Marble Flooring - What is it?

Marble is a stone that has transformed from limestone, over a period of millions (possibly billions) of years. It is cut into large chunks in quarries and taken to be processed until they are usually a foot square and approximately half an inch thick.

Depending on the quality of marble tiles, they may appear to be veiny, but regardless of the marble tile chosen, it is always a beautiful flooring choice.

Types of Marble Flooring

Marble flooring is generally available in two types, tumbled and traditional.

Tumbled marble tiles are not polished, but instead are buffed. This gives them a natural look and more earthy finish. They tend to be found with more beige tones.

Traditional marble tiles are shiny, with a more polished look.

There are variations on the finishes available as well, including: polished (glossy finish), honed (velvet surface but no gloss), and abrasive or sanded (non-reflective and flat).

The more polished marble flooring is, generally the higher the price.

Marble is classified as either A or B. Marble that is classified as A is pure white, while marble that is classified as B is coloured marble.

For the cost-conscious homeowner, it is possible to buy marble-look vinyl tiles to achieve the look but without the higher price.

Where Can Marble Flooring Be Used?

Marble flooring can be used almost anywhere. In the home they are used for kitchens, dining rooms, bathrooms, entranceways, and living rooms.

Commercially, they are used where elegance and beauty are highly desired, such as in museums, restaurants, hotels, bathrooms, convention centers, high end retail stores such as jewelry and clothing shops, theatres, and even as ornate exterior window surrounds.

Marble flooring has always been popular with the wealthy, and as such can be found around the world in many famous homes, such as the outdoor marble floor at the Royal palace of Yokyakarta, Central Java.

In Langley, Virginia, at the CIA headquarters, a large marble official CIA seal with an eagle’s head in the center is embedded into the marble floor.

The Taj Mahal, the most beautiful mausoleum ever built, was made mostly with marble, and breathtaking marble floors can be seen throughout the structure.

Pros and Cons of Marble Flooring

Marble floors are gorgeous, add value to a home, and give the occupants a luxurious feeling. But there are more benefits to marble, one of which is the fact that it is very hard, providing a very strong surface for heavy furniture, and being more durable than a wood floor would be.

If properly installed by a professional, marble flooring can last indefinitely, especially if it is properly maintained.

Marble flooring is more porous than other stone floors, and is more susceptible to stains. For this reason it is recommended that marble floors are not used in areas where children eat and drink.

Marble floors require specific cleaning products and most require regular polishing, and sealing. Using the wrong product can do permanent damage to an expensive floor.

Marble flooring can be an investment in the home, as well as an investment in the enjoyment level and feeling within the home. If installed properly and maintained, it can last longer than you own your home.

Please remember the above is just a guide and you should seek professional advice.