Porcelain
Porcelain tile: high-density ceramic fired at 1200°C+; water absorption <0.5% (effectively impervious); high abrasion + impact resistance; consistent factory dimensions (rectified-edge porcelain for tight 2–3mm grout joints). Patterns: plain colour (Greige, Concrete Grey, Linen White, Charcoal), marble-look (Carrara, Calacatta, Statuario printed digitally — convincing at distance), concrete-look (modern industrial), wood-look (long plank format mimicking oak/walnut/teak — UFH-compatible alternative to wood), terrazzo-look, traditional patterned. Format: large format (600×1200, 800×800, 1200×2400 — modern minimal, fewer joints), standard (300×600, 600×600), small (100×100 mosaic), planks (150×900, 200×1200 wood-look). Cost: budget £25–£55/m² (Topps Tiles, Wickes); mid-range £55–£125/m² (Mandarin Stone, Domus, Mosaic Factory); premium £125–£385/m² (Florim, Italgraniti, Atlas Concorde — Italian high-design); bespoke large format £185–£650/m². Install: £45–£85/m² fitter labour standard 600mm tile; large-format premium £85–£185/m² (specialist large-tile fitter + lifting equipment). Best for: 90% of London tile applications — kitchen floor + splashback, bathroom floor + wall + shower, utility, hallway, outdoor patio (R11 grade for slip-resistance). Maintenance: simple wipe-clean; no sealing required; 25+ year aesthetic life.
Natural stone
Natural stone tile: cut + polished from quarried block (Carrara marble, Statuario marble, Calacatta marble, Travertine, Limestone, Slate); naturally varied colour + veining; porous (absorbs water + stains without sealer); softer than porcelain (scratches + chips visible). Cost: travertine + standard limestone £85–£185/m² supplied; Carrara marble £125–£285/m²; premium Calacatta + Statuario marble £185–£485/m²; slate £85–£185/m². Install: £55–£125/m² fitter (more careful than porcelain; thicker bedding compound). Aesthetic: natural variation = no two installations identical; deep light response (marble in particular reflects light beautifully); heritage authenticity (Victorian black-and-white marble hallway, Georgian limestone reception, hammam travertine); luxury association. Sealing: impregnating sealer (LTP Mattstone, Lithofin, Aqua Mix) applied every 2–5 years prevents stain absorption; failure = staining + difficult to remove. Maintenance: gentle stone cleaners only (Lithofin, Method stone); acid cleaners damage stone (etch limestone + marble within seconds); regular sealer maintenance + careful cleaning critical. Best for: heritage restoration (Victorian black-and-white marble entrance hall), premium spec (master bathroom + en-suite), feature spaces (boot room limestone, fireplace surround marble). Avoid: kitchen floor (food spills + acidity damage), utility (rough wear), outdoor in freeze-thaw zones (some limestone splits).
Decision framework + specification
Modern renovation default: porcelain — outperforms stone on practicality (low maintenance, durable, consistent, cost) at most price points; aesthetic gap closing (premium marble-look porcelain visually convincing). Heritage restoration + feature spec: natural stone where authentic period material + character + acceptance of maintenance. Combined approach: porcelain throughout primary practical areas (kitchen, utility, family bathroom) + natural stone feature (Carrara marble en-suite, travertine fireplace surround, limestone boot room) = best balance. Specification at RIBA Stage 4: tile schedule per room (material + brand + format + colour + finish + grout); sample large area (1m² minimum) in actual light conditions before committing; lead time porcelain 4–8 weeks (mid-range), 8–16 weeks (premium); stone 6–14 weeks (bookmatched stone slab demands extra lead). Layout: bond pattern (1/3 brick offset or running bond — long planks especially), straight grid, herringbone, chevron, basket-weave — all affect cost + visual impact; specify at layout drawing stage. Grout: standard sanded grout (Mapei Keracolor, Bal Microflex) £15–£35/m² install; epoxy grout (Mapei Kerapoxy) for stain resistance + colour stability £35–£85/m² premium; specify grout colour (charcoal, light grey, taupe, off-white, white) — affects overall tile reading. Tanking under tile in wet zones — see [[wet-room-waterproofing-tanking-london]].
