Ultimate Guide: Choosing Between Ceramic, Porcelain & Natural Stone Tiles in Kenya
Looking for the best tiles for your home or project in Kenya?
Whether you're renovating your bathroom, updating your kitchen floor, or designing a commercial space, understanding the differences between ceramic, porcelain, and natural stone tiles is key. This guide breaks down each option by durability, price, maintenance, and ideal use cases — with a local Kenyan perspective.
Ceramic vs. Porcelain vs. Natural Stone: What’s the Difference?
Feature | Ceramic Tiles | Porcelain Tiles | Natural Stone Tiles |
Durability | Moderate | High (dense & hard) | Varies (granite > marble > slate) |
Water Resistance | Good, but porous | Excellent (low water absorption) | Depends on stone type |
Maintenance | Easy to clean | Easy, needs less sealing | Needs sealing, higher upkeep |
Indoor/Outdoor | Best for indoor spaces | Ideal for both | Mostly for indoor, with care |
Cost in Kenya | about KSh 800 – 1,500 per sqm | about KSh 1,200 – 2,500 per sqm | about KSh 2,500 – 5,000+ per sqm |
Wide colors, matte/glossy | Modern finishes, wood-look styles | Unique natural patterns |
Ceramic Tiles: A Cost-Effective Choice for Indoor Use
Ceramic tiles are among the most popular choices in Kenya, especially for residential projects. They're ideal for wall tiles in Kenya, kitchens, and indoor floors. If you're considering upgrading your surfaces, choosing a quality floor tiles in Kenya ensures durability, stain resistance, and easy maintenance thanks to the glazed finish of most ceramic tiles.
Pros:
- Budget-friendly
- Variety of colors and sizes
- DIY-friendly installation
Cons:
- Less durable than porcelain
Not ideal for outdoor or heavy-traffic areas
Porcelain Tiles: Strong, Sleek, and Versatile
Porcelain is a type of ceramic — but fired at higher temperatures, making it harder, denser, and more water-resistant. It's the go-to choice for bathrooms, outdoor patios, and commercial spaces.
Pros:
- Excellent for wet areas (bathrooms, kitchens)
- Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use
- Looks like wood, stone, or concrete
Cons:
- Slightly pricier
- Heavier, so professional installation is best
Natural Stone Tiles: Timeless Beauty, Premium Appeal
If you're aiming for luxury, nothing beats the earthy, one-of-a-kind texture of natural stone tiles like granite, marble, or travertine.
Pros:
- Unique look; no two tiles are the same
- Adds value to the property
- Ideal for feature walls, high-end bathrooms
Cons:
- Expensive and heavy
- Requires sealing and ongoing care
- Can stain or crack if improperly installed
How to Choose the Right Tile for Your Space
Ask yourself:
- Is the area wet or dry? → Go for porcelain in wet zones.
- Is it indoor or outdoor? → Porcelain wins again.
- Do you want luxury aesthetics? → Choose natural stone.
- Working with a tight budget? → Ceramic is your friend.
How to Choose Based on Use (Floor / Wall / Bathroom / Outdoor)
Here are general guidelines:
Floors (indoors): Use harder natural stones like granite or dense marble. Ensure the stone is properly sealed and installed on a stable substrate.
Walls (interior/exterior): Many stones work for wall cladding; lighter stones (e.g., slate, limestone) may be acceptable if properly anchored and sealed.
Bathroom / wet areas: Prioritize stones with low porosity (so they don’t absorb water) and a non-slip finish. Marble can work, but needs sealing and care.
Outdoor use/patios/landscaping: Use stones that resist freeze-thaw, UV, and moisture — typically granite or certain sandstones. Avoid very soft or highly porous stones outdoors unless heavily protected.
Transitions (indoor → outdoor): Try to use stones of similar hardness and finish to minimize confusing thresholds.
Cost Factors in Kenya (Materials, Transport, Import, Labor)
In the Kenyan market, the cost of natural stone is influenced by:
Quarry & stone grade
Local vs imported stone: local stones avoid import duties and long freight, imported exotic stones are more expensive.
Quality/finish: premium grade, fewer defects, special colors cost more.
Transport & logistics
From quarry to your site or workshop. Long distances raise costs.
Handling, breakage, and logistics overhead.
Import duty & taxes
If importing stone slabs/tiles, customs, tariffs, and VAT all add cost.
Fabrication & finishing
Cutting, polishing, and edge finishing add labor and equipment costs.
Skilled workmanship is crucial; mistakes are costly.
Installation labor
Labor cost for skilled installers, substrate prep, leveling, and adhesives.
Site conditions (access, height, scaffolding) affect labor cost.
Sealing, preparation & finishing on site
Materials like sealants, fillers, grout, and polishing are used after installation.
Wastage & breakage
Over-order margin (10–20%) to account for cuts and breakage.
Matching patterns/color in repair later requires spare tiles.
Maintenance & Care in Kenya’s Climate
Kenya’s environment comes with challenges (sunlight, heat, occasional rains, dust). Proper care ensures natural stone lasts well.
Sealing
Immediately after installation, apply a quality penetrating sealer.
Reapply periodically (every 1–3 years, depending on stone type and exposure).
Cleaning routine
Use pH-neutral, non-acidic cleaners. Avoid harsh acids, bleach, or abrasive cleaners.
Sweep or vacuum to remove dust/dirt that can scratch surfaces.
Use a damp mop or cloth, not soaking wet, especially on porous stones.
Address stains quickly
Wipe spills (oil, wine, coffee) soon before they penetrate.
Use appropriate poultice or stain remover for tough stains (careful to use products safe for stone).
Protect from harsh wear
Use mats in entryways.
Use soft pads under furniture legs.
Avoid dragging heavy objects.
Polishing & restoration
Over time, surfaces may dull; periodic polishing by professionals can restore shine.
For outdoor stone, restore the finish and replace weathered edges.
Prevent moisture intrusion
Ensure good drainage, overhangs, and sealing of joints to avoid water ingress.
For exterior stone, ensure joint sealants and flashing are properly installed.
FAQ
What type of tile is best for bathrooms in Kenya?
Porcelain tiles in Kenya are ideal due to their water resistance, slip resistance, and durability.
How much do premium tiles cost in Kenya?
Premium porcelain starts at around KSh 2,000 per sqm, while high-end natural stones can go beyond KSh 5,000 per sqm, depending on the type and finish.
Are natural stone tiles good for outdoor spaces?
Not always. While granite can work outdoors, marble and travertine are more prone to weathering and need sealing.
Can I install ceramic tiles on my own?
Yes, ceramic tiles are DIY-friendly, but for best results — especially with porcelain or stone — a professional installer is recommended.