There are many advantages of using natural stone over vitrified tiles that may broadly be classified under aesthetics, durability, sustainability, and value. The most important reasons for preferring natural stone include the following:
1. Aesthetic Appeal
- Unique Appearance: Because of the variation in design, color, and textures. natural stone such as marble, granite, or limestone, is unique and that gives a space a unique or one-of-a-kind look.
- Timeless Elegance: Natural stones have a timeless elegance that creates luxury and sophistication in any space. The oldest look that marble has is one that has been cherished for centuries.
2: Durability and Longevity
- High Strength: Natural stones like granite, marble and quartz are extremely hard and resistant to wear and tear. And their high strength makes them perfectly suitable for high-traffic areas.
- Long Life Expectancy: Most natural stone wears not by being used but through getting damaged by disastrous treatments. In many cases, proper maintenance of natural stone can provide life expectancy of decades or even centuries as its own lifespan itself often outlasts the time span of building the structure.
- Repairable: Natural stone generally can be polished out scratches or stains, whereas vitrified tiles are usually irreparable in case of damage.
3: Value Addition
- Increased Resale Value: Natural stone has a more significant positive impact on resale value due to the premium nature along with being associated with high-end finishes.
- Investment in Quality: Although the initial cost of natural stones is higher compared to vitrified tiles but their strength and timelessness more often than not prove to be value efficient in the long term.
4: Sustainability and Eco-Friendliness
- Natural Material: The stone is a natural product therefore their manufacturing process appears to cause less environmental damage when compared to the vitrified tiles are processed through energy- consuming processes.
- Fewer Chemicals: Natural stones use fewer chemicals in the process of their manufacturing or in maintaining them; hence they are very environmental-friendly.
- Recyclable: Natural stones can be recycled or reused so It makes them more sustainable.
5: Thermal Resistant Properties
- Thermal Regulation: Natural stone has better thermal properties than vitrified tiles. It remains relatively cooler in hot climates hence preferable in warm places.
- Heat Resistance: Granite & marble are very resistant to heat. Therefore, the granite slate is extensively used for kitchen countertops and other high heat locations.
6: Variety of Finishes
- Natural stones can also come in several finishings which may be glazed, honed, brushed, or tumbled, for instance, in order to acquire individual textures and appearances. In addition, it can be cut in various shapes, sizes, and thicknesses, which also means more customization options in the elements themselves.
The advantage of vitrified tiles is that they are cheaper, uniform, and easier to fit. Natural stone has a premium finish, durability, and value that appeals more to those looking for more sophisticated and longer-lasting finishes.