Natural stone, such as granite, marble, quartz, limestone, etc., has often been the choice of architects and homeowners alike. Natural stones are valued for their strength and aesthetics.
However, with changing times, granite tiles are gaining popularity and are set to slowly surpass the popularity of natural granite due to their easy cleaning and maintenance. This gives rise to a popular debate – granite vs. vitrified tiles, which is a better option?
Read on to know the differences between the two and weigh the pros and cons before making a choice.
We keep hearing about vitrified tiles, but what are vitrified tiles?
To put it simply, vitrified tiles are tiles manufactured using a mix of clay, quartz, feldspar, silica, and water. This mix is then pressed down into tiles and baked at high temperature. What sets them apart? Well, this process creates a vitreous surface and gives the tile body a compact and single mass – making these tiles hard with minimal pores.
Vitrified tiles are available in a variety of colours, sizes, designs, and finishes for you to choose from. This ensures that these tiles work with all kinds of colour and design schemes. These tiles are also easy to clean and do not require regular maintenance processes such as polishing or sealing.
What Are Vitrified Tiles?
Watch this video to know more about the process of manufacturing vitrified tiles.
Granite: What, why, and How?
Now that we have covered vitrified tiles, let us now have a closer look at granite.
Granite is a naturally occurring stone that is extracted from quarries for various purposes. It is an igneous rock that is made of feldspar, quartz, and mica. The ratio of the minerals changes significantly, providing granite with different textures, colours, and strengths. Granite is available in various naturally occuring colours such as speckled granite, green, grey, black, white, etc. As it is a naturally occurring stone, no two pieces of granite are alike.
While granite is largely resistant to scratches, it can still develop scratches and stains. Granite, as compared to vitrified tiles, is more porous. It also requires polishing at regular intervals to keep it looking shiny.
If you want the look and grandeur of granite with the added benefits of vitrified tiles, then Granalt Tiles can be the best option for you. Designed to mimic the natural elegance of granite, Granalt Tiles are vitrified tiles that come with all the benefits of vitrified tiles including a multitude of designs and colours, less maintenance, ease of cleaning, and a lot more!
Here are some of the places where you can use Granalt tiles to replace granite:
Some of the most prominent places where you can use Granalt Tiles include living rooms, bathrooms, bedrooms, hospitals, bathrooms, bars, restaurants, and lots more.
Granalt tiles can be used as kitchen, bathroom, bar, and other countertops for a rich and decadent look. For instance, here the dark tile with golden specs has been used as a tabletop for added elegance and has been balanced by the use of light grey tiles to uplift the dark countertop.
Granalt tiles can also be used as wall cladding for a variety of spaces and as an accent wall too. For instance, here these white tiles have been used as wall tiles to create a contrasting element with the darker floor tiles, giving the living room a dramatic look.
These stunning brown tiles can be used as floor tiles or even countertops for your kitchen. Thanks to their alluring brown colour, these tiles add a warm glow to any space they are added to, creating an inviting environment.
While vitrified tiles and granite share a lot of properties and features, if you want to enjoy the benefits of granite without damaging nature or without ripping a huge hole in your pocket, Orientbell Tiles’ Granalt Tiles are perhaps the best option for you.
Vitrified Tiles vs. Granite Flooring: Price
When it comes to renovating your floor, money is very important. Vitrified tiles are priced lower than granite flooring which makes them more affordable; the cost of vitrified tiles varies depending on their thickness, size and pattern, unlike the fixed price of granite. They can bring huge money savings when dealing with bigger areas. On the other hand, granite is particularly expensive since they are sourced naturally and collecting it from the pit is very time-consuming. Using granite tiles for floor varieties will indeed give that wow factor if you want a luxury look and are willing to put in money. When making the final choice, remember that the price difference between granite and tile materials is not just based on factors such as installation costs and ongoing maintenance requirements (resealing or polishing for granite).
Vitrified Tiles Vs. Granite Flooring: Pros And Cons
Pros
Vitrified Tiles:
The benefits of vitrified tiles include value for money since strength and durability are combined with water resistance. It’s versatile and has many designs and finishes to suit several tastes. It’s easy to clean and maintain, making it practical for most uses.
Granite Flooring:
Granite flooring is one of the most robust tiles, and it can pass the test of time with absolute durability. Its unique organic attractiveness adds a touch of luxury and indulgence to any setting improving the overall surroundings.
Cons
Vitrified Tiles:
Unless it is with an anti-slip finish it can be slippery when wet and might not feel as luxurious as granite.
Granite Flooring:
Between granite vs tiles, granite is more expensive and needs to be sealed for waterproofing. It becomes slippery when wet unless they have a textured finish. The tiles are heavier, which increases installation costs. Additionally, occasional resealing and polishing may be necessary.
Looking to give a new look to your residential or commercial space? Look no further than the Orientbell Tiles website. Not only can you shop online, but our easy-to-use tool Trialook also gives you the chance to try out the tiles in the space using just a photograph!
FAQs
Which is better, vitrified tiles or granite?
Your choice between tiles vs granite flooring will depend on what you are willing to spend and what you like. Vitrified tiles are low cost, easy to care for, and have numerous designs that can suit any taste. However, granite presents an ageless appearance and sturdiness.
Which is good for health: granite or tiles?
Granite and vitrified tiles usually are healthy. They are pest-free and easy to maintain. However, granite would normally require sealants that have Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs).
Which is costlier tiles or granite?
Depending on the kind of material and installation difficulty, granite floor tiles will always be more expensive than vitrified tiles because it is a premium resource from the earth.
What are the differences in cleaning and upkeep between granite and vitrified tiles?
Proper routine dusting and cleaning would make it easier to maintain granite and vitrified tiles. On the other hand, unlike vitrified tiles that do not need sealing again to maintain their waterproof nature, granite requires periodic resealing to be kept water-proof.
Can vitrified tiles replicate the natural look of granite effectively?
Even though they might lack the sophistication of the original stone’s elaborate vein patterns, granite-like vitrified tiles provide an exceptionally real appearance. However, such flooring options are more affordable and long-lasting; hence, they present a practical answer in terms of visuals.
Mannika Mitra brings a wealth of experience to her role as Digital Content and Marketing Manager at Orientbell Tiles, having been associated with the company for the past 5 years. With a total of 12 years in the industry, Mannika holds an Arts degree from Delhi University and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication. Her journey has seen her excel as a digital producer at esteemed news agencies like ANI, NDTV, and Hindustan Times.
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