The Marble Tile Alternative That You May Want To Reconsider

Picking out the right material for surfaces in your home can be a challenging prospect. Changing out the material of a kitchen counter or bathroom wall isn't cheap or easy, so it's important to consider all your options carefully. Marble is often considered a timeless choice, as the colors and patterns add a bit of depth and a lot of texture. However, a different stone has been gaining popularity, offering a brilliant alternative to the classic marble — onyx. But you might not want to jump on it just yet.

Don't get us wrong. Onyx is a showstopping countertop material that will give your home the most luxurious feel, and for good reason. This stone comes in almost any color you can imagine, and looks comparable to marble. There are some slight differences, but the major one is that this stone tends to be thin, which makes it beautiful when backlit to add a little illumination to a room and more depth to your counters or walls.

Unfortunately, while this tile is certainly a statement piece, the actuality can leave something to be desired. The stone is beautiful, and the translucent aspects certainly add a unique element, but its thinness also means it may not hold up in busy or chaotic homes. Between the high cost and the durability issues of onyx, this one might not be a practical marble tile alternative for many homeowners.

Though onyx tile is beautiful, it's not the most practical option. To start, it's expensive. According to Angi, the cost of marble tile is roughly $5 to $10 per square foot. Meanwhile, onyx starts at $20 and can quickly climb up to $60. However, the bigger issue is that these tiles aren't very durable. This stone is easy to scratch, chip, and break. There are ways to reinforce it, such as adding fiberglass or mesh as a base, but this adds to the expense.

These tiles need to be sealed and polished at least once a year. Additionally, onyx tile needs gentle cleaning products, and anything that can scratch the surface or is acidic should be avoided. Onyx can be stained if it's not sealed correctly, which can make it a problem for areas with a lot of traffic or in kitchens where messes are common. Its porous nature means it's not ideal for stone drenching – the timeless bathroom look that's taking over tile, because the water and humidity can become an issue.

If all this work and the risk of breaking sound like a lot to you, then it may be best to avoid onyx tile. Marble is the stone that's on trend for 2026, offering a timeless brilliance and extra durability onyx just can't offer. Or, you can go with a more affordable and durable choice, like granite or quartz.