When it comes to building materials for use in your home marble is amongst the most premium of choices. Marble has been popular for centuries and has long been associated with luxury and opulence thanks to its beautiful aesthetic and elegance. While great for application just about anywhere in your home, marble flooring is one of the best ways to maximise the impact of this stunning natural stone.
However, marble does have some unique features compared to other types of stone and construction materials. So, to help you decide whether marble flooring is right for you, we’ve put together a comprehensive list of the pros and cons of choosing marble for use in your home’s flooring.
Pros of Marble Flooring
Range
Marble might be most commonly associated with white shading and intricate cloudy or grey veining, but this stone actually comes in a wide range of colours. There are plenty of options in terms of veining, patterns and shades and they all boast a special aesthetic depending on your preference.
Unique
Marble flooring is made from cut-to-size stone slabs quarried directly from the Earth in various places around the world (depending on the type of marble). This means that every single slab and piece of marble in your home is unique in the sense that no other stone anywhere is exactly like it. Unlike engineered stone or other man-made construction products, your marble slab is a truly one-of-a-kind product. This, of course, makes your marble flooring all the more special.
Conducts Heat
One of the most important advantages of using marble for your flooring is its thermal properties. Marble stone conducts heat exceptionally well. What does this mean for you? It means that you don’t have to worry about the often brought up concern of marble flooring being cold on bare feet. With simple below-ground heating systems, you can easily and affordably keep your marble warm to the touch no matter how cold it gets. In the summer months, when the temperature heats up, your marble stone can still remain cool and soothing underfoot giving you the best of both worlds.
Adds Value
Marble is a luxury building material. While marble flooring is certainly value for money and an excellent long term investment, it isn’t the cheapest option available. Nonetheless, where marble really offers benefits is in its add-on value to your home. A jaw-dropping marble floor will not only add tangible value to your home, it will also never cease to impress potential buyers if you’re looking to sell in the future.
Adds Light
A polished marble flooring can achieve wonders. Marble as a stone is already visually stunning, but if you go for the polished, smooth look you’ll be achieving more than just enhanced aesthetics. Marble wonderfully reflects natural light and can effectively brighten up the entire home when used as flooring. This is especially true if you opt for the classic, lighter shades of marble.
Simple Maintenance
Keeping your marble flooring beautiful and clean is relatively simple and easy. While it does require semi-regular resealing (more on that soon) your daily or weekly routine doesn’t need anything more than a soft, wet cloth. Avoid harsh cleaners and acidic detergents, and ensure any spills and mess is cleaned up promptly and your marble flooring will look as good as new for long into the future.
Cons of Marble Flooring
Cost
As mentioned above, marble flooring is not going to be your budget option. While certainly still a good investment, marble is amongst the more costly natural stones. If you’re considering using marble for your internal floors you’ll need to ensure that you have a budget that allows for this. Of course, there are plenty of other applications for marble as well that don’t require the same quantity of stone like basins, vanities, splashbacks and benchtops.
Repair
Marble, like all stone, is very hardy and durable but that doesn’t mean that it can’t be damaged if subjected to extensive trauma. Marble flooring especially, due to the traffic it is likely to endure, can be damaged if not taken care of properly. While marble repairs are possible by a trained professional, it’s not as easy as some other materials.
Porousness
Marble is a more porous stone than others. This means that it can be more prone to staining and damage when exposed to water and other liquids. Nonetheless, if you’re careful about the type of cleaning chemicals you use, ensure that any spills that could potentially cause permanent staining are cleaned up straight away and are on top of your resealing maintenance this shouldn’t pose much of a problem.
Installation
If you’re a DIY enthusiast, take note. Marble slabs and tiles can be heavy and difficult to install. Professionals use specialised tools to cut and install marble. If you’re not experienced in working with marble, it’s highly recommended you opt for professionals to do your installation. This means that the cost will go up as you’re now paying for labour.
Slippery
Polished marble especially can be somewhat slippery, especially in places of the home like kitchens or bathrooms. This can cause some concern but it is also easily dealt with. With non-slip rugs or mats, you can easily counteract this. Not to mention the fact that Euro Marble also offers non-slip coverings for marble flooring and other similar applications, like staircases.
The Sky’s the Limit with Marble Flooring
While there are certainly some considerations to take into account when it comes to applying marble flooring in your home, there are certainly plenty of reasons why marble makes for an excellent material. Here at Euro Marble, we’ve been working with this beautiful stone for many a year, so we know exactly how to find the right slab to suit your style and preference. Not to mention our professional installation services, resealing and maintenance, repair work and non-slip covering options. Ready to find out more about marble flooring? Contact our friendly team today.
