Choosing tiles for your home isn’t just about picking something that looks beautiful. It’s about finding a surface that suits your lifestyle, stands up to daily use, and performs in the space you put it in; whether that’s a busy kitchen, a luxury bathroom, or an outdoor patio.

One of the most common dilemmas homeowners face is deciding between the timeless appeal of natural stone tiles and the modern performance of porcelain tiles that look like stone. In this guide, we’ll explain the differences, pros and cons, and things you really need to watch out for.

What Are Natural Stone Tiles?

Natural stone tiles are exactly what they sound like: tiles cut directly from quarried stone. Because they’re formed by nature over thousands of years, no two pieces are ever identical. Popular types of natural stone include:

• Marble: Elegant veining and a polished finish.
• Travertine: Subtle, earthy warmth.
• Limestone: Soft tones and a classic feel.
• Slate: Textured and rustic.
• Terracotta: Rich, warm colours with handmade character.

For an easy cheat-sheet on types of Natural Stone and their suitability, please scroll to the bottom of the page. 

Important Consideration:
Some stones are highly porous. For example, terracotta tiles naturally absorb moisture unless they are meticulously sealed and maintained, which makes them unsuitable for wet areas like showers or pool surrounds. Likewise, polished marble can be slippery, particularly if polished and wet, and limestone may stain if it’s not sealed.

What Are Porcelain "Effect" Stone Tiles?

Porcelain tiles are made from refined clay fired at extremely high temperatures. Thanks to technological advances like HD inkjet printing and 3D moulding, they can mimic natural stone so convincingly that you might not tell the difference.

Today’s best porcelain tiles replicate:

• Colour variations
• Subtle veining
• Tumbled edges and texture
  
• Engineered Slip Ratings - more information on slip ratings and what they mean can be found here.

Because porcelain is denser, less porous, and more durable than natural tiles and ceramics, it’s particularly well suited to high-traffic areas, wet rooms, and outdoors.

What are the Pros and Cons

Natural Stone Tiles

Pros:

• Unique, natural beauty that can’t be exactly replicated
• Adds value and prestige to your property
• Ages beautifully when cared for
• Excellent with underfloor heating

Cons:

• Porous stones can absorb water and stain
• Requires sealing and careful maintenance
• Generally more expensive
• Some stones can be slippery or softer

Porcelain Effect Stone Tiles

Pros:

• Extremely durable and scratch-resistant
• Fully water-resistant; perfect for bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor areas
• No sealing required
• Consistent appearance across batches
• Excellent for underfloor heating
• Often more cost-effective
• Modern textures can look and feel almost identical to stone

Cons:

• Doesn’t have the same intrinsic uniqueness
• Can feel colder or less “organic” to some homeowners

Important Considerations for Ceramic Tiles

Many people assume all tiles are as hard-wearing as porcelain, but standard ceramic tiles have some limitations:

• Softer, more porous core: Ceramic tiles are more prone to chipping, especially if something heavy is dropped.
• Water can penetrate if glaze is damaged: Unlike porcelain, standard ceramics are not vitrified, so moisture absorption is higher.
• Sensitive to harsh chemicals: Acidic cleaners, bleach, or ammonia can damage the glaze and cause discoloration.
• Not always suitable for floors or wet areas: Always check if the tile is rated for floor traffic and water exposure.
  

Underfloor Heating Compatibility

Both natural stone and porcelain tiles work extremely well over underfloor heating systems because they conduct heat efficiently. If you plan to install heated floors, always:

• Use the correct flexible adhesive
• Allow for movement joints
• Follow the heating ramp-up schedule after installation
  

Cleaning and Maintenance

We have a guide for cleaning your tiles and recommended products here.

Natural Stone:

• Requires sealing before and after grouting, then resealing periodically.
• Clean only with pH-neutral stone cleaners.
• Avoid acids, vinegar, or bleach.

Porcelain:

• Does not require sealing.
• Easy to clean with mild detergents.
• More resistant to stains and scratches.

Standard Ceramic:

• May require more caution with cleaning chemicals.
• Can stain or dull if glaze is damaged.
  

Natural Stone Cheat Sheet

Disclaimer

This guide provides general information. Tile performance, suitability, and maintenance requirements vary by manufacturer and product line. Always discuss with a representative if you are unsure or need help deciding.