Lifespan of natural stone tiles (bathroom)...

[addo]

No problems to report, no disputes. Just workshopping some options for a domestic retile.

I tend to say that after twenty years most ceramic tiles are shagged. The glaze cracks, they may still have integrity but no longer look new and don't stay clean so well.

By contrast, actual stone tiles (eg, marble, granite but excluding filled products like travertine) never look quite as mint to start with but seem to age more "softly" if you know what I mean. But I've never seen them after twenty years in normal usage - has anyone here, such an experience or observations to share?

Thanks, Adam.

[steve valentine]

If you clean them thoroughly once a year and re-seal them, they'll look good forever.

I've gone with porcelain tiles and I'm hoping they last well.

[ffrenchie]

Are they for worktops or flooring ? Granite and marble are tough but they can scratch or crack just like ceramics and are devilish slippery.

[evdama]

Ive seen a 100 yr old slate floor -looked like its 100 yrs old and very nice.

[addo]

It'd be walls and flooring. It needs to look good and remain serviceable for so long as the owners live there, which may be another 25 years.

I'm comfortable with waterproofing regs, and also aware of a common failure cause with ceramic tiles - moisture imbalance when laying - but knowledge isn't enough in this aspect to give me confidence they'll last when applied correctly. I can't afford to do the job again in fifteen plus years and it would be a disruption to then-elderly occupants.