Marble Flooring Pros and Cons
Marble Flooring Pros and Cons
Looking to spruce up your home with a floor renovation? You have numerous options, from manmade tile and carpet, to natural wood and stone. If you’re searching for something luxurious, elegant, and timeless, marble is likely on your list. Valued for its smooth finish and iconic veining, marble adorns mansions, palaces, and upscale hotels alike. It’s suitable for kings and queens, but is it right for you? Let’s weigh the pros and cons of marble to see if it’s the best choice for your flooring project.
Benefits of Marble Flooring
There are so many reasons to love marble flooring. The allure of marble dates back to ancient times, put on display as a symbol of wealth and power. Though marble is no longer exclusive to the rich, it never lost its status. Here are some reasons why marble flooring ranks so highly:
100% Natural
When sedimentary stones undergo intense heat and pressure, a metamorphic rock takes shape. This natural process gives us the beautifully colored and veined stone we know as marble. Many choose natural stones for their uniqueness and luxurious appeal. Some also view natural stones as safer and more sustainable since they don’t emit chemicals or require much processing.
Provides an Upscale Look
The smooth, silky appearance of marble is unparalleled. Marble will add a timeless elegance to both modern and traditional decor, making it a versatile material for all kinds of high-end styles.
Easy to Polish
Between foot traffic and weathering, flooring dulls over time. If you desire a high-shine, marble is easily polished and re-polished. Other types of natural flooring may require complex techniques to restore the original sheen.
Works with Radiant Heat
Since marble is heat-resistant, it’s a great option for radiant floor heating. You don’t have to worry about it warping or cracking. It’s also perfect for heat transferring due to its conductive properties.
Adds Value to Your Home
Because of its rarity, lasting appeal, and perceived worth, marble will add value to your home. It can be an investment with a profitable return.
Drawbacks of Marble Flooring
Marble flooring isn’t necessarily the right option for every project. Because it is a natural stone, it comes with a few caveats:
Tricky to Install
If you are planning on DIYing it, marble may not be the best choice. SInce raw marble is brittle, it requires delicate and experienced craftsmanship. Always leave it to the professionals.
Scratches and Stains Easily
With a hardness of 3 on the Mohs scale, marble is a softer stone. This is what gives it that silky appearance and scupltutablity. But it also makes it susceptible to scratches. Additionally, marble is alkaline and won’t react well to acidic substances. For these reasons, it’s less common to see marble flooring in kitchens and bathrooms. Although, modern coatings and sealants are making it easier to use marble in these spaces.
Requires Some Maintenance
Because marble is soft and porous, it does require some maintenance. However, proper care can extend the life of your marble far past the lifespan of other flooring types. Maintenance includes wiping up spills immediately, cleaning the surface regularly, and avoiding abrasives and household cleaners. You will also need to reapply the protective sealant when it starts to wear off.
Cold Underfoot
If you live in a cold climate, you probably won’t enjoy the naturally cold feel of marble on your feet. However, radiant floor heating can easily solve this problem.
Expensive
Marble tiles can cost $10-$40 per square foot while ceramic tiles price at about half that. It’s not exactly budget-friendly. Nevertheless, the high upfront cost will benefit you in the long run. Since marble tiles increase the value of your home, you will see a return on that investment.
Choose Impression Marble Flooring for Your Project
With so many marble options to choose from, Impression can make your flooring dreams come true. Our marble begins its journey in France and Italy, eventually making its way to our Torrance, CA showroom. Here, our craftsmen shape and sculpt it with great skill and attention to detail. Each marble floor we install is top quality and custom-made for you. Contact us to find out if marble is right for your flooring needs.
