Marbles add more beauty and elegance to the home and play a pivotal role in adding valor to the home interiors. When it comes to selecting the marble for the home, there are two primary options, namely Italian and Indian marble. Both these varieties have their unique qualities, thus making their choice a lot more challenging. The decision we make between the two types of marble can have a significant impact on the home’s value, aesthetics, and functionality.
Comparison Between Indian Marble Vs. Italian Marble
Choosing between Italian and Indian marble depends on one’s personal preferences, budget, and the intended use of the marble. Italian marble can be an ideal choice if you wish to have an elegant and high end look with a generous budget. They are durable, long-lasting, and can add significant value to the home. However, if you are looking for an affordable and elegant option, Indian marble is an excellent choice. They are readily available in India, making them easy to install and source. Let us run a comparative study between the two types of marbles.
Aspects | Indian Marble | Italian Marble |
Appearance | Indian marbles are actually very subtle and have a very natural look. They have an earthy and warm tone and are available in red, beige, and brown shades. They have unique patterns and veins, thus adding to their natural beauty. | Italian marble is very well known for its exquisite appearance, overall elegance, and delicate veining. They are available in different colors, such as beige, white, and grey, making them a versatile option for home interiors. |
Durability | Indian marbles are durable and are relatively softer than Italian marbles. They require extensive maintenance to help them look at their best. | Italian marbles are known to be more robust and resistant to wear and tear. They are also resistant to scratches and chipping. |
Cost | Indian marbles, on the other hand, are readily available and are affordable in India. It is a popular choice for offices, residential homes, and other buildings that demand elegant and budget-friendly marble. | Italian marble is expensive owing to its rarity, quality, and transportation costs. Being a luxury product, they are often used in high-end homes, commercial buildings, and hotels. |
Availability | Indian marble on available in abundance and is also easily accessible in India, making it a popular choice for residential buildings and commercial places. | Italian marbles are generally imported from Italy and other countries, which makes them more readily available than Indian marbles. They also have excessive transportation costs. |
Maintenance | They require more care and attention to prevent stains and scratches. It is important to use the right cleaning products to avoid damage to the marble. | They are resistant to scratches and stains and are thus easy to maintain. They are less prone to damage from chemical cleaning products. |
Indian Marble Vs Italian Marble: Which is Best?
Marbles are one of the most luxurious stones that are highly preferred owing to their natural grain patterns and high lustre. They can infuse rich and elegant looks and are generally classified into Italian and Indian marbles. Italian marbles are quarried from Northern Italy, and Indian marbles are quarried from the Indian state of Rajasthan.
Indian marble is available in a thickness of about 30 mm, and the thickness of Italian marble is between 18 and 20 mm. Italian marbles are much softer and might develop small hairlines if they are not maintained appropriately. We may have to use a thin sheet of nylon to back up this type of marble for rendering additional reinforcement.
Both the Indian and the Italian marbles tend to lose their luster in a few years. They have to be polished periodically to retain their original shine. It is important to clean the liquid spills on the marbles immediately. They should never be scrubbed and should be sealed with impregnating sealers to create a stain-resistant and protective surface. As both these marbles are soft, we should never drag heavy furniture over them, as it might result in scratches.
Above all, we can consider the cost factor as well while choosing between Italian and Indian marbles. As these Italian marbles are imported from Italy, they are much costlier than Indian marbles. Also, we require skilled craftsmen for installation and for performing intricate marble inlay work.
Bottom Line:
Both the Indian marble and the Italian marble have their unique qualities and properties; the decision to choose among them will, however, depend on one’s budget, personal preferences, and the intended use. The Italian marbles are more luxurious and durable, but they are available at an affordable cost. Indian marbles are, however, accessible and affordable, making it an ideal choice for Indian homes. Regardless of the type of marble you choose, proper maintenance is mandatory to ensure the beauty and longevity of the marble. With optimal attention and care, both these marbles can add more value and elegance.