Feature | Stone-Look Tiles | Natural Stone |
Appearance | Mimics natural stone with high-definition printing. Available in a wide variety of colours, finishes, and textures. | Unique, natural veining and features. No two pieces look the same. |
Durability | Highly durable, resistant to scratches, chipping, and impact. | Average durability but prone to scratching, chipping, and etching depending on the stone type. |
Maintenance | Low maintenance, easy to clean with basic household cleaners, no special care needed. | High maintenance. Requires frequent sealing, polishing, and stone cleaners. |
Water Resistance | Highly water-resistant. Ideal for wet areas like bathrooms. | Highly porous. Absorbs water and stains. Needs sealing to prevent moisture damage. |
Stain Resistance | Resists stains from rusted metal hardware or chemicals. | Natural stones like marble and travertine can stain easily if not sealed. |
Slip Resistance | Available in anti-skid and matte finishes for more safety. | Some natural stones, like marble, can be slippery, especially when wet. |
Heat Resistance | Highly heat-resistant. Doesn't fade or crack after hot shower baths. | Can withstand heat but may discolour or crack under high temperatures. |
Cost | Lower costs. More affordable material and installation. | Costly. Prices vary by stone type, quality, and rarity. |
Installation | Easier to install. Consistent size, shape, and cutting. Uses standard grouting. | Difficult to install. Needs expert installation, cutting, and reinforcement. |
Weight | Lightweight. Suitable for ceilings, walls, and countertops, and is easier to handle. | Heavy. Needs stronger subfloors and reinforcement. |
Longevity | Long-lasting. Resists wear and tear over time. | May last long, but needs regular maintenance and resealing. |
Eco-Friendliness | Sustainable options, because they are made from natural materials. | Less eco-friendly. Quarrying can harm the environment. |
Customisation | Wide customisation in designs, colours, finishes, and textures. | Limited customisation. Each piece varies naturally and cannot be changed. |
Repairs and Replacement | Easy to replace or repair. | Harder to repair or replace. Variations in natural stone make matching difficult. |
Best Used For | Busy commercial and residential bathrooms. | Bathrooms with less traffic and minimal usage. |
Yes, stone-look tiles are just as durable and often even more durable than natural stone. They offer excellent resistance to stains, scratches, and water, making them ideal for bathroom flooring and walls.
Yes, absolutely! Stone tiles are made using advanced printing technology to mimic the veining, colour, texture, and feel of natural stone. So, they are very successful in delivering a highly realistic and stylish natural stone-finish look in bathrooms.
Yes, stone tiles are significantly easier to maintain compared to natural stone. They do not require sealing and are resistant to stains and moisture. Also, they can be easily cleaned using regular cleaning products — no special care is needed.
Stone tiles are way more affordable than natural stone, both in terms of material and installation. They offer a budget-friendly way to achieve a luxurious bathroom look with stone effects but without the high costs.
Yes, stone tiles are more eco-friendly than natural stone, which is obtained from quarrying. They reduce environmental impact by eliminating quarrying, use less energy in production, and often use recycled materials.
Yes, stone-look tiles are perfect for wet areas like showers. Their non-porous nature resists moisture, stains, and mould. So, they offer exceptional protection and long-term durability even in Indian bathrooms, where the moisture levels are often high.