A Comparison of Tile and Cultured Marble

Tiles

• Tiles are made from different materials including ceramic, porcelain, glass, metal, resin and natural stone. Glass tiles include cast glass, layered or laminated glass, cut glass or fused glass. Natural stone tiles, those that are extracted from the earth, include marble, terracotta, granite, limestone, travertine, slate and quartz.

Cultured Marble

• Cultured marble is man-made and is a mixture of fiberglass resin and crushed limestone that's placed into a mold and hardened to create different products. Cultured marble is a kind of cast polymer, which is a term used to describe solid-surface products, including cultured granite and cultured onyx.

Tile Advantages and Uses

• Tiles are durable, long-lasting and inexpensive. Additionally, tiles are not difficult to maintain, are available in a myriad of designs and are simple to repair. Different kinds of tiles are used for specific applications. Ceramic, porcelain and resin tiles are often used for bathroom walls, floors, countertops, shower stalls, kitchen floors and backsplashes. Glass tiles are mostly used for kitchen and bathroom walls. Metal tiles are mostly decorative and are often be seen in kitchens. Uses for natural-stone tile include floors, walls, countertops, backsplashes, around fireplaces, tub surrounds, showers and for outdoor uses such as flooring.

Cultured Marble Advantages and Uses

• Because cultured marble can cast into a variety of shapes, it has a wide range of uses. Cultured marble is resistant to breakage, resists mildew and stains and is easily maintained. Furthermore, it is stronger than quarried marble and more durable than porcelain. Some products made from cultured marble are bathtubs, whirlpool baths, shower bases, bathroom vanity tops, wall panels, countertops and sinks. It's also used for fireplace surrounds, window sills, floor tiles and molding accents.