Stone Look Tiles vs Natural Stone Tiles: Which Is Better?

As the manager at Ross’s Discount Home Centre, I get asked a version of the same question nearly every week: “Are stone-look tiles as good as natural stone?” It’s a fair question—and a big one if planning a bathroom renovation, outdoor upgrade, or full home tile renovation.

I recently had a couple come into our store debating natural stone vs stone look tiles for their alfresco area. One wanted the charm of real stone, the other wanted something easier to live with. And that is what this comes down to—balancing looks with lifestyle.

At Ross’s, we don’t sell natural stone tiles. We specialise in porcelain stone look tiles because, after helping Perth renovators for over 50 years, we’ve found they deliver the best long-term results for most homes. They’re durable, low-maintenance, affordable, and with today’s technology, they’re incredibly realistic.

In fact, thanks to advances in tile manufacturing—especially digital inkjet printing—stone look tiles are a perfect choice for anyone who wants the aesthetic of marble, slate, travertine or granite, without the upkeep or cost. Unsurprisingly, porcelain tiles now make up over half the global tile market, and demand for premium-quality finishes is growing fast.

So, today, I’ll walk you through how stone look tiles compare with natural stone tiles across all the important factors: looks, performance, cost, maintenance, installation and environmental impact. By the end, you’ll know everything needed to make a smart decision for your home—and maybe even avoid making the same mistakes others have before walking into our store. Let’s get into it.

What’s the Difference Between Stone Look and Natural Stone Tiles?

Before we compare performance and cost, it’s important to understand exactly what we’re talking about when we say natural stone tiles versus stone look tiles.

Natural Stone Tiles: Authentic but Demanding

Natural stone tiles are exactly that—tiles cut from slabs of stone quarried from the earth. They include materials like marble, granite, slate, travertine, sandstone, and limestone. No two tiles are ever exactly the same. The colour, veining, and texture vary depending on where the stone was sourced. This uniqueness gives natural stone its appeal—it’s raw, luxurious and undeniably beautiful.

But with that beauty comes responsibility. Because stone is porous, it absorbs moisture, can stain, and needs sealing. Every. Single. Year. It’s also heavier, more brittle, and typically harder to work with during installation.

Interested to see how marble-look tiles compare to the real deal? Read our Marble-Look Tiles vs Natural Marble Comparison.

Stone Look Tiles: Smart Alternatives with Serious Appeal

Stone look tiles, on the other hand, are usually made from porcelain or ceramic and designed to mimic real stone’s look. At Ross’s, we stock a wide range of stone look wall tiles, stone look floor tiles, and stone look bathroom tiles—all crafted using modern inkjet printing that replicates the detail of stone surfaces almost perfectly.

Porcelain tiles have actually been around since ancient China. Back during the Tang Dynasty (over 1,000 years ago), artisans fired refined clay at high temperatures to create early porcelain, durable and water-resistant. Today, we’ve combined that tradition with high-end technology to create natural stone look tiles often indistinguishable from the real thing once installed.

This makes stone look tiles ideal for anyone who wants the feel of granite, slate, or travertine—without worrying about water damage, yearly sealing, or chipped corners. It’s no wonder Perth homeowners are increasingly choosing stone look tiles over natural stone for their renovations.

So, when someone asks, “What are stone effect tiles?”—this is the answer. They’re a smart, reliable alternative that delivers the luxury look without the headaches that often come with the real thing. And that’s exactly why so many people are now installing stone look tiles instead of natural stone.

Appearance: Real vs Realistic

When it comes to visual appeal, there’s no denying that natural stone tiles bring a certain charm. Each piece is completely unique—formed by nature over thousands of years. That means your natural stone floor tiles will show subtle differences in tone, veining, and texture, even within the same batch. For some homeowners, that raw authenticity is exactly what they’re after.

But for others, especially those leaning toward a clean, modern aesthetic, that inconsistency can be more of a challenge than a feature. That’s where stone look tiles really shine.

Consistency That Complements Any Style

Thanks to modern manufacturing, stone look floor tiles and wall tiles deliver a far more consistent appearance. Every tile is made to match, making them ideal for creating a cohesive, polished look—whether after a sleek bathroom, a minimalist kitchen, or a calming outdoor patio.

We’ve seen a big trend here in Perth for natural stone look tiles in soft greys, warm beiges, and charcoal tones. These neutral shades work beautifully with timber cabinetry, matte black tapware, and even bold accent colours.

A Broader Range of Finishes and Formats

Unlike natural stone, which is limited to what comes out of the ground, stone look tiles in Perth are available in a much wider range of formats and finishes. You can get the look of slate outdoor tiles, granite outdoor tiles, or even natural sandstone—but without the maintenance and weight of the real thing.

And because they’re machine-made, porcelain stone look tiles can also be produced in large-format sizes or textured finishes that replicate anything from split-face stone to smooth honed marble.

So, whether you’re tiling a modern bathroom, a family kitchen, or a new alfresco space, stone look tiles give you the freedom to get exactly the look you want, without compromising durability or ease of care.

Durability & Maintenance

Durability is one of the biggest considerations when choosing a tile, especially in high-traffic areas or wet zones like bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor patios. Both natural stone tiles and porcelain stone look tiles have their strengths, but the difference is night and day when it comes to ongoing maintenance.

Natural Stone Tiles: High-Maintenance by Nature

Natural stone outdoor tiles—and their indoor counterparts—require a fair bit of upkeep. Being porous, stone absorbs moisture and stains easily. To protect it, you’ll have to seal the surface regularly, often every 12 months. Skip it, and you risk mould, efflorescence, or permanent discolouration.

Stone is also softer than porcelain, meaning it can scratch and chip more easily—particularly in high-use areas like entryways or kitchens. And when it comes to cleaning, natural stone needs pH-neutral cleaners, such as PH Neutral Stone Cleaner, to avoid damaging the surface. Everyday supermarket sprays are often too harsh and can erode the protective seal.

So, what are the disadvantages of stone tiles? To sum it up:

• They stain easily
• They require sealing
• They’re harder to clean
• And they’re more prone to chipping or cracking under impact

Stone Look Tiles: Built for Real Life

Porcelain stone look tiles, on the other hand, are non-porous, scratch-resistant, stain-resistant, and incredibly easy to maintain. You don’t need to seal them, and you can clean them with just about any off-the-shelf cleaning product. They’re also more impact-resistant, making them ideal for households with kids, pets, or renters.

That’s why we recommend stone look tiles over natural stone tiles for areas like alfresco tiling, pool surrounds, bathrooms, and open-plan living zones. They easily handle moisture and movement, and they’ll look just as good in 10 years (which happens to be the warranty of our stone look tiles) as they did the day they were installed.

For busy Perth households or investment properties, stone look tiles are simply the more practical choice. Less maintenance. More peace of mind.

Installation Practicalities

Tile installation can be one of the more daunting parts of a renovation, especially if you’re doing it yourself. The type of tile you choose can make that job easier… or much harder.

Natural Stone Tiles: Heavy and Labour-Intensive

Installing natural stone tiles for outdoor or indoor areas isn’t easy. The tiles are heavier than porcelain, so they’re harder to handle and often require reinforced substrates—especially if you’re installing them upstairs or over timber flooring.

Because they’re cut from raw stone, the tiles aren’t always perfectly square or uniform in thickness. This makes professional tiling essential. Installers often need to sort tiles by thickness, adjust adhesive layers, and make extra cuts to get everything to line up. That all adds time—and cost.

Add to that the extra sealing step before and after grouting, and it’s easy to see why natural stone comes with a higher installation price tag.

Stone Look Tiles: A DIY-Friendly Option

Now compare that with stone look tiles in Perth, which are machine-made to consistent sizes and thickness. They’re lighter, easier to cut, and much simpler to lay. If you’re tackling a DIY tile installation, porcelain is by far the safer choice.

You won’t have to worry about reinforced subfloors or hand-selecting tiles. The uniformity means you get a straight, even finish without the guesswork. And because they don’t need sealing, you can start grouting and wrapping up the job sooner.

If you’re renovating on a budget or installing yourself, stone look tiles are the more practical option. They save time, reduce the margin for error, and help keep your renovation timeline on track.

Cost Comparison: Upfront and Ongoing

One of the biggest factors when choosing between tile options is cost—not just what you pay at checkout, but what it’ll cost you over the years in upkeep and repairs.

Natural Stone: Beautiful, But Expensive

There’s no way around it—natural stone tiles are expensive. Prices can range from $80 to $200 per square metre, depending on the material (like marble, travertine, or granite) and where it’s sourced. On top of that, the cost of installation is higher due to the need for expert tilers, extra substrate work, and pre/post-sealing.

And then there’s the ongoing cost. As mentioned, natural stone needs sealing at least once a year—sometimes more in wet or outdoor areas. Over a decade, that’s hundreds of dollars in products or trades. You’re also more likely to face repairs if a tile chips or stains beyond recovery.

Stone Look Tiles: Cost-Effective Without Cutting Corners

Our porcelain stone look tiles range from an affordable $35 to $70 per square metre, depending on the finish and format. And because they’re non-porous and maintenance-free, there are no sealing costs, specialty cleaners, or high installation charges.

That’s why we’re proud to offer some of the most affordable stone look tiles in Perth—without sacrificing style or quality. Our tiles look just like natural stone, feel just as luxurious underfoot, and won’t leave you with a renovation hangover.

Global Trends Reflect Local Wisdom

The value of stone look tiles isn’t just something we see in our showroom—it’s reflected globally. As of 2020, porcelain tiles accounted for over 51% of all global tile sales, and demand for premium finishes is growing by 15% yearly. That tells you everything you need to know: more homeowners choose cost-effective renovation options that deliver luxury looks without the price tag.

If you’re planning with a flooring budget in mind, or want the smartest return on investment, stone look tiles make a lot of sense—upfront and over the long haul.

Where Each Tile Works Best

Different spaces call for different materials. What works in a luxury master ensuite might not hold up in a high-traffic hallway or a Perth patio that cops the afternoon sun. Here’s how natural stone tiles and stone look tiles stack up, room by room.

Natural Stone: Best for High-End, Low-Wear Spaces

If budget isn’t a barrier and you’re after a one-of-a-kind finish, natural stone floor tiles are a stunning choice for spaces like formal living rooms, master ensuites, or feature entryways. The unique texture and tonal variation in stone can create a bespoke feel that’s hard to match.

But these areas work best when traffic is light and conditions are controlled—so think climate-controlled interiors, not open alfresco spaces or family kitchens where spills, mess, and muddy shoes are part of daily life.

Stone Look Tiles: The Smart Choice for Real Life

In high-traffic areas, wet zones, and outdoor spaces, choosing stone look tiles instead of natural stone is a safer, more durable, and far more practical option.

That’s why so many of our customers choose stone look bathroom tiles—they’re waterproof, easy to clean, and don’t require sealing. Likewise, for alfresco tiling, you need something that won’t fade, stain, or crack when exposed to sun, rain, or BBQ spills. Our porcelain tiles replicate the natural look of granite, slate, and sandstone, but perform better in harsh conditions.

Whether it’s a tiled pool edge, patio, or undercover outdoor dining space, stone look tiles offer slip resistance, weather resilience, and low upkeep—all without giving up on style.

There’s no comparison if you’re tiling a Perth patio, verandah, or bathroom. You get the authentic look of stone, but with materials that suit the demands of real Aussie living.

Final Verdict: What’s Better for Your Project?

Choosing between natural stone tiles and stone look tiles comes down to how you live, your budget, where you’re tiling, and how much time you want to spend maintaining your floors or walls.

Here’s a quick summary to help you decide:

If you’re designing a high-end, bespoke home and love the natural imperfections of real stone, then natural stone tiles might be worth the investment—if you’re prepared for the ongoing upkeep.

But if you’re like most renovators—juggling kids, budgets, timelines, or rental properties—then stone look tiles are the smarter choice. They give you the same beautiful finish, with no maintenance headaches.

At Ross’s Discount Home Centre, we’ve been helping Perth renovators and builders make smart flooring decisions since 1973. We offer expert advice, in-store help, and the best range of stone look tiles in Perth—including styles that perfectly mimic slate, sandstone, granite and more.

So, if you’re still deciding, come in and chat with our team. We’ll help you choose a tile that works for your space, budget, and lifestyle. That’s renovation advice you can trust.

Explore Perth’s Best Range of Stone Look Tiles

Ready to choose the perfect tile for your next renovation? Whether you’re upgrading a bathroom, transforming your alfresco area, or refreshing a living space, you’ll find the best stone look tiles in Perth right here at Ross’s Discount Home Centre.

Come and visit our Perth tile showroom to see our full range up close—our displays feature everything from stone look bathroom tiles to outdoor styles inspired by granite, slate, and sandstone. Our expert team is on hand to answer your questions and help you choose the right tile for your space, style, and budget.

Prefer to browse from home? You can shop our full collection online anytime, with fast delivery available across the Perth metro area. And if you’re unsure where to start, we’re just a call or visit away.

With over 50 years of helping Perth home renovators get it right, Ross’s is the local tile supplier you can trust for honest advice, in-stock product availability, and competitive pricing every day.

Start your tile project with confidence—visit our Guildford showroom or explore our range online now.