There's no question that marble tile adds a look of luxury to a room, whether it's in a kitchen, foyer, bathroom or hallway. Unfortunately, marble is an expensive option not everyone can afford. And even in homes with the most conscientious occupants, marble tends to scratch, dull and stain over time. Luckily, for those looking for marble tile alternatives for reasons of price, stain resistance, durability or aesthetics, there are several options available including tiles made from natural stone, synthetic and recycled materials.

Granite
For those who really want natural stone tile but worry about issues of staining, dulling and durability, granite is a natural alternative. Less porous than marble, granite resists staining from shampoos, hair dyes, acidic foods and cleaning products much better than marble, making it a more practical choice for showers, backsplashes, and kitchen and bathroom floors. It also holds its shine over time much better than marble. And because it's a harder stone, granite tends to stand up better to scratching as well.

Soap Stone
Another natural stone alternative, soap stone offers the veining of marble with its own soft look and feel. Soapstone feels soft, or slightly "soapy," to the touch and is often used in kitchens due to its inert resistance to stains. Unlike marble and granite, soap stone does not require sealing. It is a much softer stone, however, making it more susceptible to scratches and dings. It makes a nice marble tile alternative on areas such as backsplahes, countertops and low-traffic floors.

Cultured Marble
For those who want the look of marble, cultured marble is a less expensive, more stain-resistant tile option. It is a great alternative for showers, backsplashes and bathroom floors. Cultured marble is made from natural marble dust mixed with resins and hardened to a moisture- and stain-resistant tile.

Colorbody Porcelain
Another product engineered to mimic the look of tile is Colorbody Porcelain. Because its porcelain, this tile is lighter and much less expensive than marble. It is also stain- and moisture-resistant making it more practical in many applications. Colorbody Porcelain tiles are engineered to require thinner grout lines than traditional tile options, offering a smoother, more continuous look.

Recycled Glass
For a green alternative to marble tile, recycled glass offers an interesting option. Though no one will mistake it for marble or natural stone, recycled glass surfaces and tile come in a nearly limitless color array ranging from muted to bold. Recycled glass tile can be used on countertops, backsplashes and showers for a unique, environmental friendly design option.