Why choose natural stone tiles and what difference does that make for the tile fitting?

Natural stone tiling has enduring appeal. Its continued demand is seen in commercial and residential properties, often favoured for its durability and design. But its unique appearance and natural composition comes with its own set of unique challenges.

Here, we weigh up natural stone tiling in comparison to ceramic or porcelain and look at the specialist skill of natural stone tile fitting.

What materials are natural stone tiles made from?

There are many natural stones that tiles can be made from, but most commonly it’s marble, slate, granite and limestone.

Natural stone tiles are made from rock quarried directly from the ground and cut into large slabs before being cut into smaller tile pieces and polished.

What are the different characteristics of natural stone tiles and how do they differ from ceramic or porcelain tiles?

By design, the differences between the products stem from their composition. Any natural stone tile is quarried or excavated as a material which is then cut to size and polished to reveal and enhance its natural beauty.

Manufactured tiles on the other hand may mimic the appearance of natural stone, creating “marble-effect tiles” for example, but their composition means it’s a completely different material.

Appearance

The natural, classic or more rustic aesthetic of natural stones like marble or slate makes them perfect for creating a timeless look. Careful and skilled installation enhances the unique characteristics of the stone. And with time, the appearance can change, creating a desirable patina.

Ceramic or porcelain, although sometimes mimicking natural stone, tend to lend themselves to current trends because of the variety of colours and designs on offer.

Durability

Any stone surface can be susceptible to cracking or chipping if something is dropped on it, but generally speaking, natural tiles are incredibly long lasting and resistant to scratches. In fact, they age well; their natural appearance means that general wear and tear may change their appearance but not deteriorate it.

Manufactured tiles have similar susceptibilities such as cracking, chipping, wear and tear to varying degrees, but this varies depending on whether it’s porcelain or ceramic, glazed or unglazed, and how well it’s installed.

What are the pros and cons of natural stone tiles?

Looking specifically at natural stone tiles, such as marble or slate, there are many reasons to choose them over a manufactured tile. However, it’s useful to balance that with points to consider so that you can make an informed choice to suit the location and budget.

Pros of natural stone tiles

  • Unique natural appearance
  • Durability
  • Age well
  • Hold their value

Cons of natural stone tiles

  • Lack of uniformity
  • Specialist installation
  • Ongoing maintenance
  • Initial cost

Tile fitters specialising in natural stone tiling

The unique characteristics of natural stone tiling require specialist installation skills.

A natural stone tile fitter will understand:

  • The unique qualities and characteristics of natural stone and how they differ from ceramic or porcelain tiles
  • How to enhance the natural characteristics through careful tile selection
  • How to use tools, materials and methods to achieve a high-quality finish on natural stone whilst overcoming the challenges of the material and its unevenness

The continued desirability of natural stone tiling means that tilers who have the necessary skills to specialise in this area may be sought out. When investing in quality materials like marble or slate tiles for a build, there'll be a natural tendency to seek out a professional tile fitter or specialist natural stone tile fitter to bring the best out of the material and ensure its long-lasting finish.

Are you a tile fitter looking to specialise in natural stone? The Able Skills Natural Stone Tiling Course will teach you how to tile and finish tumbled marble and slate.