5 Things You Need to Know About Marble Tile
From centuries-old temples and sculptures to luxurious hotel interiors, people have turned to marble for its timeless beauty. Incorporating a striking and elegant stone into your spaces can add a dose of warmth, sophistication, and opulence at the same time.
Not only is it luxurious, attractive, and easy to clean, it also works with just about any color or texture you want in your home. Whether you bought your first home or are looking to redecorate and resell, marble tile will add high market value to your home.
This durable tiling material can be used for floors, countertops, outdoor patio walkways, and even in the shower. Still not sure if marble tiles are right for you? Let’s have a look at these 5 things you need to know about marble tile.
- It’s Not as Expensive as You Might Think
While the idea of incorporating marble tiles into the home makes many people view dollar signs with concern, it costs a lot less than you might think. Contrary to popular belief, this can be a much cheaper option than other tiling materials when it comes to surfaces like countertops.
Unlike rarer stones like quartzite and slate tiles, the more common varieties of marble are widely available and, to the delight of home renovators, affordable. However, if you are looking for rarer types of marble with sharper veins, you can expect a significant increase in your costs. Think of it like you do with a steak – the more marbling, the more you pay.
- It is Often Classified into Three Main Categories
Marble tiles are available in different colors and surface patterns. The different color lines that cross the surface are called streaks, which can be cumbersome and pronounced or delicate and barely noticeable. While there are countless varieties of marble, there are three main categories, each type being identified by its appearance.
Carrara: This famous white marble was used centuries ago in ancient Greece and Rome, and appears on massive pillars and elaborate statues. Today, Carrara marble tiles can be found in limited shades, ranging from light white to warm white, and their surface is streaked from medium gray to light gray.
Calacatta: A white marble similar to Carrara, Calacatta is closer in color to pure white and features darker gray streaks, creating a different look.
Breccia: For more color and warmth in marble floors, consider Breccia marble, which comes in a range of deeper shades, including warm golds, bronzes, deep browns, and reds. The dark gray and black veining of Breccia marble tends to appear in ornate swirls and often includes perfectly rounded contours that look like bubbles trapped below the surface.
- It Requires a Little Maintenance
Marble tile can be a more economical and distinctive option when choosing countertops and floors, but the benefits are not without their drawbacks. As a porous material (with small voids or “holes” that allow liquid and air to pass through), marble is much softer than granite or slate, making it much more susceptible to staining, spots, and scratches. Therefore, not it is not a fantastic choice for kitchen counters or spills if regular cleaning is not expected.
However, if your timeless aesthetics have won you over, applying a sealer every six to twelve months will help protect you from erosion and discoloration, hot pot marks, scratches, and daily spills. Also, you can keep your surfaces spotless by immediately cleaning up any spills or leftovers before they leave a stubborn stain.
- It is Hypoallergenic
Do you suffer from allergies? This can make all the difference when choosing a floor for a renovation. People with allergies, asthma, or other breathing problems may struggle with rugs or certain types of wood.
Unlike fibrous carpets that trap hair, dust, and dirt, marble tiles have a non-porous finish that expels allergens. Plus, unlike rugs, marble floors do not retain pet odors or dander.
- It Ages with You
While some people prefer their surfaces to have a high-gloss polished finish, one of the reasons many are drawn to marble tile is its ability to reveal its age. There are two kinds of finishes you can apply to your marble surfaces: “pointed” and “polished.” The former is accomplished by sanding the surface to produce a worn matte finish that is more susceptible to staining but leaves scratches less visible. The latter’s coating makes the stone brighter and less prone to staining, but it will still have scratches and etchings on the surface.
Whether your taste dictates a rough, worn look or a classy shine, marble tile can be compared to the charm of a dependable pair of leather boots or jeans, reflecting your personality and aging.
If you want to renovate your home with marble tile floors, be sure to check TileClub’s catalog of luxury options. With an extensive range of colors and styles to choose from, you will have no trouble redecorating your home in the perfect style.