, stone tile may not be ideal for you.
pros and cons of ceramic tiles
on the flipside, here are some pros and cons of ceramic tiles.
pros
many people appreciate the consistent look of ceramic tiles, along with how easy glazed ceramic tiles are to clean. if you want a less-fuss backsplash or shower wall, ceramic would be your dream tile.
cons
not all ceramic tiles are suitable for installation on floors, so keep that in mind as you choose tile for any floor (especially a high-traffic floor).
floor: white dolomite 24x24"; wall: strata linea five inch bundle
how to choose between stone and ceramic tile
as with any tile decision, the best choice for you ultimately comes down to your own goals and preferences. what aesthetic are you going for, and what do you expect in terms of maintenance? in addition, where are you planning to install the tile?
tile placement and environment
for flooring or walls in high-moisture areas like bathrooms, glazed ceramic tile is water-resistant and easy to clean due to its smooth surface. stone tile is also water-resistant and non porous when sealed properly. for kitchens and entryways with heavy foot traffic, durable stone tiles like limestone, slate, and travertine hold up well. in bedrooms and living rooms, either stone or ceramic tile can be suitable, depending on the specific tile.
foot traffic and usage
if the area will see heavy foot traffic or activity, stone tiles are probably your best bet. they are less prone to cracks and scratches and can be refinished down the road. ceramic tiles are not always rated for floors that will see frequent use. for wall applications, however, ceramic tile remains a popular choice.
style preferences and design goals
from a style perspective, both stone and ceramic tile come in a wide range of colors, textures, and patterns. natural stone tile provides an earthy, organic, and often luxurious feel that many people love. ceramic tile may offer more options if you're looking for bright colors or consistency. consider your overall interior design style and the look you want to achieve.
in the end, stone and ceramic tile are both excellent choices to consider. evaluate how and where the tile will be used, and choose the option that best fits your needs, lifestyle, and personal style. with proper installation and maintenance, tile of either type can last for many years in your home.