skip to main content
SEATING EVENT
0
Your shopping cart is empty.
Sign In
Join as a Pro
History of Houzz
GET IDEAS
PHOTOS
Kitchen & DiningKitchenDining RoomPantryGreat RoomBreakfast Nook
Bed & BathBathroomPowder RoomBedroomStorage & ClosetBaby & Kids
LivingLiving RoomFamily RoomSunroom
OutdoorLandscapePatioDeckPoolBackyardPorchExteriorOutdoor KitchenFront YardDrivewayPoolhouse
WalkwaysStaircaseEntryHall
Bar & WineHome BarWine Cellar
UtilityLaundryGarageMudroom
More RoomsGame RoomHome OfficeBasementCraftLibraryGym
Popular Design IdeasKitchen BacksplashFirepit
FireplaceDeck RailingPergolaPrivacy FenceSmall Closet
MAGAZINE
Stories and GuidesPopular StoriesRenovation Cost Guides
DISCUSSIONS
Get AdviceDesign DilemmasBefore & After
HOUZZ TV
HOUZZ RESEARCH
FIND PROFESSIONALS
PROFESSIONALS
DesignArchitects & Building DesignersKitchen & Bathroom DesignersInterior Designers & DecoratorsDesign-Build FirmsLighting Designers & Suppliers
RemodelingKitchen & Bathroom RemodelersGeneral ContractorsHome BuildersTile & Countertop ContractorsMasonry & Concrete ContractorsExterior & Siding ContractorsStair & Railing ContractorsFireplace Contractors
RenovationCarpentersCabinetry & Cabinet MakersFlooring ContractorsWindow ContractorsDoor ContractorsGlass & Shower Door ContractorsCarpet Contractors
OutdoorLandscape Architects & DesignersLandscape ContractorsDeck & Patio BuildersFence ContractorsDriveway & Paving ContractorsSwimming Pool BuildersHot Tub & Spa Dealers
ServicesPaintersRoofing & Gutter ContractorsOrganizers & Closet DesignersHome StagersGarage Door ServicesWindow Treatment ServicesPaint & Wall Covering Dealers
Appliances & SystemsAppliance Sales & ServicesHVAC ContractorsHome Theater & AutomationOutdoor Lighting & AV SpecialistsSolar Energy Contractors
All ProfessionalsAll ServicesFor Professionals
SHOP BY DEPARTMENT
KITCHEN & DINING
Kitchen & Dining FurnitureSinks & FaucetsKitchen AppliancesTabletopCabinets & StorageKnobs & PullsKitchen LightingTileCookware & BakewareTools & GadgetsView All
FURNITURE
Living RoomKitchen & DiningHome OfficeOutdoorBedroomStorageBathroomView All
BATH
Bathroom VanitiesShowersBathtubsBathroom LightingFaucetsBathroom SinksTileBath AccessoriesBath LinensMedicine CabinetsView All
DECOR
RugsMirrorsWall DecorDecorative AccentsArtworkPillows & ThrowsHoliday DecorView All
BEDROOM
Beds & HeadboardsBeddingDressersNightstandsBenchesBedroom DecorLampsCloset StorageFutonsChaisesView All
HOME IMPROVEMENT
HardwareTileBathroom FixturesKitchen FixturesHeating & CoolingBuilding MaterialsTools & EquipmentView All
LIVING
Coffee & Accent TablesRugsSofas & SectionalsArmchairs & Accent ChairsTV Stand & Media StorageHome DecorLampsArtworkBookcasesFireplaces & AccessoriesView All
OUTDOOR
Patio FurnitureOutdoor DecorOutdoor LightingPool & SpaLawn & GardenOutdoor StructuresOutdoor CookingView All
LIGHTING
ChandeliersPendant LightsFlush-MountsBathroom & VanityWall SconcesCeiling FansTable LampsFloor LampsKitchen & CabinetOutdoor LightingView All
MORE
Storage & OrganizationHome OfficeBaby & KidsHome BarCleaning & LaundryPet SuppliesHoliday DecorView All
Looking for the perfect gift? Send a Houzz Gift Card!
SALE
ON SALE - UP TO 75% OFF
Bathroom VanitiesChandeliersBar StoolsPendant LightsRugsLiving Room ChairsDining Room FurnitureWall LightingCoffee TablesSide & End TablesHome Office FurnitureSofasBedroom FurnitureLampsMirrors

Natural Marble Tiles vs Marble Slabs: Which Is Better?

Still not sure whether to go for small marble tiles or big marble slabs for your home decor? Seek answers in this guide

Pooja Khanna Tyagi
Pooja Khanna TyagiMarch 4, 2021
Houzz India Contributor. An Architect , Interior Designer, Valuer, a Marathon Runner, and love Writing Poetry and Creative Stories on Building Design. Have been practicing since the year 2000 with specialization in the field of Corporate Interiors with projects extensively published in journals of national repute. Recently honoured with the reputed A3 Foundation award for Journalism for the year 2016 an for architectural poetry in the year 2018. Currently practicing and residing in Delhi and Noida. Website: www.khannaenterprise.com, Email: poojakhanna224@gmail.com, M:9891993392
More
Print
Embed
Facebook
Twitter
Email
Natural marble has emerged as a popular flooring, wall cladding and countertop material because of its timeless appeal, which never goes out of style. Marble is quarried in the form of large blocks and is then cut into uniform sizes of slabs and tiles, which are extensively used for different applications. We compare the strength, durability, ease of maintenance and other factors regarding the installation of marble slabs and marble tiles, so that you can decide which is the right way to go.
Martha Franco Architecture & Design
1. What is the difference between marble slabs and marble tiles?
  • Marble slabs are thicker and weigh more than natural marble tiles. Italian marble has a thickness of 18–20 millimetres, while Indian marble can go up to 30 millimetres. Pre-polished ready-to-fix marble tiles have a thickness of 10–12 millimetres.
  • Since marble slabs are thicker, they are much stronger and more durable than the thinner marble tiles. Make a note that Indian marble tiles are comparatively stronger than Italian marble tiles.
Check out stone and tile suppliers on Houzz
Pfuner Design - Miami Interior Designers
2. How do marble slabs and marble tiles differ in their appearance?
  • Marble slabs have distinctive bold veins and are available in large sizes, which means there are very few joint lines and the same type of grain covers a large surface area, providing consistency.
  • Marble tiles are smaller in size, with no uniformity in the grain patterns. The small size results in extra joint lines, depending on the size of the marble tiles, and a more mixed and varied appearance over an area.
Tip: The installation of marble slabs should always be done by a skilled marble contractor. Faulty installation will result in breakage of the marble slab.

How to Choose the Right Marble for Your Floor
Robert Kaner Interior Design
3. Which are easier to maintain – marble slabs or marble tiles?

Since marble slabs and tiles are both made of the same material, there is little difference in the ease of maintenance.
  • Marble is highly porous and susceptible to stains caused by acidic substances such as vinegar, fruit juices, wine and vinegar. Therefore, both marble slabs and marble tiles will require periodic sealing with impregnating sealers that create a protective barrier which prevents staining.
  • The routine cleaning of marble slabs and marble tiles involves cleaning with a mild detergent solution or a professional marble-cleaning liquid. To avoid discolouring and corrosion of the smooth marble surface, do not use acidic cleaning agents and harsh scrubbers.
  • Marble slabs and marble tiles tend to lose their lustre over a period of time. It is essential to periodically polish the marble after a span of five years so that it can retain its shine.
4. Which are the best areas of installation for marble slabs and marble tiles?
  • Premium marble slabs with inherent grain patterns look beautiful in areas such as the entrance lobby, a spacious living room or as a feature wall that ensures maximum visibility.
  • If the building structure is not designed to take the load of marble slabs, especially if it is an old building, then go for marble tiles as they are lighter in weight.
In this example, check out the trending style of book-matching marble where the adjoining surfaces of marble slabs mirror each other and give the impression of an open book.
Laura U Interior Design
  • Consider marble tiles for creating interesting flooring patterns. In this image, marble tiles have been used to create a herringbone flooring pattern.
Tip: If you love the beauty of natural marble but want an easy-to-maintain surface, then go for engineered quartz, which imitates the natural look of marble. Engineered quartz is very easy to clean and maintain, and is resistant to stains and scratches.
Yellow Door Architects
5. Are marble-look tiles better than natural marble tiles?
  • You can opt for factory-made marble-look porcelain, vitrified and ceramic tiles which simulate the look of different types of marble. Marble-look tiles are much better than natural marble tiles because they are strong, durable and easy to maintain.
  • Unlike natural marble tiles, vitrified and porcelain tiles do not require periodic sealing and polishing.
  • Marble-look tiles are also available in both small and large sizes, which result in fewer joint lines and give the space a visually bigger look.
  • Another advantage is that marble-look tiles have uniform grain patterns and each tile looks alike, while no two tiles of natural marble look alike.
  • Marble-look tiles are comparatively cheaper than natural marble tiles.
Find tile installation services on Houzz
Tracery Professional Builders, Inc.
6. What are the costs of marble slabs and marble tiles?
  • The starting price for good-quality marble slabs is around ₹120 per square foot. Italian marble is available at prices starting from ₹350 per square foot onwards, as in the year 2021.
  • Good-quality marble tiles start at ₹80 per square foot onwards.
  • Marble-look porcelain and vitrified tiles start at ₹75 per square foot.
Read more:
Indian Marble vs Italian Marble: Which Is Better?
How to Use Marble in 9 Unconventional Ways

Tell us:
Do you prefer marble slabs or marble tiles for the decor of your home and why? Share your views in Comments below.
Print
Embed
Facebook
Twitter
Email
See one comment
Read Related Stories
9 Green Paint Colors to Consider for Your Kitchen9 Green Paint Colors to Consider for Your Kitchen
By Jennifer Ott·18
Color Palettes
6 Kitchen Sink Trends for 20216 Kitchen Sink Trends for 2021
By Becky Harris·13
Kitchen Sinks
3 Kitchen Makeovers Where Walls Came Down3 Kitchen Makeovers Where Walls Came Down
By Bryan Anthony·22
Before and Afters
Bathroom of the Week: Streamlined Layout With a Soothing Spa FeelBathroom of the Week: Streamlined Layout With a Soothing Spa Feel
By Jeannie Matteucci·11
Bathroom Makeovers
Houzz Tour: Fresh White Update Makes a Bright Family HomeHouzz Tour: Fresh White Update Makes a Bright Family Home
By Nora Burba Trulsson·57
Before and Afters
Houzz Tour: Making the Most of 700 Square Feet in New YorkHouzz Tour: Making the Most of 700 Square Feet in New York
By Becky Harris·39
Eclectic Homes
Kitchen of the Week: Fresh Cabin Charm for a Minnesota Lake HouseKitchen of the Week: Fresh Cabin Charm for a Minnesota Lake House
By Becky Harris·62
Kitchen Design
Houzz Tour: Dramatic Before-and-After TransformationHouzz Tour: Dramatic Before-and-After Transformation
By Becky Harris·33
Contemporary Homes
8 Trends in New Kitchen Faucets for 20218 Trends in New Kitchen Faucets for 2021
By Becky Harris·25
Trending Now
The 10 Most Popular Patios and Decks of 2020The 10 Most Popular Patios and Decks of 2020
By Annie Thornton·5
Trending Now
The 10 Most Popular Living Rooms of 2020The 10 Most Popular Living Rooms of 2020
By Erin Carlyle·39
Trending Now
New Looks for Engineered Countertops and Other SurfacesNew Looks for Engineered Countertops and Other Surfaces
By Mitchell Parker·16
Materials
5 Ways to Push the Envelope With Color and Pattern5 Ways to Push the Envelope With Color and Pattern
By Sabrina Alfin·22
Decorating Guides
5 Outdoor Ideas From the Most Popular Patios So Far in 20215 Outdoor Ideas From the Most Popular Patios So Far in 2021
By Annie Thornton·6
Trending Now
Houzz Tour: Boomerang-Shaped House With Spectacular ViewsHouzz Tour: Boomerang-Shaped House With Spectacular Views
By Becky Harris·31
Modern Homes
Sponsored
Ark Woodworking
34 Reviews
NOVA's Local Supplier of Fine Cabinetry | Best of Houzz 2016-2018
People who liked this story also liked
9 Green Paint Colors to Consider for Your Kitchen
9 Green Paint Colors to Consider for Your KitchenFull Story
6 Kitchen Sink Trends for 2021
6 Kitchen Sink Trends for 2021Full Story
3 Kitchen Makeovers Where Walls Came Down
3 Kitchen Makeovers Where Walls Came DownFull Story
Bathroom of the Week: Streamlined Layout With a Soothing Spa Feel
Bathroom of the Week: Streamlined Layout With a Soothing Spa FeelFull Story
Houzz Tour: Fresh White Update Makes a Bright Family Home
Houzz Tour: Fresh White Update Makes a Bright Family HomeFull Story
Houzz Tour: Making the Most of 700 Square Feet in New York
Houzz Tour: Making the Most of 700 Square Feet in New YorkFull Story
Kitchen of the Week: Fresh Cabin Charm for a Minnesota Lake House
Kitchen of the Week: Fresh Cabin Charm for a Minnesota Lake HouseFull Story
Houzz Tour: Dramatic Before-and-After Transformation
Houzz Tour: Dramatic Before-and-After TransformationFull Story
8 Trends in New Kitchen Faucets for 2021
8 Trends in New Kitchen Faucets for 2021Full Story
The 10 Most Popular Patios and Decks of 2020
The 10 Most Popular Patios and Decks of 2020Full Story
Sponsored
Lauten Construction
12 Reviews
Loudoun County Custom Design-Build Firm | Best of Houzz 2015-2017
  • United States
  • ABOUT
  • CAREERS
  • MOBILE APPS
  • PROFESSIONALS
  • BUTTONS
  • FOR BRANDS
  • SELL
  • Privacy & Notice
  • Terms
  • © 2021 Houzz Inc.