What each is
Marble is a natural metamorphic stone with unique veining, sold in slabs or cut tiles. Tiles are manufactured from clay, porcelain or stone dust, fired and printed or glazed, so every tile is consistent.
Cost comparison
These ranges show common retail figures before fitting.
| Item | Indicative figure |
|---|---|
| Ceramic floor tile, per sq ft | PKR 90 - 180 |
| Porcelain floor tile, per sq ft | PKR 150 - 350 |
| Local marble, per sq ft | PKR 150 - 450 |
| Imported premium marble, per sq ft | PKR 500 - 1,500 |
| Fitting, per sq ft | PKR 40 - 150 |
Prices move with brand, model, size and stock. Use these ranges to judge a quote, then compare the exact model and what is included.
Durability and staining
Porcelain resists stains and scratches strongly, while marble is softer and can etch from acids such as lemon and cleaners. Seal marble and wipe spills quickly.
Looks and variation
Marble has unique veining and depth that cannot be copied exactly, while printed porcelain offers consistent patterns and many styles. Good porcelain copies marble convincingly at lower cost.
Polishing and maintenance
Marble can be re-polished to remove scratches, giving it a long life, but needs regular sealing. Tiles need only routine cleaning and cannot be re-polished.
Installation
Marble is heavy and needs a strong, level base and skilled fitters, while tiles are lighter and easier to fit. Use correct adhesive and grout for each.
Resale and where each suits
Marble signals luxury and can raise value in high-end homes. Tiles suit kitchens, baths and busy floors, while marble suits lounges, entrances and feature walls. For anything involving gas, wiring or installation at height, use a qualified technician and follow the maker's instructions.
Check before you buy
- Budget. Include fitting and sealing.
- Use. Heavy traffic favours porcelain.
- Samples. See the full slab or several tiles.
- Maintenance. Be honest about upkeep time.
Before you decide
Choose marble for beauty and polish with upkeep, and tiles for durability and budget. Ask the contractor or seller for photographs of similar finished work, compare at least two itemised quotes on the same scope, and agree stage payments and a completion date in writing. Keep the invoice and any warranty, and inspect the finished work in daylight before the final payment. Write down your room size, budget, electricity tariff and must-have features before you visit a shop, compare at least two models on the same capacity and warranty terms, and check the warranty card, the service network in your area and the availability of spare parts. Ask for the full invoice with the model number, keep the box and accessories until the item has been tested at home, and inspect the delivered product for damage before the delivery person leaves. Prices change often with exchange rates, taxes and stock, so confirm the current figure before you decide, and be careful with very low prices that hide grey-market stock or missing warranty cover.
Frequently Asked Questions
Marble is natural stone, tiles are manufactured from clay or porcelain. Ask for the specification in writing so you can compare quotes on the same basis. Check the warranty terms and who honours them before you pay. Measure carefully and confirm sizes with the seller before ordering.
Tiles, usually. Check the warranty terms and who honours them before you pay. Measure carefully and confirm sizes with the seller before ordering. Rates and stock change, so confirm the current position before you commit. If you are unsure, send a photo and the measurements and we will advise.
Yes, acids and spills can etch or stain it. Measure carefully and confirm sizes with the seller before ordering. Rates and stock change, so confirm the current position before you commit. If you are unsure, send a photo and the measurements and we will advise.
Yes, convincingly. Rates and stock change, so confirm the current position before you commit. If you are unsure, send a photo and the measurements and we will advise. Ask for the specification in writing so you can compare quotes on the same basis.
Both last decades, marble can be re-polished. If you are unsure, send a photo and the measurements and we will advise. Ask for the specification in writing so you can compare quotes on the same basis. Check the warranty terms and who honours them before you pay.
Send the details and a photo on WhatsApp. We confirm what we can supply and reply with a written rate that lists the model, size, warranty and delivery, so you can compare it with other quotes on the same scope. Rates and stock change, so confirm the current position before you commit.