Natural Stone Tiles | High-end villas, commercial lobbies | 100% natural marble (ISO 13022) ▲ Polished finish (Gloss units ≥90, ASTM C770) Fluted design (0.8mm rib depth) | Premium aesthetic appeal High durability (compressive strength 70 MPa) Customizable sizes (up to 1.2m panels) | Higher cost (3x ceramic) Requires sealing (every 1–2 years) Installation complexity ▲ (needs masonry expertise) |
Ceramic Tiles | Residential kitchens/bathrooms | Clay-based, vitrified (water absorption <0.5%, ASTM C373) Standard matte/gloss finish | Cost-effective (USD 2–5/sqft) Easy maintenance (non-porous) Lightweight | Lower durability (scratch-prone) Limited thickness (6–10mm) Less customizable designs |
Porcelain Tiles | Heavy-traffic areas, outdoor patios | High-density, frost-resistant (ASTM C67 freeze-thaw) Through-body color (resists chipping) | Slip-resistant (COF ≥0.6) Thermal shock tolerance ▲ Available in 20+ finishes | Heavy weight (installation costs +20%) Brittle (risk of cracking under impact) |
Marble Tiles | Luxury bathrooms, vanity tops | 100% marble veining (ASTM C1762) Polished (Gloss 85–95) Thickness: 12–18mm | Timeless elegance Heat-resistant (up to 400°C) Acid sensitivity: 4/10 (per ASTM C770) | Requires frequent polishing Soft surface (etching from acids like citrus) |
Engineered Stone | Kitchen countertops, backsplashes | 93% quartz + resin (ASTM C1585) Non-porous (water absorption 0.01%) Edge-polished (radius 2–5mm) | Scratch-resistant (hardness 7/10 Mohs) No sealing needed Uniform color batches | Less natural texture Can crack under extreme force ▲ Cost: USD 50–100/sqft |
Glass Tiles | Accent walls, spa interiors | Frosted/transparent (transmittance 80–95%) Thermal expansion coefficient 3×10⁻⁶/°C | Reflective light diffusion Anti-microbial surface ▲ Thickness: 6–8mm | Slippery when wet (COF 0.4) Fragile (risk of shattering) Installation requires adhesive expertise |